Factors that influence probation officers’ roles : care versus control

Abstract

The primary goal of effective correctional interventions is offender change, rather than merely controlling and preventing offending behaviour (Andrews, 1979). This research study analyses how different features of offender supervision might affect the supervision style employed by ten probation officers working at the department of Probation and Parole. This study was primarily conducted with the aim of discussing and analysing the best practices, and whether these are based on a caring or controlling approach. This was done through the use of semi-structured interviews. All participants possessed predisposing factors that were selected purposely, in order to produce results which are representative of the truth. This research study has confirmed that probation officers carry out dualistic roles, where they are not only responsible for mandating conditions tied to the supervision order, but they are also expected to implement treatment strategies which promote crime desistance. This, in turn, indicates that the caring and controlling approach are equally important in providing offenders with the opportunity to succeed on supervision and life in general. Furthermore, probation officers mostly utilise control-based monitory strategies when care and treatment-oriented interventions fail to produce the desired results. This study has concluded that the three main factors that influence the supervision style include the background of the probation officer and the offender, the interventions carried out by the supervising officer, and lastly, the challenges encountered by officers on the job. Participants have also made several recommendations which may help improve current policies and practices within the department. Finally, this research study puts forward several suggestions which might help future research endeavours related to offender supervision strategies.