What do supervision officers do? Adult probation/parole officer workloads in a rural Western state. Issue 3 (27th May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Matz, Adam K.; Conley, Timothy B.; Johanneson, Nicole
• Is Part Of: Journal of crime and justice. Volume 41:Issue 3(2018)
• Page Start: 294
• Page End: 309
• Publication Date: 2018-05-27
• Subjects: Probation -- parole -- caseload; Crime -- Periodicals; Criminal justice, Administration of -- Periodicals; Criminal psychology -- Periodicals; Crime -- United States -- Periodicals; Criminal justice, Administration of -- United States -- Periodicals; Police -- United States -- Periodicals; 364.05
• DOI: 10.1080/0735648X.2017.1386119
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0735-648X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: For several decades time studies have been used as a decision-making tool in criminal justice settings to assist in staffing allocation decisions. Despite their prevalence, these studies have rarely been documented in empirical journals or subjected to peer-review. Publication bias is a likely issue, with only those providing favorable results reaching a public audience. This study reviews the literature and documents a time study of probation and parole officer workloads conducted in a rural Western state. Results reveal probation and parole rely heavily on office-based interactions with probationers and parolees. An over-reliance on compliance enforcement, substantiated by other research in the state, suggests the transition to evidence-based practices and programs remains an ongoing and challenging process as officers continue to cope with caseloads that exceed national recommendations.