Discuss the major functions performed by probation officers.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The five primary tasks that probation officers perform include presentence investigation, intake, diagnosis, treatment supervision, and risk classification. A presentence investigation is conducted to gain information for judicial sentences. It includes accumulating important information on the background and activities of the offender and serves as a useful tool to shape treatment and supervision efforts. The investigator's conclusion that the defendant is someone probation officers can work with and effectively treat is one of the most critical factors that may contribute to the recommendation of community treatment. Intake is a process by which probation officers interview cases that have been summoned to the court for initial appearances. If the intake process is successful, the probation officer may settle the case without further court action, recommend restitution or other compensation, or recommend unofficial or informal probation. If a solution cannot be found through intake, the case is filed for a court hearing. Diagnosis is the analysis of a probationer's personality and the subsequent development of a personality profile that may be helpful in treating the offender. Part of this means conducting risk classification, usually using objective measures, to ensure probationers receive an appropriate level of treatment and control. This can place probationers into risk categories that will determine the level of community supervision. Supervision protects the probation department from civil liability, which is why many young officers are more inclined to control and punish rule violators. A more treatment-oriented officer would question the effectiveness of punitive sanctions and strict supervision. Probation staff are assigned to carry out a program of therapy to help the client; however, with today's heavy caseloads, there are limited opportunities for hands-on treatment, and most probation treatment efforts rely on community resources. The popular technique of motivational interviewing attempts to get probationers interested in treatment and motivated to change their behavior.