Describe and define the types of stress that probation and parole officers endure, and which ones can be controlled by the individual officers themselves.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Out of the following sources of stress, some are not in the control of the individual probation officer but some can be managed in a stress-reducing manner. Excessive paperwork is closely related to lack of time to accomplish the job (must take work home). Officers can identify whether it is the documentation of supervision or the preparation of written investigations that they find themselves taking home at times and identify organizational methods that make the preparation of the written work much more efficient. The use of software to aid in the production of the written documents reduces time significantly, but the development of an efficient, organized approach to record keeping and investigation techniques is essential. Inadequate salary, lack of promotional opportunities, role ambiguity, role conflict (treatment and law enforcement), lack of participation in decision making, court leniency on offenders, and failure to recognize accomplishments are those sources of stress that are the least within the control of the officer, and in some instances it must be recognized that there is simply not a good fit between the officer and the job. It should be noted, however, before leaving the position in favor of another job, that these variables exist in many occupational and professional arenas in varying forms and magnitude.