ABSTRACT
Recent studies in the probation field have focused on the benefits of training officers to improve their working relationships with individuals under their supervision. The increased attention to training probation officers (POs) on core correctional practices, as opposed to non-trained POs, have shown reductions in recidivism. These studies present a picture of how POs handle face-to-face interactions, but there is little focus on officer perceptions of these day-to-day practices. And fewer studies center on the client’s perception and how this affects the experience of supervision. The following chapter uses results from a study of 30 semi-structured interviews with 15 POs and 15 clients to highlight their experiences. Findings specify the importance of identity verification for both PO and client. Identity verification is successful when one’s perceptions of how others view them align with their view of themselves. This study highlights specific strategies used by POs to balance the care and control aspects of their job. In addition, findings highlight the negative impact that labeling clients on risk level has on the individual’s experience. In this chapter, we outline the factors that affect the PO-client relationship that are not shown in some of the experimental studies.
