ABSTRACT
Compared to release without supervision, supervising offenders in the community tends to be associated with reductions in recidivism, but effects are small, suggesting that there is room for improvement. Recent research and implementation efforts have aimed to improve the effectiveness by focusing on the behaviour and activities of supervising officers during face-to-face sessions with their client. By examining officers’ behaviours, it is thought that key activities and interventions can be identified that are related to more effective interactions, which are associated with larger reductions in recidivism. Various measurement techniques (e.g. direct observation, audio/video recordings, file review, and case notes) have been utilized to assess officer behaviour during supervision sessions. This chapter will explore the strengths and weaknesses of each method and summarize the knowledge generated from each approach. A recommended research-informed framework will be suggested for practitioners and researchers interested in examining the use of effective supervision skills. Developing a nuanced understanding of supervision practices will help inform continued training, research, and quality assurance efforts to ensure that officer behaviour is aligned with best practices to achieve enhanced engagement by clients and the greatest reductions in recidivism.
