Publication Date

5-2024

Date of Final Oral Examination (Defense)

March 2024

Type of Culminating Activity

Thesis

Degree Title

Master of Arts in Criminal Justice

Department Filter

Criminal Justice

Department

Criminal Justice

Supervisory Committee Chair

Lucas Alward, Ph.D.

Supervisory Committee Member

Linsey Belisle, Ph.D.

Supervisory Committee Member

Jacqueline Lee, JD, Ph.D.

Abstract

While past research has suggested the importance of probation and parole officer (PPO) role orientations for impacting officer behavior and client outcomes, limited work has examined factors that influence how supervision officers approach their work. This study sought to contribute to this body of research by examining the influence of officer characteristics, attitudes towards their organization, and attitudes towards their clients on their professional role orientations and supervision behaviors. Using self-reported survey data collected from PPOs in a Midwest state (n = 50), this study examined how various individual and organizational-level factors impacted PPOs role orientations, and how those role orientations affected officer behavior. Results from linear and non-linear regressions found that officers with assistance-oriented role orientations were more likely than those with an authority-based role orientation to report more positive perceptions towards the use evidence-based practices (EBPs). Officers who held more positive perceptions of EBPs were associated with increased perceptions of proactive referral practices. Optimistic attitudes toward clients were associated with reduced odds of PPO filing a written sanction, while larger caseloads increased the odds of revocation filings. Findings have the potential to inform policy and practice within community corrections, especially concerning PPO training and education.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.18122/td.2155.boisestate

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