Individual-Level Predictors of the Working Relationship between Probation Officers and Probationers

• Published date: 01 December 2020
• Author: Faye S. Taxman,Lincoln Sloas,Scott Walters,Jennifer Lerch
• Date: 01 December 2020
• DOI: 10.1177/0032885520968242
• Subject Matter: Articles

https://doi.org/10.1177/0032885520968242

The Prison Journal

2020, Vol. 100(6) 709 –725

© 2020 SAGE Publications

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DOI: 10.1177/0032885520968242

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Article

Individual-Level

Predictors of the

Working Relationship

between Probation

Officers and Probationers

Lincoln Sloas1, Jennifer Lerch2, Scott Walters3,

and Faye S. Taxman2

Abstract

The working relationship between probation officers and probationers is an

important area of research given recent studies illustrate a strong relationship

reduces recidivism. In this study, the perceptions of the working relationship

between officers and probationers were examined among a group of

substance-using probationers who participated in a multi-site randomized

clinical trial. After 6 months, probationers who reported greater alcohol

use and greater family and peer drug use on a baseline Addiction Severity

Index were less likely to perceive their probation officer as being caring/fair/

trustworthy, and older probationers were less likely to perceive their PO as

being tough. Important policy implications are discussed.

Keywords

probation officer, probationer perception, working relationship, DRI-R,

caring/fair/trustworthy, toughness

1Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA

2George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA

3University of North Texas, Fort Worth, TX, USA

Corresponding Author:

Lincoln Sloas, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Florida Atlantic University,

777 Glades Road, SO 44 Suite 221, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA.

Email: lsloas@fau.edu

968242TPJXXX10.1177/0032885520968242The Prison JournalSloas et al.

research-article2020

710 The Prison Journal 100(6)

Introduction

Roughly 4.5 million individuals are under community supervision in the

United States (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2016). A good working relation-

ship, or therapeutic alliance, between the probation officer (PO) and proba-

tioner helps to ensure that the objectives of supervision are met (Taxman &

Ainsworth, 2009; Gleicher et al., 2013; Kennealy et al., 2012; Taxman, 2002,

2008). In fact, several recent studies have shown that a better working rela-

tionship predicts better probation outcomes (Blasko et al., 2015; Morash

et al., 2015; Walters, 2016). While the benefits of a strong working relation-

ship have been empirically supported, the existing literature does not identify

the characteristics of individuals who express a stronger working relation-

ship. The current study adds to this understudied area by examining charac-

teristics of probationers and their perceptions of their PO.

Most studies have focused on the connections between working relation-

ships and criminal justice outcomes such as re-arrest. The current study

describes individual-level factors that affect probationers’ perceptions of

their POs as being caring/fair/trustworthy and tough. The primary research

questions are: (1) What individual-level characteristics, if any, predict proba-

tioners’ perceptions of their officer as being caring/fair/trusting? and, (2)

What individual-level characteristics, if any, predict probationers perceptions

of their PO as being tough? Results from this study can help to better under-

stand the factors that affect positive working relationships.

Background

The concept of a working relationship between a probation officer and super-

visee (probationer or parolee) is a relatively new way to explain some of the

successes or failures of those under community supervision (Bracken, 2003;

Rex, 1999; Taxman, 1998, 2002). A good working relationship between pro-

bationers and POs creates an atmosphere whereby the business of supervision

can occur. Trust between the probationer and PO can help facilitate the goals

and purpose of supervision, affect the degree to which the individual is com-

pliant with the conditions of supervision, and advance progress in addressing

offending behavior (Taxman, 2002; Taxman & Thanner, 2004). In a good

working relationship, officers exert their authority as a legitimate figure. A

trusting relationship can ease the pain of having to exercise enforcement

procedures because the officer and probationer have a common agreement as

to the conditions and requirements of supervision. While the role of the officer

as an authority figure is maintained, a good working relationship helps to

facilitate probationer compliance with conditions and to make progress on

difficult issues.