Balancing the Dual Role of Enforcer and Social Worker

• In Event: The role of preception in community corrections settings

Abstract

Probation/parole officers struggle with balancing their dual roles of enforcer and social worker. This role conflict affects how officers interact with probationers/parolees, and their perception of their job and responsibilities. While studies suggest that this role conflict may impact the ability to use core correctional practices, few studies have explored this directly. This exploratory study aims to examine how role conflict affects the use of different core correctional practices. Using data from 100 probation officer-client observations conducted by external coaches that rated the interactions, this paper will examine these issues: how well probation officers are engaging clients, balancing their dual roles (working relationship), and assessing and managing risks to reoffend. It will also explore measures from observational data that can be used to assess the balancing act. Implications are that audio-tape and observational data are now commonly used in corrections/probation or parole settings, but seldom used to understand roles.

Authors

• Sharmistha Chowdhury, George Mason University

• Teneshia Thurman, George Mason University

• Faye Taxman, George Mason University