A Typology of Presentence Probation Investigators
- 1 July 1987
- journal article
- Published by SAGE Publications in International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology
- Vol. 31 (2) , 163-177
- https://doi.org/10.1177/0306624x8703100209
Abstract
There is a lack of knowledge concerning the most basic of probation services-the presentence investigation. In order to develop an understanding of this service, a typology of probation officers who conduct these investigations is presented. An analysis of data, drawn from fifteen years of probation experience and qualitative interviewing of court personnel, revealed that officers use presentence reports to advance personal careers and individual perspectives. The usefulness of presentence investigations is questioned, as well as the willingness of the probation bureaucracy to provide an environment conducive to objective reporting.Keywords
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