Women in Probation and Parole,1974

Abstract

A 1970 survey of women in probation and parole showed that only 20 states mixed caseloads of parole and probation officers. A survey of state agencies by means of a questionnaire directed. to the director of each state agency in January 1974 showed dramatic changes. The number of states allowing probation and parole officers to supervise clients of the opposite sex jumped to 46, with only four states holding out. The questionnaire results also show, not surprisingly, the low ratio of women employed in probation and parole. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the need for more qualified employees, and the inefficiency of caseload segrega tion have influenced changes in use of personnel. Although the change in practice to integrated caseloads is selective in some states and made with reservations in others, the response of one director of parole operations seems to capture the mood of inevitable change in practice and attitude: Civil Service says that his agency cannot discriminate against women and that a woman can do a "man's job" in all respects.