The Need for Professional Education in Probation and Parole

Abstract

While we know a great deal about the practice of probation and parole and about their place in the correctional process, we know virtually nothing about the kind of professional education that is best suited for probation and parole work and we have little information on the extent to which graduate-level opportunities are available. This article re- examines the tasks of probation and parole officers and relates them to the differing academic programs used by such personnel. Data from a na tional survey are used to demonstrate that probation and parole agencies have not supported Professional staff development. A number of ap proaches to improve graduate study for probation and parole officers, at both the agency and the university level, are described. Implementing these suggestions would help to attain the objectives of effective rehabili tation and higher professional status for community correction.