Revised Research Topic

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Balancing Field Supervision and Paper Work for Parole Agents Effectiveness

The purpose of this research is find out whether effective field supervision of parolees is hindered by paper work,or whether paperwork decreases the efficiency of parole agents.

The preponderance of studies and wrings on this topic is weighed heavily on the side of field supervision and what programs that work and less on what effect paper work has on the effectiveness of parole agents.

Models of Reentry Services
Several models of reentry services have been tried to stem the tide of recidivism and help parolees reintegrate to their community. Bouffard, Bergseth and Ford (2003) reporting on the Minnesota Clay County reentry services program have outlined four models of these reentry services and the role of parole agents in their implementation. These include Serious and Violent Offender Initiative (SVORI), Intensive Aftercare Program (IAP), Juvenile Mentoring Program (JUMP) and Aftercare for Indians(AIM) For each of these programs, a three phase design is implemented: Planning and services begin at the facility, followed by assistance during release and assessment of individual needs of offenders, integration of treatment programs with supervision by parole agents.
Clay County Study reported by Bouffard, Bergseth and Ford (2003) concluded that reentry programs work when combined with services and supervision by parole agents and transitional coordinators. Minnesota provided transitional coordinators who bridged the gap in services to parolees between parole agents and parolees. The article sited the study of 63 youths who have served in the program and were compared with 49 parolees who did not serve in the reentry service program (RSP) Transitional coordinators are like parole services associates introduced by Southern California Regional department of juvenile justice.
Like Finn and Kuck (2005) observed, one thing is common to these programs with regard to parole agents and probation officers : ‘high caseload, excess paperwork and deadline’ are factors that combine to ‘make it difficult for many officers to find the time to properly supervise their caseloads.’ Bouffard et al (2006) noted the ‘high caseload numbers, distance from clay county and other job duties and responsibilities.’ One of the parole agents I interviewed concurs with this finding of researchers.
It has long been assumed that supervision of parolees would deter them for sliding back to a life of crime. However, Stanley (1976) p 101 contends that a parolee determined to make it does not need surveillance while one who is not will con his parole agent

Role of parole agents
parole agents do much of the work of supervision among others.O*NET Online outlines some tasks of these agents. It ranges from preparing and maintaining a folder for each parolee, writing reports on offenders progress, informing inmates of conditions of release, discussing with offenders issues like drugs and alcohol and how it had affected their behavior, providing offenders with assistance in matters of sentencing, jurisdictions, writs and applications for social assistance to arranging for post release services.
Bloede (2009) affirms that ‘increased supervision, mentoring, counseling and education all under one roof’ will help prepare parolees for life outside detention. St. Gerard (2009) illustrates the importance of having a dedicated intensive supervision officer (ISO) make a decided impact on parolees.
In O’Deane (2010), the author affirms that coordination among various law enforcement agencies help to curb crime, especially when parolees and other law enforcement agents are made to know the conditions of parole for those involved. maintaining good working relations and rapport with parolees is the answer to keeping them out of trouble.Schultz, Walgrave, McNeil and Dilorio (2009) reports another dimension or rather an extension of parole agents. In this report and case study medical students do their service work mentoring inmates at a detention center, helping such inmates acquire their GED while in detention as a preparation for release.

Field supervision and paperwork
Travis, Crayton, and Mukamal (2009) points out the increase those under supervision from 60% in the 1970s to 80% currently besides the nature of supervision has shifted from service inclined to surveillance oriented with a result a 700% increase between 1980 and 2000. These people removed from their homes following the iron law of imprisonment that those who go to prison eventually come back , the report stated, facing the hurdles of reintegration back to society


Conclusion
In spite of the overwhelming number of caseloads afor parole agents and the avalanche of prisoners being released into the system, the Minnesota example and case study as well as the California example continuum of care and support of parole agents by parole services associates it is possible to stem the tide of recidivism and help parole agents be more effective in their work as ‘agents of change’ in the lives of parolees.




Literature resources



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