Probation and Parole

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1. Describe the various roles that probation/parole officers can take on including probation/parole officer roles as agency models, agents of rehabilitation, broker/advocate agents, and probation/parole officers as law enforcement agents.

An offender is placed on probation as part of the disposition of the case in court if the offender is found to be guilty of or pleads guilty to the offence for which he was charged. Probation and Parole officers have a dual role of assisting in the rehabilitation of offenders and enforcing the conditions of a probation order. In addition to the rehabilitation and law enforcement roles, the probation/parole officer has the role of agency models, acting as the broker/advocate agents. Through the appropriate usage of these roles, assistance is therefore given to the protection of society, and helps and encourages the offender in the rehabilitation process.

Agents of rehabilitation:
In the area of rehabilitation, their role is to work with offenders to prevent a repetition of the offence, by linking them with programs and by supporting and encouraging them to effectively utilize these resources.

Agents of law enforcement:
The role of the officers, in the area of enforcement, is to enforce orders made by the courts. Supervision is also a role played by the parole/probation officer.

Broker/Advocate Agents e.g., agency models

For example, in cases of domestic violence, officers, in the course of their work need to have contact with the offender's partner. Information provided by the woman can assist in the enforcement of the conditions as well as ensuring accountability of the offender, thereby aiding in the protection and safety of the woman and her children. Officers can offer support to the woman by actively educating her about the role and process of probation and can support her and her continued co-operation with enforcement by assisting her in linking with appropriate community ...