Back to the Future: From Klockars' Model of Effective Supervision to Evidence-Based Practice in Probation

Abstract

Three contemporary models of probation supervision can be differentiated, based on the extent to which they focus on protecting community safety (surveillance model), promoting offender rehabilitation (treatment model), or both (hybrid model). Hybrid models combine dual roles of controlling and caring for probationers. A quarter century ago, Klockars (1972 Klockars , C. ( 1972 ). A theory of probation supervision . Journal of Criminal Law, Criminology, and Police Science , 64 ( 4 ), 549 – 557 . [Google Scholar]) articulated a theory to describe how the “synthetic” officer reconciles these dual roles to achieve a broader base of power for behavior change and more positive outcomes than the “law enforcement” officer or “therapeutic agent.” In this article, we apply Klockar's theory to compare modern models of supervision in their (a) theoretical coherence and (b) effectiveness, at both the officer and program level, and for both general probationers and probationers with mental disorder. The weight of the evidence for both types of probationers supports the hybrid model. Going back to Klockar's theory may ultimately inform officers' understanding and adoption of hybrid strategies to more effectively supervise probationers.

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