This Article Full Text (PDF) References Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by Farrow, K. Search for Related Content Social Bookmarking                         What's this?

Still Committed After All These Years? Morale in the Modern-Day Probation Service

West Midlands Probation Area and University of Birmingham

This article discusses research conducted in two probation service areas in the UK, which explores the extent to which experienced probation officers (POs), that is those with over 10 years experience, still feel committed to the probation service and its work with offenders. It became apparent that the POs interviewed for this research presented themselves as very demoralized and alienated. They remain committed to their work with offenders and also to colleagues, but not to the probation service as an organization. This is a small-scale study but if it is indicative of a wider malaise in the workforce, then the probation service can no longer rely on its experienced POs remaining committed and motivated, and this will have repercussions for the longer-term health and success of the organization. The aim of this article is to raise the issue of probation officer morale and promote discussion at all levels about the way the service needs to be managed, particularly in view of the advent of the National Offender Management Service (NOMS).

Key Words: change • commitment • effectiveness • morale • motivation • probation • quality • targets

Probation Journal, Vol. 51, No. 3, 206-220 (2004)
DOI: 10.1177/0264550504045898


CiteULike    Complore    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    Twitter    What's this?

This article has been cited by other articles:

				S. Collins, M. Coffey, and F. Cowe Stress, support and well-being as perceived by probation trainees Probation Journal, September 1, 2009; 56(3): 238 - 256. [Abstract] [PDF]

				A. Bauwens Probation officers' perspectives on recent Belgian changes in the probation service Probation Journal, September 1, 2009; 56(3): 257 - 268. [Abstract] [PDF]

				J. Annison, T. Eadie, and C. Knight People First: Probation Officer Perspectives on Probation Work Probation Journal, September 1, 2008; 55(3): 259 - 271. [Abstract] [PDF]

				T. McSweeney, A. Stevens, N. Hunt, and P. J. Turnbull Drug testing and court review hearings: Uses and limitations Probation Journal, March 1, 2008; 55(1): 39 - 53. [Abstract] [PDF]

				K. Baker Assessment in Youth Justice: Professional Discretion and the Use of Asset Youth Justice, August 1, 2005; 5(2): 106 - 122. [Abstract] [PDF]