Traditional Probation Models with the Broken Windows Model of Probation

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Compare and Contrast Traditional Probation Models with the Broken Windows Model of Probation

In the context of the question , probation refers to doing away of

imprisonment of a criminal or offender in spite of having been found guilty

of an offence . Instead he is directed by the court to undergo a period of

reformatory probation during which he will have to strictly comply with

predetermined set of conditions ascertained by the court and to be supervised

by a law enforcement probation officer . The set of conditions can

be a bar on

employment , restraints on meeting people , limited movement within the city

or locality only , and he has to behave in a very law abiding and responsible

manner . This is called the traditional probation model , whereby the convict

has to always be under the supervision of an authority appointed by the

court . The offender is made to undergo an informal or voluntary control and

is under watch once the court judgment is given for him so as to restrain his

activities within the community . The idea is to reduce the risk of his falling

back to his old ways as also to give him an opportunity to get back in the

routine and life style of a civilized citizen . He is expected to present himself

at a predetermined office on a daily or weekly basis , or as decided by the 2

court , to prove that he is not involved in anti social and illegal activities

Historically , the traditional probation model has also been used to bring in

line drug offenders and drug peddlers in attempts to reduce the negative impact on the community of such behavior .Under traditional probation an

offender may be permitted to pursue employment but is under the control of

the nominated Probation Officer and has to strictly adhere to a code of

conduct in keeping with avoidance practices of delinquencies that he has been found guilty of

The Broken Windows Model refers to a much wider system of dealing with

convicts and offenders who are put on probation . The idea is to gradually

reform them into more responsible citizens so that after having completed

the probation period they can gainfully be a part of the mainstream of

society . The offender is made to go through a set of positive reformist

activities that are more beneficial in transforming him to the ultimate benefit

of society . These measures range from inculcating in the offender the need

of public safety , and to counsel him in his home or neighborhood and not at

the police office . Probation officers are allocated duties on a more rational

and humane basis so that they prove to be more effective in enforcing all 3

probationary conditions and are able to manage the risks associated with such offenders . It is also very important to involve proper and effective

leadership in these roles because only true leaders can imbibe in offenders

the ability to behave rationally and ultimately to become more responsible

citizens

The Broken Windows...