PROBATION WORK IN NEW YORK
That beginners in law-breaking will have the benefit of real rather than nominal probation work is expected to be the result of the recent establishment of a central probation bureau in the magistrate’s courts in New York. Heretofore each probation officer has remained in court while it was in session. His duty was to receive such cases of probation and make such investigations as the magistrates ordered. This compelled him to spend much time in court, where his duties were similar to those of a warrant officer or a court attendant. His real work, which should be that of looking up the history of law breakers and keeping closely in touch with them, had to be done after court adjourned or on occasional days assigned for the purpose.
Under the new system the probation officer will receive his cases and assignments for investigation from the chief probation officer. He will then be free to spend all his time in the field keeping in touch with his probationers. Another advantage will be greater equalization of work among officers. Formerly some officers have had as high as 150 cases, while others have had fewer than twenty. Under the new arrangement the chief probation officer will make all the assignments and will be able to distribute the work more evenly. The existence of a central headquarters will enable the officers to meet together and discuss their problems and so work much more effectively as a team.