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.