| Summary: | The aim of this study is to explore the effects of probation officers and their work. The following questions have been asked to come to a conclusion: How do probation officers view their work and the purpose of it? What are the effects of probation officers work? The approach of the study is of a qualitative nature and has been conducted by interviewing three officers of the correctional service system, three probation officers and two ex-criminals that have been on probation. The selection is based on a snowball type selection. To analyse the results of the study we have applied previous research and phenomenological theory to examine the experience of correctional service officers, probation officers and ex criminals. The results of our empirical study show that motivation is a key factor for successful results of probation officers work. The effects probation officers and their work have on preventing crime are uncertain, but the study shows that the experiences of the work of probation officers are positive and that the work is meaningful to the clients. The supportive and prosocial aspects of probation officers work has been identified as a priority. Our study also shows that the work of probation officers has to change in order to successfully prevent crime and a number of improvements are suggested, such as giving the probation officers specific assignments and giving the probation officers a better education before they are given assignment.
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