The Relationship Between Leadership Characteristics Probation Officers Possess and the Success of Offenders

Abstract

Recidivism continues to be a systematic issue within the United States. In recent years, criminal justice agencies have implemented evidence-based practices to help reduce recidivism rate and increase offender success within the communities. However, research suggests that recidivism rates have remained stagnant over the last few decades. The current study employed a linear regression analyses to determine what, if any, relationship exists between the leadership styles of probation officers and offender success (measured by recidivism rates). A significant positive relationship was observed between passive avoidant leadership style and recidivism rate. This result indicates that as level of passive avoidant leadership style increases, so does recidivism rate. The insights gained from this study led to the proposal of implementing a leadership survey instrument tool in the hiring/promotional process amongst U.S. Probation Offices throughout the nation.