Effective communication is critical in any setting, but it becomes even more significant within the context of the criminal justice system, where people’s lives and futures are at stake
Editor’s note: This feature is part of Corrections1’s digital edition, “Advancing community corrections: Using technology to improve case management.” Click here to download.
The criminal justice system is a complex web of interdependent agencies, each tasked with its unique role in maintaining the rule of law. Among these, jails and probation departments play a pivotal role in the rehabilitation and reintegration of individuals into society.
Read more: Bridging the gap: Enhancing communication between jails and probation departments through technologyHowever, a significant challenge in this process is the lack of seamless communication between these two entities. In many instances, probation officers are left uninformed about the behavior and mental health status of defendants while they are in custody. As we seek to increase transparency and improve communication, technology, and more specifically, case management software, emerges as a viable solution.
Effective communication is critical in any setting, but it becomes even more significant within the context of the criminal justice system, where people’s lives and futures are at stake. Probation officers, tasked with monitoring and supporting individuals under their supervision, often face difficulties due to a lack of information about these individuals during their time in custody. This information gap can lead to challenges in formulating effective rehabilitation strategies and ensuring the safety of both defendants and officers.
“Communication is way more important than we realize,” explains Jason Mereness, an adjunct professor in the Department of Criminal Justice, Sociology, and Human Services at Concordia University, St. Paul, Minnesota. “Not knowing that somebody has committed a new offense or been in custody somewhere poses a safety risk and can lead to other potential supervision issues as well.”
Susan Rice, a retired chief probation officer for Miami County, Indiana, and current president of the American Probation and Parole Association, highlights the staffing challenges that exacerbate communication issues, stating, “Lack of staff is often an obstacle, resulting in officers having too many people that they are responsible for supervising.”