Angela D. Crews

Crime victims’ satisfaction with police services: An assessment in one urban community

A 3‐month study examined crime victims’ satisfaction with police response to calls for service. Respondents were asked to rate officers with whom they interacted in overall satisfaction, and in courtesy/politeness, speed of response, concern, and helpfulness. Results indicate consistently high overall ratings. Nonparametric statistics indicate that female respondents rated officers significantly higher than male respondents, but no other demographic (age, race, education) or experiential variables (reason for call, location of problem, prior contact with police) significantly impacted ratings. Nonparametric correlations indicated that an officers perceived helpfulness was the strongest correlate of overall satisfaction, while speed of response was the weakest.

SOCIAL WORKER OR COP? MEASURING THE SUPERVISION STYLES OF PROBATION & PAROLE OFFICERS IN KENTUCKY AND MISSOURI

ABSTRACT This study surveyed probation and parole officers in Missouri and Kentucky to determine their supervision styles along a “casework to surveillance” continuum. These self-ratings were correlated with officer self-reports of how they spend their time on the job engaged in various casework or surveillance activities. Additionally, volunteering officers were interviewed to provide clarification on their perceptions regarding the distinctions between a casework approach and a surveillance approach. Results indicate that officers spend more of their time engaged in casework activities, but perceive themselves as more surveillance oriented. Style varied significantly by sex of officer, with female officers spending significantly more time than male officers engaged in casework activities. Caseload size and type were related to style, as well. Interviews indicated that officers believe a surveillance style as necessary for community protection, but recognize the need for a balanced approach. This study has provided a way to quantify supervision styles and can be used to conduct future investigations about the impact of supervision style on client outcomes (i.e., successful reintegration or recidivism).

Professional integrity in higher education: Behind the green curtain in the land of Oz

This article discusses concerns related to professional integrity in academics and to the use of collegiality as an informal criterion for employment and evaluation decisions. We question the nature of the educational enterprise and the academic environment within which both students and faculty operate. We use the AAUP Statement on Professional Ethics to guide our examination of collegiality, and the three traditional areas of faculty evaluation (teaching, scholarship, and service), as they relate to professional integrity. We discuss potential pitfalls in situations involving integrity concerns, and suggest that the use of collegiality in professional decisions is more prevalent and potentially harmful than many realize.