Field Probation Officer Performance Evaluation

About the Program

Category: Personnel Management, Employment and Training (Best in Category)

Year: 2012

The Maricopa County Adult Probation Department is a large agency with opportunities to make significant contributions to public safety. This is done through the reduction of crime by the effective supervision of probationers. To do this, the Department began an implementation of Evidenced Based Practices which relied upon, among other principles, an ability to provide consistency in supervision and subsequent quality assurance. To achieve this goal of quality assurance, a group of managers worked to define specific and consistent criteria for performance evaluations where none existed before. This work led to the development of uniform measurement of essential case management, review of work product, and effective performance management. Defined manuals and supporting forms detailing measurement instructions, weights, and activities needed to achieve high ratings were developed and published on the Department’s intranet providing employees specific answers related to achieving desired results. This type of consistency not only improved personnel management but also improved existing county government programs in community supervision of probationers. A consistent evaluation process that reinforced research supported approaches to community supervision contributed to substantial improvement in strategic departmental outcomes with eighty percent of probationers leaving probation successfully in 2011.