Date of Conferral
6-25-2025
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Criminal Justice
Advisor
Derrick Jones
Abstract
Research has underscored the critical role of probation officers in improving rates of recidivism. However, the literature on the comprehensive impact of outside services on recidivism was sparse and underdeveloped. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how probation officers in court services and a community corrections agency in Garden City, Kansas perceived the utility of outside services in reducing adult recidivism for probationers. Ecological systems theory was used to guide the study. Eight probation officers recruited via purposive sampling participated in semistructured interviews. Transcribed data were analyzed using a six-step thematic analysis protocol. Findings revealed that probationers need (a) outside resources to address their underlying issues to prevent recidivism, (b) social support to prevent recidivism, and (c) commitment to achieve lifestyle changes. Participants emphasized that probationers need access to external resources, social support, and prosocial influences to address underlying issues contributing to recidivism, but the effectiveness of these resources depends on awareness, accessibility, and willingness to engage. Participants stressed that lasting change requires probationers’ personal commitment, self-motivation, and active participation in their rehabilitation. Findings may contribute to positive social change in that they may be used by community organizations, resource providers, probation officers, and society in general to assist probationers in preventing recidivism and becoming productive members of their communities.
Recommended Citation
Murguia, Karla, "Probation Officers’ Perspectives of Outside Services in Reducing Recidivism" (2025). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 18026.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/18026
