Does Procedural Justice Matter in Probation? Investigating the Relationship Between Procedural Just Treatment and Law-Abiding Behavior Among a Sample of High-Risk Offenders

Abstract

Community supervision programs are instrumental for reducing the prison population and successfully reintegrating offenders back into society. Prior literature suggests that supportive relationships between legal authorities and their clients may foster law-abiding behavior. Using data from the Serious and Violent Offender Reentry Initiative (SVORI) program (N = 781), the current study investigates whether fair (procedurally just) treatment by community supervision officers is associated with compliance and receiving a formal violation. Findings from multivariate analyses suggest that individuals who perceive their supervising officer as treating them procedurally just are more likely to comply with directives and less likely to receive formal violations. Such findings underscore the importance of legal authorities treating probationers with dignity and respect. Policy implications and limitations are discussed.