Perceptions of Probation Officer Procedural Justice and Recidivism: A Longitudinal Study in the Netherlands

Abstract

The importance of procedural justice for reducing offending behavior has been demonstrated in numerous contexts and among various criminal justice authorities. However, to date, few studies have evaluated the importance of procedural justice in the probation officer–client relationship. Understanding how to reduce offending and prevent recidivism among people on probation is important as this group represents people among the most likely to engage in future offending. Using longitudinal data from the Prison Project, this study examines the association between perceptions of probation officer procedural justice, felt obligation to obey the law, and recidivism during a 12-month follow-up period. Results indicate that procedural justice is associated with a greater felt obligation to obey the law and lower odds of recidivism. Like other criminal justice authorities, how probation officers interact with their clients may impact their clients’ offending behavior.