Audit finds shortfalls with parole, probation

~ Field officers made house visits only 34 percent of the times they were required to.

A recent audit of the Missouri Board of Probation and Parole revealed inadequate monitoring of both offenders and the performance of field officers.

The audit, conducted by the office of the state auditor, found that probation and parole officers only made house visits to offenders 34 percent of the required times.

"We certainly would have liked to see those contact numbers higher," board chairman Dana Thompson said. While he could offer some reasoning for why the contact percentage was low, such as the result of a parole absconder, Thompson admitted that "they weren't done."

Additionally, case summary reports were not always completed on time. In a study of 27 cases, 56 percent of the reports were not turned in on time, averaging 69 days late, according to the audit.

Thompson said that even when a report is only a day late, it is included in the total of tardy reports. He stressed that late reports are often in lower-profile cases.

Regardless of possible explanations, Thompson said there are improvements that need to be made in the probation and parole division.

Two of the suggestions recommended by the audit have already been implemented, according to Thompson.

The audit recommended a quality assurance program to measure compliance of division policies among employees. Such a program went into effect in November. Supervisors audit 10 percent of every officer's caseload to check that he or she is doing what is required, Thompson said.

Electronic books

The other suggestion, using automated road books to better monitor individual field officers, is being used by two-thirds of the staff, he said. The electronic books allow a field officer to update what work he or she has done, which could then be viewed and monitored by a supervisor. Thompson said that within six months, the system could become statewide.

In a news release from state Rep. Mark Wright, R-Springfield, the congressman said he had been calling for the division to become more streamlined and use newer technology for years.

Thompson said the division would be reviewing their policies and hope to make improvements.

"We're constantly trying to look at better ways" of making the division more efficient, Thompson said.

Rep. Nathan Cooper, R-Cape Girardeau, said he would support any legislation that eliminates waste and helps improve efficiency within the division.

"If there are professional standards set, then those are something that should be met," he said.

kmorrison@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 127