Perspectives

This special issue of Perspectives is “is dedicated to promoting innovative programs, policies and protocols that improve crime victims’ rights and services in community corrections” (p. iii). Features of this issue cover: The Power of Information and Notification: A Victim/Survivor’s Perspective; Recommendations from the Public Hearing on Victim Issues in Probation and Parole: August 18, 2010; Crime Victims and Offender Reentry; Victim Services Provided Through The Allen County, Indiana Reentry Court Program; Victim Awareness: A Model of Problem-Solving Justice; Restitution Court: A Victim Centered Approach to Restitution Collection in Maricopa County, Arizona; Victims and the Juvenile Justice System; National Information and Referral Resources for Crime Victim/Survivor Assistance; When the Offender Becomes A Victim: Identifying and Responding To Corrections-Based Sexual Abuse; Negotiating Ethical Issues in Providing Services to Victims Of Crime; The Emergence and Evolution of Technology to Benefit Crime Victims; Domestic Violence & Stalking in a Digital Age: Information for Community Corrections Agencies & Professionals; Community Corrections Officers: A Key Resource In The Battle Against Stalking; and A Victim-Centered Approach to Supervising Internet Harassment Offenders.

If you are a community corrections officer you should read this article. This article offers an efficient way to effectively monitor your supervisees’ computer use. Sections of this article cover: the issue of computer use and disuse by offenders such as gang members and sex offenders; the five major components of computer management-know what computer(s) the supervisee has or has access to, deciding how to monitor computer or Internet use, going online to check unauthorized use, using complementary technologies like location monitoring, and continued field visits; computer searches versus computer monitoring; and training. “The complexity and diversity of criminal and delinquent activities enabled and accelerated by technology can be daunting but that cannot be used as an excuse for a “wait and see” strategy. Expertise is developed over time and agencies are encouraged to start with the major components and to develop their expertise by focusing on specific strategies and offense types. Starting the process now will help prepare agencies for future challenges that will continue to occur as probationers or parolees find new and innovative ways to exploit developing technologies” (p. 46).