Span of Control and Practical Reflection
A span of control is a traditional model of supervision which involves the selection of one supervisor to monitor a specific number of employees (Stojkovic et al, 2014). This happens when the employees are many and multiple supervisors are needed. Another thing that is required is specifying the number of employees that one supervisor should monitor. It is important to understand that supervisory tiers may cause collision and loss of control. Therefore, it is important to have a span of control to enhance supervisory capabilities and improve the effectiveness of management (Stojkovic et al, 2014). However, there is a concern on the correct span of control or the maximum number of subordinates a supervisor should monitor. In my opinion, the appropriate span of control is a narrow span of control. This is appropriate because the supervisor will monitor a small number of employees and this will create more time for interaction and as a result, there will be professional growth (Stojkovic et al, 2014). Also, supervising a small group of people will allow the supervisor to have close control and interaction with workers and there will be more coordination, effective communication, and efficient operations.
My position in the local municipality's employment management system is probation officers. My role is to supervise the prisoners who are released from prison. It is my responsibility to ensure that the offenders reintegrate into society, abide with the law, and minimized the risk of re-offending (Kitaeff, 2011). I normally provide advice, counseling, and support. Being a probation officer, I work in the criminal justice system or my position is under criminal justice. It is important to understand that my position (probation officer) exit in the form of another role in law enforcement (surveillance officer). Both the probation officer and police officer role relate and contrast.
On salary information, probation officers earn between $35,000-68,000 annual salaries whereas the surveillance officers earn $23,000-$38,000 (Kitaeff, 2011). On the scope of work, both probation officers and surveillance officers' conduct similar roles. For example, the probation officer is responsible for protecting the society, counseling probationers, visiting the probationers, ensuring that the probationers access community resources, among other roles. Also, the probation officer coordinates with the surveillance officer and other law enforcement agencies. In specific, the surveillance officer offers systematic attention to the behaviors of probationers, assists the probation officer to enforce regulations, plans living arrangements, appears in the court, among other roles (Kitaeff, 2011). However, the difference occurs in that the probation officer is under the criminal justice system and has a higher degree of professionalism and enjoys autonomy. On the other hand, the surveillance officer act as a law enforcement investigator to ensure that the probationers comply with imposed conditions. On skill and education, the probationer officer needs a bachelor's degree and must possess psychological, counseling, and philosophical skills whereas a surveillance officer need an associate's degree (Kitaeff, 2011). On promotion potential, probation officers have a chance of being promoted in that their job functions are perceived as essential. They are perceived as court consultants and that they look forward to bring offender reform and also provides overwhelming support to them.
References
Stojkovic, S., Kalinich, D. B., & Klofas, J. (2014). Criminal justice organizations:
Administration and management. Wadsworth
Kitaeff Jack. (2011). Handbook of Police Psychology. Routledge
