Conducting a field or home visit places a probation officer in direct contact with clients and collateral contacts. These conversations are comparable to field interviews conducted by law enforcement officers. During a field interview, police officers are trained to position themselves in a way that provides both safety and stability in the event of an attack. This position is commonly referred to as the “interview stance.”
Because the nature of probation field/home visits is similar, probation officers should train and practice using the interview stance to address the safety concerns involved in face-to-face interactions. The interview stance should be employed any time an officer is speaking with a client or collateral contact. While most encounters are non-hostile, officers must remain vigilant. A client or contact might take offense to a misunderstood comment, or may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Officers must stay relaxed, alert, and adaptable to whatever the situation presents.
The need is real
The interview stance projects an image of control and confidence for the officer conducting the field interview. It also creates a safe reaction distance from the interviewee, allowing the officer to respond quickly if the situation turns violent. This stance enables effective communication while preserving the ability to shift into a defensive posture when necessary. Combined with strong command presence, the interview stance serves as the officer’s first line of defense. With regular practice, it can become second nature for probation officers conducting field or home visits.
What is the interview stance?
The interview stance consists of several key elements that help ensure officer safety and effectiveness during field or home visits:
- The stance should feel comfortable and natural to maintain at all times.
- Keep your hands in front of your body and above the beltline — never tucked away. Reaction time is significantly reduced when hands are hidden, including when placed in pockets.
- Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart. Knees should be slightly bent, not locked. Position your reaction leg forward and your weapon side (or dominant side, if unarmed) to the rear to blade the body.
- Distribute your body weight evenly over both feet to maintain balance and allow for rapid movement if necessary.
- Tuck your chin slightly to help protect the jaw.
- Keep your eyes focused directly on the client, using peripheral vision to maintain awareness of your surroundings.
Free hands
It is strongly recommended that probation officers keep their hands free during field interviews to maximize reaction time. Holding items such as a notebook or notepad can slow an officer’s response in a critical moment. If notes must be taken, the item should be held up at chest level to maintain eye contact with the client or collateral contact. Officers should also be aware that everyday objects like pens and pencils can become weapons of opportunity during a physical struggle. To mitigate this risk, consider using a small digital recorder to document field or home visits instead of writing notes by hand.
Distance is key
When speaking with a client, officers should avoid standing directly in front of them. It is advisable to maintain at least two arm’s lengths of distance. Personally, I prefer a full six feet — originally recommended during the COVID-19 pandemic — which provides an additional safety buffer. This separation not only helps de-escalate potential tension but also creates a “decision-making distance,” giving officers time to observe and react if needed.
With regular practice, officers can use the interview stance to their advantage — controlling and defusing situations more effectively while reducing the risk of a surprise attack during potentially volatile encounters. Take the time to practice and apply the stance consistently during field or home visits. Officer safety must always be a top priority. As probation officers tasked with rehabilitating individuals involved in the criminal justice system, we must remain vigilant and never let our guard down.
Author’s note: I would like to thank all of the members of the Correctional Management Institute of Texas (Sam Houston State University) for their encouragement in my pursuit of enhancing the training of community corrections officers. Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Leo Perez. Email: Leandro.perez1@yahoo.com
References
Klauba J. How do you stand during a field interview? It matters.
Ryan G. The Ready Stance. The Tactical Edge. Winter 2014.
White S. Interview Stance. Law & Order, Vol. 48.
