How to become A Probation Officer

When short-sighted individuals get caught in a negative cycle and are in danger of being incarcerated indefinitely or worse, Probation Officers step in to work with offenders placed on probation to ensure they rehabilitate themselves successfully.

• Parole Officer
• Probation and Parole Officer
• Community Supervision Officer

What do Probation Officers do?

A Probation Officer would typically need to:

• Monitor and assist in the rehabilitation of individuals in custody, on probation, or parole
• Carry out pre-trial investigations and interviews
• Provide courts with pre-sentence reports that help them make the most educated decisions on the kind of sentence given to an offender
• Help with the screening and selection of probationers on whom GPS monitoring is used as a condition of the bond before release from custody
• Meet with probationers to evaluate them, determine the best course of action, and discuss probationary requirements
• Prepare and maintain a case folder for all probationers assigned to them; gather relevant information about the probationer from relevant sources
• Review the case file to figure out and implement follow-through to ensure continuity and stability
• Offer viable resources that aid in rehabilitation and optimal opportunities for the probationer to bring about positive behaviour changes 
• Set up meetings with the probationer, their family and friends
• Share valuable updates on the probationer’s progress in accomplishing goals and conforming with probation contracts and rehabilitation plans
• Ensure the probationer follows court orders, e.g., to put in a specific number of hours in voluntary community work
• Strive to bring about a change in the probationer’s self-destructive behaviour directly or in collaboration with sister agencies
• Develop, execute, and assess the success of rehabilitation plans; assist with job placement in the community
• Conduct alcohol and drug tests on the probationers; assign offenders to GPS and alcohol monitoring
• Discuss drug and alcohol abuse and anger management problems and their role in the probationer’s criminal behaviour
• Keep track of community-based sentences, such as electronically-monitored home detention
• Execute curfew checks or visits to the home, work, or school to ensure successful field supervision of probationers
• Report probation violations, if any; prepare violation warrants and recommend remedial action; provide testimony in the court, when necessary
• Ensure constant adherence to legal and departmental regulations and guidelines in all matters concerning the probationers in their charge
• Maintain and enforce security procedures to ensure the safety of staff and probationers

Probation Officers work predominantly in offices, prisons and courts, their time divided between the three as and when required. They may need to travel for fieldwork, home and employment checks, and property searches.

When one’s job involves high-risk environments and regular interaction with criminal offenders, some of whom may be dangerous, you must carry a firearm or alternate weapon as self-defence.

Although their work schedule is five days and 40 hours a week, most Probation Officers are ready to put in night and weekend shifts and be on-call 24/7/365. Deadlines, investigations, paperwork and travel may add significantly to the number of hours you dock before calling it a day.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Probation Officers can boost their job search by checking out the websites of prospective employers. Although full-time employment is common, part-time and contractual jobs are viable, albeit rare, options.

Probation Officers are generally employed by: 

• Probation & Pretrial Services Systems
• Ministries of Justice
• Local or National Court Jurisdictions
• Sheriff’s Departments
• Departments of Correctional Services
• Private Companies

Professional associations and organisations, such as American Probation and Parole Association (APPA), are crucial for Probation Officers interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Regular interaction with criminal offenders, their family members, and friends, some of whom may be dangerous
• Increased risk of violence or communicable disease when assigned to fieldwork in high-crime areas or institutions
• Court-imposed deadlines, heavy workloads, and voluminous paperwork contribute to long workdays
• High probability of encountering hostile environments during home and employment checks and property searches
• Frustration stemming from probationers who fail to comply with their probation contracts and rehabilitation plans

Some degree programmes provide simulations and field training that mimic the challenging work environment of a Probation Officer and help the students build their network in the criminal justice community.

You will gain optimal benefit from your tasks outside of the classroom when they line up perfectly with your lessons inside it. You may get to hear countless stories from more experienced professionals and obtain valuable hands-on experience when they manage to turn seemingly routine incidents into unique learning moments. 

As an occupation requiring significant work-related experience along with on-the-job and vocational training, probation service favours candidates who begin as Probation Service Officers.

They supervise offenders, maintain case files, help prepare court reports, work with crime victims, and gain the experience required to be promoted as Probation Officers.

Similarly, working in courthouses or with probationers in the criminal justice field can be beneficial for advancement to a Probation Officer.

Prior work experience, paid or voluntary, in probation, pretrial services, parole, corrections, criminal investigations, substance abuse treatment, social work, or counselling helps candidates stand out among their peers.

Prospective Probation Officers who complete the initial screening and selection process may be invited to undergo pre-employment training that teaches them about district policy, court routines, report writing, first aid and CPR, surveillance and investigation, handling of firearms, and defensive tactics.

In addition, many aspirants qualify for government-sponsored training programmes and work as trainees for up to a year before being offered a permanent position.

Trainees take the opportunity to monitor diverse individuals under probation to decide on the kind of casework they wish to specialise in, such as domestic violence or substance abuse. Supervised site visits to probationers’ homes add to the training insights. 

Read about the profession and interview/shadow experts working in probation services to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.

A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, criminology, psychology, sociology, behavioural science, social science, social work, public administration, or sociology often leads to attractive job prospects. However, some aspiring Probation Officers acquire a certificate or associate degree in the abovementioned subjects.

Candidates must expect to pass competency tests that validate their knowledge of social studies, justice administration, constitutional and criminal law, ethics, addiction counselling, deviant behaviour, recidivism, and technology in criminal justice. 

A comprehensive grasp of probation and enforcement laws and case management will only add value to your resume, mainly if it includes an appreciation of laws at various levels and in diverse sectors.

To work with federal/central government agencies, you may need to earn a master’s degree in the social sciences or criminal justice.

Candidates would benefit from taking courses in English, mathematics, accounting, government, social studies, and civics in high school.

A combination of education, experience, and testing is generally required to gain certification, though requirements differ from region to region. A bachelor’s degree or relevant graduate training is the norm. However, in some locations, applicants must be at least 21 years old and must have relevant work experience in others.

Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics. The type of certification a Probation Officer requires depends largely on the position they wish to fill, their employer and the location they are in.

In some instances, aspirants may need accredited certification for specific positions such as Juvenile Probation Officer. In others, it might be mandatory to acquire certification in multiple disciplines, including juvenile, adult, and felony probation. At the same time, some employers may make do with a general certification, irrespective of the population under probation.

Certification may require attending relevant seminars or completing government-sponsored peace officer training programs at a corrections academy. The training and certification exams cover firearm protocols, state regulations, supervision techniques, adult and juvenile laws, offender management, defensive tactics, and proper communication methods.

Prospective Probation Officers will also need certification in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and first aid so they can provide necessary emergency medical treatment. A valid driver’s licence is essential. Typically, licensure requires an application, processing fees, an examination, and relevant education and experience.

Most employers stipulate an employment background check, including but not limited to a person’s work history, education, credit history, motor vehicle reports (MVRs), criminal record, medical history, use of social media, and drug screening.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive the career progression of Probation Officers who seek to transition into management or supervisory roles such as Director of Social Services or Programme Facilitator.

However, some Probation Officers may prefer to remain at the “hands-on” level, continue to work directly with offenders and motivate them to stick to a routine.

Good-natured and considerate candidates with a bachelor’s degree in criminology, social work, or related fields and the readiness to do their best under challenging conditions have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Probation Officer build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. 

Most jurisdictions mandate a specific number of CPD hours each year to enhance the officer’s knowledge of ethics and changes to the law. Keep up with the latest developments in the criminal justice field to ensure you keep your side of the bargain with the probationers.

In addition, all professional certifications require regular maintenance and renewal based on your current employment status and work location. Promotions in government law enforcement agencies usually require potential candidates with a master’s degree in the social sciences or criminal justice.

Calmness - The Cradle of Power

Regular exposure to unwarranted criticism, harsh judgments, and high-stress situations can prove demotivating if the Probation Officer is not pumped up by hefty doses of integrity, self-control, and accountability.

Poor advertising is why people fail to understand how practical and functional the probation system is and dismiss it as a waste of money.

The inherent risks of the job notwithstanding, Probation Officers find a high measure of satisfaction in helping criminal offenders navigate their probation period successfully and transform themselves into law-abiding citizens.

Always look for the best in all humankind, offenders or not.