Becoming a Probation Officer

Probation officers exist at every level of government where there is a functioning court, and act as enforcement agents of the courts. They differ from parole officers in that parole officers typically supervise convicted offenders after they are released from incarceration prior to serving their full sentence, while probation officers supervise defendents who have not yet been sentenced, or who are sentenced to probation instead of prison. The current trend in the field of corrections, however, is to combine the supervisory functions of the parole officer with those of the probation officer, creating a single community corrections agent, usually referred to as a "probation officer."

Education, Training & Degrees for Probation Officers

In most states, a bachelor's degree in social work, criminal justice, or some related field is usually necessary to be considered as a candidate for a probation officer position. Specific and additional requirements vary from state to state, but a four-year degree is the most frequent requirement. A degree is often supplemented with a state-sponsored training program which results in certification for the position.

As is the case with most careers, the higher the level of education, the better the chance for employment, advancement and a higher probation officer salary.

Job Responsibilities and Desired Skills for Probation Officers

Probation officers perform much of their work for the courts, investigating the accused, recommending sentences, and testifying in court. They evaluate the progress of offenders' efforts at rehabilitation and monitor compliance with the terms of their sentences, reporting their findings to the court. When an offender is incarcerated, the probation officer assists in the development of parole, release and rehabilitation plans.

A probation officer typically performs one of two roles in relation to the criminal offender: counselor or supervisor. Probations officers plan education and training programs to improve the job skills of those individuals on probation or parole, and they provide counseling to assist in their rehabilitation and to assure they stay out of trouble and meet other requirements of their freedom.

Because probation officers work with criminal offenders, the job can often be stressful and occasionally dangerous. Court-imposed workloads can be heavy, and the officer might be required to be available at odd hours to counsel offenders. Some officers might be required to carry a firearm. Even given these drawbacks, many find the work of assisting offenders to become good citizens genuinely rewarding.

Success in this position requires several key skills, among them a broad knowledge of the criminal justice system and the responsibilites of its various branches, and a thorough understanding of the legal requirements of probation and parole. In addition, excellent oral and written communication skills are essential, as are the interpersonal skills required to work with a diverse population of offenders and a variety of government agencies and community organizations.

Candidates should be in good physical and emotional condition, over 21 (and under 37 for federal positions), and have a clean criminal record. Given that a probation officer generates numerous reports, computer skills and writing skills are both vital.

Probation Officer Salary Range and Employment Outlook

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, about 93,000 people were employed as probation officers, parole officers, or in the similar position of correctional treatment specialists in 2004. Most probation officers are employed by state or local governments, although some federal positions exist. Positions for probation officers are projected to grow "about as fast as the average for all occupations" during the next decade.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in 2004, the average annual earnings of all probation officers was approximately $39,600, with a probation officer salary range running from a low of $26,310 to a high of more than $66,660. Median annual salary for state probation officers was $39,810, and for local government employees in this position, $40,560.