Probation Officers

Probation Officers are peace officers, but they are not jailers or prison guards. They have the power to arrest people, but they are also trained to help probationers obey the rules and meet the requirements of their probation sentence.

While it is true that individuals must report to probation officers at regular times, the officers have a much larger role. They help probationers find jobs or job training; or return to school. They are concerned with making sure their clients have proper housing or treatment for psychological, drug or alcohol problems.

All Probation Officers are required to have a Bachelors Degree and a Masters Degree in Sociology, Psychology, Criminal Justice or a similar course of study. Experience can be substituted for the Masters Degree requirement. In addition, their Bachelors Degree must include a minimum of 30 credit hours in the Behavioral Sciences.

A Probation Officer's job is a difficult one. They must ensure community protection as well as assist their probationers towards a law-abiding lifestyle. Probation Officers deal with juveniles as well as adults who have been convicted of Felonies and Misdemeanors. They are responsible for conducting breath and urine screenings to monitor their probationers use of abused substances. Officers are also required to make evening home visits and curfew checks, often times only equipped with a police radio.