What Is the Responsibility of a Parole Officer?

Parole officers are in charge of supervising criminal offenders who have recently been released from prison on a probationary basis called parole. These parolees have earned early release, typically due to exemplary behavior while incarcerated, and are therefore serving what remains of their sentence while attempting to readjust to the community. Parole officers see to it that these parolees meet the requirements of their parole.

Supervision

The overarching responsibility of the parole officer is to supervise those individuals who have been granted parole from the prison or penitentiary where they were incarcerated. They may also have a hand in deciding who is granted parole and whether an individual deserves to remain on parole or should be returned to prison.

Inside Officers

Not all parole officers work outside of the correctional facility. Some work inside the walls, and their primary purpose is to prepare reports for the parole board regarding which inmates are eligible for upcoming parole considerations. They will study these prisoners and come to a recommendation based on their behavior, as well as other factors, including how they are likely to adjust to life outside the walls of the prison.

Working With Parolees

A parole officer's responsibilities do not begin and end with simply checking up on the parolees in their file. Many officers will take an active hand in helping the former offender find employment, further education and therapy programs as needed. These programs may be required under the terms of the parole, particularly if the parolee was a drug offender.

Evaluation

In addition to recommending potential parolees and helping them get back on their feet in society, parole officers are charged with the responsibility of visiting these parolees and sending in evaluations of their progress. If the parole officer finds that they are violating their parole in any way (taking drugs, breaking the law), they can then recommend to the parole board that they be sent back to prison.

Employment

Parole officers can expect to work more than 40 hours per week, in excess of the national average for careers, although in line with the average for law enforcement personnel. The work by definition means dealing with impolite society, which means a candidate should have a strong disposition. The median annual salary for the position in 2004 was $39,600.