- A probation officer is employed by the government and usually works for a court or law enforcement agency. A probation officer makes sure that criminals who have been sentenced to probation instead of jail time abide by the terms set by the court. The probation officer deals with people who have committed crimes minor enough to warrant punishment other than jail time, such as petty theft. His or her job is to help the offender become fully rehabilitated by obtaining the education, counseling and work experience necessary to become a fully functioning member of society.
- A probation officer spends a typical workday with criminal offenders on probation to make sure that they are following the terms set by the court and are not involved in criminal activity. Depending on the restrictions of his/her probation, an offender may not be able to leave his or her city of residence without permission or without first notifying the probabtion officer. Thus, the probation officer spends a major part of her workday checking in on her offenders by calling them or visiting them in their homes. The probation officer also spends the workday helping the offender look for and apply for jobs and participate in group or individual counseling.
- Most probation officers must have a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, social work or a related field. They must also have good verbal and written communication skills in order to be able to write reports and communicate effectively with lawyers, law enforcement and judges. Many probation officers must be present at trials or hearings for the offender and be ready to testify on the offender's behalf, which entails some knowledge of the judicial system.
