How to Become a Parole Agent in California
Becoming a peace officer is the dream and goal of many individuals throughout the State of California. Although it is a challenging and rewarding career, it can be difficult to get a job with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation as a Parole Agent. The following steps will be required to get a job as an Agent.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Written Exam: The initial written exam consists of a scenario-based highlighter test- where the candidate selects an option that would best suit the question that was asked, which will take the test-taker down a specific path or line of reasoning. There are no study materials for this exam- but you can find basic Parole Agent logic or situational books at your local bookstore. This exam tests your logic, ability to think rationally and sensibly in times of uncertainty or in times of stress.
-
2
Written Psychological Evaluation- Peace Officer Psychological Evaluation (POPE): This exam is a series of more than 800 questions that determine patterns of mental thought and processes. This exam allows CDCR to determine what questions need to be addressed during a face-to-face interview with a psychologist.
-
-
3
Physical Abilities Test(PAT): The PAT consists of a variety of tests including a vision exam, a cardiac risk assessment (questionnaire) and a series of five exercise tests. The exercise tests consist of: an endurance-based bicycle test that allows monitoring of your heart rhythm and blood pressure during strenuous activity, a grip strength test, an ab and back strength test, an upper body strength test and a short-distance sprint bicycle test.
-
4
Background Investigation: The Background investigation requires approximately three months time upon the start of the investigation; however, it can take up to a year for your background investigation to begin. A peace officer (Correctional Sergeant) will evaluate your academic, driving, personal and work history to determine whether or not you are eligible to continue the selection process. This helps ensure that individuals who have a criminal past or are potentially unreliable or unsuited for a peace office position are not selected to be a Parole Agent.
-
5
Psychological Evaluation / Interview: Each candidate who passes the background investigation must undergo a psychological evaluation face-to-face with a psychologist. This interview helps CDCR psychologists determine whether or not a person is mentally capable of a stressful job of Parole Agent.
-
6
Pre-Employment Medical Exam: The final step is to complete more extensive physical tests including hearing, vision, mobility and general health conditions. The job of Parole Agent can be very strenuous and it is the job of Pre-Employment Medical to determine whether or not any health factors may impede your ability to protect the community and yourself efficiently.
-
7
Parole Agent Academy: After completing all the listed requirements, candidates must attend a peace officer academy. This is a 16 week course that tests a candidate's overall physical, mental and emotional ability to do the job.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Be prepared to wait a long time for the process to be complete. There is currently a hiring freeze for the State of California.
Resources
- Photo Credit CDCR.ca.gov
