How to Interview a Probation Officer
Probation officers work with a variety of individuals, many of whom are in the process of reentering society after time in a correctional facility. Other job duties include supervising people placed on probation who have not served jail or prison time. Probation officers can be good candidates for interviews when you need a source from your local or state government.
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Instructions
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Plan what questions to ask during an interview in order to determine how much time you need to schedule for it. If you only need answers to a few brief questions, you may be able to conduct the interview over the phone at any time. For more intensive interviews, call the office where the probation officer works and schedule a time that's convenient for the officer.
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Prepare for your interview by getting together any supplies such as a recorder, pen or notebook that you'll need. If you want to make notes so you'll remember what questions to ask, don't write out the full questions: Reading word for word from your notes can make you sound robotic. In some cases, it can make the person you're interviewing feel nervous.
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Be prompt. Whether you call or meet in person with a probation officer, remember she is spending her time with you. Respect that by being punctual. While you might think it good form to show up a half-hour before your scheduled time, this isn't always a good approach. The probation officer may have a commitment scheduled before your interview, and you may wind up sitting in the waiting room. In some cases, it may make the person nervous and make her feel like she needs to rush through the interview.
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Take two to five minutes to chit chat before you begin. Some people tend to get shy during an interview. Having a casual conversation before you begin can put them at ease. It can also provide you with more questions to ask during your interview. If you want, discuss what your plans are for the interview and find out if the probation officer has anything he would like to cover.
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Ask whether or not you can record the interview. Some officers may not want you to use a tape recorder or recording device. If you want to use one, you may need to explain why in order to put your interviewee at ease.
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Conduct your interview like it's a conversation. This can help the personality of the probation officer be more evident, which can provide a better interview. You can follow the conversation down certain paths while keeping your interview questions in mind. When necessary, you can direct the interview back toward the questions you prepared.
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Work as a professional. There are some things a probation officer will not be able to discuss, such as his opinion of a person under his supervision. A probation officer may have company responses to specific questions pertaining to his job. Be willing to adjust your questioning as needed to better allow the probation officer to participate in the interview.
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Tips & Warnings
At the end of your interview, thank the probation officer for her time. You may want to send a thank you letter as well.
If you plan to use a recorder, make sure you have new batteries in it or take extra ones just in case the ones in the recorder die during the interview. Also take an extra tape.
If you plan to film the interview, make sure the probation officer knows this in advance. He may have to make special arrangements for the film crew.
