How to Be a Probation Officer in Arkansas

A probation officer holds a great responsibility.

The field of criminal justice and corrections offers rewarding career opportunities. Probation officers play a role in the Arkansas Department of Community Correction as a part of crime prevention and encourage criminals to find a new role in society. This requires a high level of compassion as well an understanding of psychology. Probation officers serve either adults or juveniles, depending upon education and experience.

Things You'll Need

• Bachelor's Degree (minimum)

Instructions

Become an Arkansas Probation Officer

1. 

   A BA or BS is required to become a probation officer.

   Graduate from an accredited college or university. According to the Arkansas Department of Community Correction recruit and hire regulations, a prospective probation officer must have a BS or BA in one of the following: sociology, criminal justice, psychology, or an acceptable alternative area of study such as public or business administration, management, accounting, history, education, counseling, social work, social behavioral science or other human behavior field.

2. Apply for any openings posted on the Arkansas State Government website. These positions are more numerous in the larger areas such as Little Rock. Relocation is a possibility.

3. Complete the general requirements of hire for the state of Arkansas. These include drug testing, fingerprinting and a background check--plus you must prove you are registered or exempt from the selective service.

4. 

   Earn your law enforcement certification in a year.

   Pass the law enforcement certification requirements within 12 months of hire. You may be subject to suspension otherwise.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do not already have a Bachelor's Degree, apply for a different job within the department, and complete an online degree while gaining job experience. See the resources for a link to Get Educated, a website devoted to listing accredited online schools, and exposing frauds.

• Do not be fooled by online or correspondence courses offering certification for this job. Only a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university or college is acceptable.

References

• The Arkansas Department of Community Correction
• The State of Arkansas

Resources

• Get Educated