Probation Officer

What a Probation Officer Does

The prison population is soaring and unfortunately, there is simply not enough room in many of our nation's prisons to house everyone who has even been convicted of a crime. Therefore, many people who have been convicted of a less serious crime and are not deemed dangerous are placed on probation instead. Probation is a period where offenders must follow a set of strict guidelines, such as being unable to leave a certain area or go near certain places, and check in regularly with a probation officer. Probation officers manage offenders and ensure that they do not get into any more trouble. They monitor offenders to see how well they are reforming as well as whether or not the offenders have been adhering to the set guidelines of their probation. They meet with the offenders in person several times a week and also regularly contact their coworkers, family, and friends through the telephone to keep tabs on the offender. Probation officers also have the responsibility of investigating the history of the accused as well as preparing presentencing reports on what types of sentence they think the accused, if convicted, should receive.

How to Become a Probation Officer

The work of a probation officer is important in ensuring that offenders do not prove to be a danger to society or commit yet another crime. For this reason, all probation officers must have at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study, such as criminal justice or psychology. Having a college degree proves to employers that the applicant has met a standard of education and professional skills. Most applicants must complete and pass a written or oral examination as well as a psychological and physical examination to ensure that they have what it takes for the job. A clean criminal record is also required as they will be working in the legal field throughout their career. In addition, probation officers must be fairly proficient in using a computer because most logs and notes of offenders are completed on the computer. Licensure is not required to be a probation officer. Master's degrees are also available in the criminal justice field, though earning one is not necessary unless one desires to advance his or her career.

Career Outlook for Probation Officers

The increasing population inevitably will bring about an increased prison population as well. However, as things get crowded, those convicted of lesser crimes and deemed not dangerous to society will be released on probation rather than jailed. For these individuals, probation officers will be needed to ensure that the offender does not commit any other crimes and adheres to probation guidelines for the duration of the probation sentence. Employment opportunities for probation officers will increase along with the increasing number of offenders released on probation. In fact, during the 2008-18 decade, job openings for these officers will grow 19 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This will bring the probation officer employment numbers from 103,400 in 2008 to 123,300 by 2018, adding a whopping 19,900 new jobs into the market. This number does not include all of the positions that will open up due to retirement or career advancement. In addition to a prospering job climate, probation officers are paid well. The average annual salary for these officers was $45,910 in May 2008, the latest information available from the BLS. The top ten percent of officers earned more than $78,210 annually. The specific salary an individual would earn in this profession depends on his or her employer.