An offender who has completed a sentence in a prison or jail is usually assigned a parole officer upon release. The ex-offender is required to report to the parole officer at specific time intervals, and the parole officer, in turn, provides counseling and assistance during the transition from prison to community life.
The parole officer helps the ex-offender find a job or secure job training; arranges for welfare or other public assistance for the family, if necessary; and provides positive support and a helping hand in any way possible to aid the parolee in his or her return to society. The parole officer's main concern is helping the parolee go straight instead of returning to a life of crime.
Probation officers deal with juvenile delinquents and first offenders that are often released by the court, subject to proper supervision, instead of being sentenced to jail or prison. A probation officer may also be involved in the pre-sentencing investigation of a defendant's family, background, education, and any problems contributing to the defendant's offense.
Parole and probation officers are usually employed by state or municipal governments. In the course of their work, they deal with teachers, chaplains, social workers, rehabilitation counselors, local employers, and community organizations. A number of parole and probation officers come from the ranks of police officers.
Perhaps the most important ingredient of the work of a probation officer is the rapport the officer is able to establish with the juvenile offender. The opportunity to discuss problems with an understanding adult can result in the juvenile being put back on the right track. At the same time, the probation officer must be objective enough not to be deceived by lies or false promises of better behavior.
Related jobs include police officer (municipal and state), social worker, corrections officer, rehabilitation counselor.
Places of Employment and Working Conditions
Emotional wear and tear is a factor in the work of parole and probation officers. The frustration of seeing a parolee or a juvenile return to a life of crime in spite of great effort is part of every officer's experience.
In many jobs, the caseload itself can be a hindrance to effective work. Instead of carrying the recommended 30 to 50 cases, many parole and probation officers must keep track of up to 100 assigned cases. This makes is virtually impossible to give each person the attention and help that is usually necessary.
Qualifications, Education, and Training
Personal characteristics of understanding, objectivity, good judgment, and patience are necessary. Good communication skills and the ability to motivate people are very important.
High school should include courses in the social sciences, English, and history.
People who work in this field need a bachelor's degree in sociology, psychology, criminology, or law. Those who start out as police officers usually acquire additional training in these fields through college courses. Many employers also require one or two years of experience in a correctional institution or other social agency or a master's degree in sociology or psychology.
Potential and Advancement
The demand for parole officers will grow just 4% between 2014 and 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This means that job opportunities in this field will be scarce for the foreseeable future.
Parole and probation officers are not usually promoted to other positions, but they do advance in salary as they gain experience. Some officers advance by acquiring additional education that qualifies them for positions in other areas of law enforcement.
Income
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the median salary for parole officers in 2015 was $49,360.
Additional Sources of Information
American Correctional, College Park, MD 20740
National Council on Crime and Delinquency, San Francisco, CA 94108
