Probation Officer

Probation officers are responsible for overseeing and monitoring offenders who have been sentenced to probation in lieu of incarceration.

A probation officer has several responsibilities, but their primary duty is to meet with probationers to ensure they are following the requirements of the court. Meetings may be scheduled weekly or monthly, depending on the court’s requirements.

Probation officers also monitor the probationer’s activities to ensure they are employed and their living arrangements are safe (i.e., searching a probationer’s home to ensure they do not have firearms or drug paraphernalia). Additionally, probation officers will ensure the probationer is following their mandatory drug and alcohol programs.

Probation officers may have some discretion to determine how much supervision is needed. For example, violent offenders may be monitored much more closely than someone convicted of a misdemeanor.

Probation Officers and other job duties

Not only do probation officers help the court determine the appropriate punishment for an offender who pleads guilty and supervise offenders who have been sentenced to probation rather than jail. They will also be responsible for completing a variety of administrative tasks, including monitoring attendance or participation in community service projects or drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs.

Probation officers may also have to present information to judges or the courts, especially if the probationer violates their probation. In some cases, the probation officer will be required to testify at hearings and will present evidence that probation should be revoked and the offender should be sent to jail.

Probation officers work with other law enforcement officials

Probation officers are part of a collaborative team of law enforcement officers who are working to ensure the probationer avoids reoffending or fails to meet their probationary requirements. The assistance provided by the probation officer varies. Probation officers should be skilled communicators, organized, and ready to do whatever it takes to ensure probationers have the resources they need to avoid committing new crimes.