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Although it is widely thought that the job of a parole officer and probation officer are alike, there is one main difference. Aprobation officeris in charge of people who have committed lesser crimes, but do not go to prison. Instead offenders fulfill their sentence(s) outside of prison, whereas a parole officer is in charge of people who have committed a crime(s) and served time in prison, and then are discharged and on parole for a period of time.

Probation Officer

There are usually two areas of employment for probation officers – those who work with adults and those who work with juveniles. Occasionally, a probation officer with work with both juveniles and adults.

Probation Officer Education & Career Options

If an individual wishes to enter a specialized probation officer education program, such as becoming a juvenile probation officer, he or she will typically complete additional coursework (over and above what is offered at the bachelor’s degree level), including:

Juvenile processesProbation terminologyInformation gatheringAdult criminal justiceCase lawInterviewing and counselingFines and restitutionGang affiliation indicatorsCourt reports and presentation

Juvenile processesProbation terminologyInformation gathering

Adult criminal justiceCase lawInterviewing and counseling

Fines and restitutionGang affiliation indicatorsCourt reports and presentation

Many employers may require prior experience and advanced knowledge in areas, such as:

Aspiring probation officers must also complete a number of written and oral exams and pass extensive psychological and physical examinations prior to gaining employment. The Probation Officer Exam is designed to assess the skill and knowledge of potential probation officers. This test covers:

In some states and judicial districts, probation officers may be required to complete peace officer training. These programs are often held in state police academies, may be up to six months in length, and will typically include rigorous academic and physical training, which may include:

Typical Employment Settings for a Probation Officer

Although probation officers work with offenders who have committed a crime and do not go to prison and instead fulfill their sentence outside of outside of jail, they most often work within the local, state, and federal prison systems. Probation officers, whether they work with adults or juveniles, also work with law enforcement, and with judges and attorneys in the court system. Because of these work settings, there is a good measure of job security, wages, and benefits. Yet, there is also a good measure of risk, as probation officers work with clients who may be dangerous. This is especially true when a probation officer must track an offender who has fled the system.

Job Growth & Salary Estimates for Probation Officers

According to the BLS, the probation officer field has94,500active employees. As of May 2022, their median annual income is $59,860. The top 10 percent earn about$101,000per year while officers just entering the field often bring home about $38,500 annually. Salary range will vary depending on geographic location, employer, education level and experience. Between2021 and 2031, the BLS expects employment in the industry to remain steady.

How to Advance Your Career as a Probation Officer

If a probation officer wishes to increase his or her salary, and better compete for management positions within the criminal justice system, completing a master’s degree is the path to choose. At the master’s level, coursework (in addition to what was learned at the bachelor’s degree level) will include:

Persons who complete a master’s degree may also qualify for employment as a probation supervisor or as a director of a probation services department. Candidates must realize that these positions will typically require more administrative work, and less hands-on work with offenders.

The job of a probation officer can be high stress and high risk. They commonly work full-time, long hours, weekends, and holidays as necessary or in times of emergency. This is why aspiring probation officers must be prepared to handle high-stress situations, be committed, and dependable. Notable other skills that employers often look for when hiring a probation officer, include:

Resources & Organizations for Probation Officers

There are a number of associations and organizations that provide aspiring probation officers networking opportunities. These include:

There are many organizations that provide information for networking at the state level. Candidates should inquire in the state in which they choose to serve for professional associations that are relevant within the criminal justice community. Probation officers can also find organizations online, through social networking websites, mentoring opportunities while enrolled in college, or during internships.

Other national organizations include:

2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections forprobation officersis based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2023.

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