Probation Officer Career

A probation officer career can be frustrating, demanding, time consuming and yet still rewarding at the end of the day. The reward will come when the probation officer has been able to have a positive effect on the life of someone who has committed a crime. This may sound odd, but the ability to help someone change their life for the better is one of the reasons why many people choose this career.

What is a Probation Officer?

A probation officer is the person who supervises anyone who has been charged with a crime. It is his or her responsibility to see that this person stays within the limits of the law by maintaining direct contact with the individual. Criminals are closely monitored by the probation officer to see that they adhere to the guidelines set in place by the probation department. The goal is to prevent them from committing another crime. The probation officer makes every attempt to change their life for the better.

Probation Officer Job Duties

The primary job duty of any probation officer is to see that the person charged with a crime stays out of trouble. Strict regulations are enforced to monitor the activities of each person who has been charged with a crime. The probation officer must maintain meticulous records pertaining to these people, and depending on the nature of the crime, he or she must keep in close contact with the court that has placed the person on probation. It is the job of the probation officer to help the person re adjust their life and eliminate any criminal behavior.

Probation Officer Skills

Not everyone has what it takes to be a probation officer, and this job is not for the faint-hearted. A probation officer will meet face-to-face on a daily basis with people who have been charged with some type of crime. Effective communication skills are necessary because not only will the officer be dealing with the individual, but his or her family as well. The probation officer must also be in superb physical condition and be emotionally stable.

Probation Officer Education

Educational requirements for anyone considering a probation officer career involve obtaining a degree in criminal justice. This can be done over the course of four years at a college or university. Course studies will include correctional counseling and criminal justice, often referred to as ‘justice and law.’ Two additional years in the field are required for anyone wishing to become a probation officer in any federal program.

Probation Officer Salary

According to many people who are now probation officers, the salary they are paid is not enough to cover the numerous activities they must be involved in on a daily basis. People continue to seek a career in this field, however because they hope to be able to make a difference in the lives of people who have committed crimes. The average salary for a probation officer will depend on experience, and how effective he or she is at the job. Annual salary will range from $30,000 to $52,000 for individuals in this occupation.

Probation Officer Job Outlook

The need for probation officers in the future is about equal to other jobs. Growth is expected to occur as other probation officers retire and need to be replaced. The job prospects also depend on federal funding and how much money will be allocated to the probation system. More jobs will be created if and when it is decided that probation time is more effective than time in prison.

Look closely at the qualifications and skills needed to become a probation officer. This career choice is going to make a difference in the lives of the people you are required to supervise. If helping someone find the path to a crime free life is appealing, then this just might be the right career for you.