First, lets take a look at the numbers. Probation officers’ average earnings in the middle 50% ranged from $35, 990 to $60,430 per year based on experience, education and location. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median probation officer salary was $45,910 as of May 2008, with the top 10 percent earning more than $78,210; the bottom 10% earned just under $29,450. Those earning the highest salaries tend to have the most experience and responsibilities as well as highest levels of education. Salaries for probation officers are usually higher in urban areas.
The outlook for probation officers and related correctional officer occupations is excellent, with growth projected for nearly 20% between 2008 and 2018. Becoming a probation officer is a good career choice since changes with prison and probation laws and regulations on the state and local levels have increased the need for trained, qualified probation personnel.
Now lets get into the profession itself. Becoming a probation officer involves fulfilling the basic requirements of the hiring agency, which include having a clean criminal background, meeting minimum age and educational requirements and passing a series of qualifying exams as well as completing training and probationary employment.
As part of the application process, probation officer candidates are tested for drug use as well as physical and mental health exams.
Education is becoming more important; in most areas probation officer candidates need a bachelor’s or master’s degree, especially for advancing in the field. Possible majors include criminal justice, criminology, social work or counseling. Criminal justice and criminology students learn the structure and function of the criminal justice system, as well as the criminal psychology and the effects on society of crime. Those planning on becoming a probation officer should take related coursework in social work and psychology as well as English and math.
Education or experience as a counselor in substance abuse programs, juvenile matters or other human services fields is valuable for those interested in becoming a probation officer. Probation officer applicants may hold a master’s degree in criminal justice, social work, juvenile services or counseling. This is especially helpful for those seeking advancement in the field. Prospective probation officer recruits will take exams that test both written and oral communication skills and knowledge of the criminal justice system. The ability to read well, which is necessary for accurately preparing reports, and the applicant’s problem-solving abilities are also part of the exam.
Newly hired probation officers usually must complete agency-sponsored training, which includes one to two weeks of classroom instruction in state and local codes and court probation procedures. Depending on the state’s requirements, recruits may also receive additional weeks of basic peace officer and firearms training in becoming a probation officer. As with police departments, most new probation officers serve a probationary period for a year before being hired on a permanent basis.
The outlook for probation officers and related correctional officer occupations is excellent, with growth projected for nearly 20% between 2008 and 2018. Becoming a probation officer is a good career choice since changes with prison and probation laws and regulations on the state and local levels have increased the need for trained, qualified probation personnel.
Now lets get into the profession itself. Becoming a probation officer involves fulfilling the basic requirements of the hiring agency, which include having a clean criminal background, meeting minimum age and educational requirements and passing a series of qualifying exams as well as completing training and probationary employment.
What do Probation Officers do?
Unlike parole officers, who work with convicted offenders after their release from prison, probation officers ensure that adult or juvenile offenders meet conditions imposed by the court instead of being sent to prison. Probation officers conduct interviews with the offender and his or her family, provide employment assistance and help locate substance-abuse rehabilitative services, which are especially helpful for juvenile or first-time offenders. They also conduct pre-sentence investigations and write reports on convicted criminals. These reports help the courts decide on appropriate sentencing and what level of probation the offender will be given. These pre-sentence investigation reports also include recommendations regarding the likelihood of rehabilitation and the chances that an offender will repeat the crime. Probation officers may also be called to testify in court when necessary.How do you become a Probation Officer?
Applicants interested in becoming a probation officer must pass a criminal background check for felony and other convictions. Individuals with a felony conviction or other criminal history are usually considered disqualified for employment as a probation officer.As part of the application process, probation officer candidates are tested for drug use as well as physical and mental health exams.
Education is becoming more important; in most areas probation officer candidates need a bachelor’s or master’s degree, especially for advancing in the field. Possible majors include criminal justice, criminology, social work or counseling. Criminal justice and criminology students learn the structure and function of the criminal justice system, as well as the criminal psychology and the effects on society of crime. Those planning on becoming a probation officer should take related coursework in social work and psychology as well as English and math.
Education or experience as a counselor in substance abuse programs, juvenile matters or other human services fields is valuable for those interested in becoming a probation officer. Probation officer applicants may hold a master’s degree in criminal justice, social work, juvenile services or counseling. This is especially helpful for those seeking advancement in the field. Prospective probation officer recruits will take exams that test both written and oral communication skills and knowledge of the criminal justice system. The ability to read well, which is necessary for accurately preparing reports, and the applicant’s problem-solving abilities are also part of the exam.
Newly hired probation officers usually must complete agency-sponsored training, which includes one to two weeks of classroom instruction in state and local codes and court probation procedures. Depending on the state’s requirements, recruits may also receive additional weeks of basic peace officer and firearms training in becoming a probation officer. As with police departments, most new probation officers serve a probationary period for a year before being hired on a permanent basis.