Probation Officer Training

Overview

After an offender serves time in prison for a crime, he or she may be released on probation as a parolee. In order to maintain public safety, courts will require parolees to fulfill certain legal obligations as conditions of their reentry to society. A parolee will work closely with a probation officer to meet these conditions.

Probation officers can work for city, county, or state agencies. A small number of officers are employed at the federal level. In some instances, probation officers must carry a firearm and undergo first aid training.

A probation officer will strive to accomplish two main goals. The first is to maintain public safety, and the second is to help the recently released inmate become a productive member of society. In order to meet these goals, courts will require parolees to meet with probation officers on a regular basis. These meetings will take place at the parolee's residence, school, or work. Probation officers also help the parolee work with individuals and groups in his or her community including agencies, local residents, neighborhood groups, and religious organizations. In addition to maintaining public safety, probation officers will also help parolees find programs for career training.

Typically, probation officers undergo a training process before accepting formal positions. After gaining experience, probation officers can pursue career paths at multiple levels. Backgrounds in criminal justice, psychology, and social work are particularly helpful since probation officers work as counselors. Advanced degrees are often important for career growth.

Benefits

Probation officers provide a valuable community service by changing the lives of formerly incarcerated inmates. As prison populations increase, law enforcement agencies are seeking ways to rehabilitate criminals and to help them become valuable members to society. As a result of this trend, the demand for probation officers will continue to increase in the foreseeable future.

The median annual salary of probation officers is about $46,600.

Costs

The cost for probation officer training varies by location, program, and educational institution. Bachelor's degrees can range in cost from $10,000 to $160,000. In some cases, county governments will subsidize training expenses. Cost also varies by residency and living expenses. For example, New Jersey residents who commute to school will pay $11,886 per year for a Bachelor's degree at Rutgers University, while New Jersey residents who live on campus will pay $22,262 per year. Out of state Rutgers University students will pay $22,796 per year if they commute and $33,172 per year if they live on campus.

Schools

There are many schools that offer courses for probation officer training, such as Rutgers University School of Criminal Justice and the criminal justice department at Kean University. Students can pursue a variety of course options at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Testing & Preparation

Students interested in becoming probation officers should pursue a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, psychology, or some other related field. Some schools may also require work experience. Admissions are based on physical, psychological, oral, and written tests. Programs will also require basic computer skills.

Financial Aid

Prospective students can apply for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for financial assistance. Probation officer training falls under paralegal training, for which there are numerous college loan programs. Prospective students can also apply for federal Stafford Loans. The Office of Justice Programs offers Juvenile Accountability Block Grants as a means to fund students who wish to become probation officers.