Probation officers oversee individuals who have been sentenced to probation or received suspended sentences, ensuring that parole terms are met. They may carry a concealed weapon permit for self-protection and write reports on their charges, which are considered during sentencing. They usually have a degree in social work and offer counseling and rehabilitation services.
A probation officer works for the criminal justice system, overseeing criminals who have not yet been convicted of crimes or individuals who have been sentenced to probation or who have received suspended sentences. This differentiates a parole officer from a parole officer, who supervises inmates who have been released early for good behavior. In some regions, the parole and parole officer roles are combined for greater efficiency.
Primarily, a probation officer ensures that the terms of a parole are met. For example, a court might agree to put someone on probation if they agree not to use drugs or alcohol and refrain from socializing with certain people. The officer meets with this individual on a regular basis, with family, friends and employers, and he may conduct random visits or tests to ensure that the person is meeting the parole restrictions.
The number of people supervised by an officer varies, depending on the region and the number of people on parole at any given time. Most criminal justice systems try to keep people with the same officer, encouraging continuity of care. This also ensures that changes in behavior are noticed quickly, as when someone meets with a bailiff once a month for three years, a sudden change in personality will be quite obvious.
These members of the criminal justice community may or may not be law enforcement officials, depending on training and region. If a bailiff is a member of the police, he or she may carry a gun and serve arrest warrants. If not, the court may still grant him a concealed weapon permit for self-protection purposes in this potentially dangerous job.
In addition to supervising people, parole officers also write regular reports about their charges. These reports take note of good behavior, lapsed parole terms, and missed or rescheduled meetings. While on probation, someone is subject to random searches or parole revocation based on information filed in these reports. These reports are also considered during the sentencing process.
Normally, a bailiff works with either adults or youths, but not both. He or she usually has a degree in social work or a related field, as well as specific training for working with parolees. In addition to monitoring offenders, these officers also help work on treatment and rehabilitation plans and may also offer counseling and similar services.
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