Identify and discuss the qualifications, characteristics, and nature of work of most probation officers.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The background qualifications for probation officers vary by state, but generally a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, social work, or a related field is required for initial consideration. Entry-level probation officers should be in good physical and emotional condition. Most agencies require applicants to be at least 21 years old, and for federal employment, not older than 37 years old. Probation officers should have strong writing skills because they are required to prepare many reports. The majority of probation staff tends to be female, Caucasian, and tends to have a college degree. Probation officers supervise offenders who are placed on some form of probation and tend to spend more time monitoring the activities of these offenders than anything else. Probation officers most frequently maintain their supervision through personal contact with the offender, the offender’s family, and the offender’s employer. The daily working conditions for probation officers can be quite safe when in the officer, but can also be fairly dangerous when conducting field visits.