Probation Officer

If you have always thought you would like to be a probation officer, there are probably some things you need to know and do in order to make that goal a reality. One of the first things you could do that would help you to determine this is the career for you would be to take an aptitude test or a test aimed at career assessment, or both. These tests are used in appraising your logical reasoning and thinking as well as to recognize professions or occupations that are best suited to you. You may be surprised at what you learn.

You should also know what a probation officer does and what it takes to become one. The duties of a probation officer are focused on working with and supervising convicted criminals who have been sentenced to probation instead of imprisonment. The probation officer is responsible for keeping track of their actions and whereabouts through personal contact with them. They will also set up any rehabilitation services necessary such as those for drug or alcohol addiction. Arranging for job training is another duty probation officers frequently perform. Their main goal is to keep their charges from getting involved in more criminal activity.

Normally, the first thing a person needs to obtain in their quest to become a probation officer is a four year degree in criminal justice, law and justice, or correctional counseling. If their goal is to become a federal officer, at least two years of field work or work-related experience should be obtained.

In addition to the educational requirements, anyone wishing to be a probation officer will need several other qualities in order to be successful. He or she should be someone who can easily adjust to different people and their personalities. A good amount of patience will be extremely helpful as well as the ability to communicate both orally and in written word. Also, organizational skills and multitasking are essential skills for a probation officer. They should be confident and able to speak in public in case their duties require them to give testimony in a court of law.

Becoming a probation officer and working as one will undoubtedly involve much more than is mentioned here. The process will be much more detailed and involved, but knowing some of these basic facts should be helpful in determining whether you really want to go forward in this pursuit.