Interview with a Probation Officer

The probation officers control and supervise the offenders who are on a probation period rather than imprisonment. They monitor and control the offender's activities that are not sentenced for a crime or are sentenced for probation. The officer works under the criminal justice system for the well being of the society. The main task of the probation officer is to monitor the offenders, coordinate rehabilitation activities and arrange job training. The probation officers are required to maintain a proper communication and interaction with the criminal offenders and their family members as well. They have to work as per the deadlines that have been assigned by the court ensuring that the criminal offenders they are supervising meet all their probation terms. The probation officers must work with the courts as well, analyzing a probationer's file and making recommendations regarding sentencing.

In order to become probation officer a typically education, age and work experience is required. The minimum age of person is 21 year old according to Justice Court of U.S., (note for different positions). Most of the Governmental organs offer the eligibility on the basis of higher experience like at least 4-5 years experience. The profile of the individual during college is most essential for acquiring a career of Probation Officer. One has to make sure that he does not have any background discrepancy in regards of crime (Odem, 1995). The typical graduate degree needed for the probation officer is BS in Sociology and a BS in Criminal Justice. The candidate must also have good communication skills as well as good decision making skills.

I have been working as a probation officer for the past 10 years. I specifically work as a juvenile probation officer. I have to deal with young criminals who have been put in probation ...