Multiple Duties of Probation Officers
- The primary duty of a probation officer is to monitor the behavior and activities of individuals whose cases they are assigned. This may involve visiting tane offender in his home, speaking with his friends and family members and contacting his employer if employment is required as a condition of probation. If the probationer is subject to a curfew, the officer may also periodically conduct curfew checks. Typically, probationers are required to meet with their probation officer at least once a month, although the frequency may vary based on the terms of probation.
- Probation officers are responsible for coordinating education and rehabilitation services for the offenders they supervise. This may involve arranging treatment for drug and alcohol abuse, helping the offender to complete his education through placement in a GED program, arranging counseling or therapy and seeking job placement or housing for probationers. The goal is to encourage the offender to become a productive member of society and minimize his chances of committing another crime.
- Probation officers conduct investigations into an offender's background and behavior and make regular reports to the court on the individual's progress. If an offender violates the terms of her probation, the probation officer must immediately report it to the court. The officer may also conduct an investigation into the offender's background and family history to provide recommendations to the court concerning the terms of probation prior to sentencing.
- The administrative duties of a probation officer include maintaining and updating case files for the offenders he supervises, conducting interviews when a new probationer is assigned to him, collecting restitution payments if applicable and assisting in courtroom proceedings as needed. Probation officers may also testify in court proceedings.
- Probation officers ensure that all court orders and terms of probation are adhered to. If an offender commits a parole violation, the probation officer is charged with carrying out certain law-enforcement duties, including locating the probationer and detaining him until he can be brought before the court. If the court recommends that an offender be incarcerated, the probation officer will oversee the transfer of the individual to the department of corrections.