What Probation Officers Do
Probation and parole officers are responsible for monitoring offenders who have been convicted of crimes who are placed on probation or parole. Probation officers work with offenders who have been sentenced to probation instead of prison.
During an offender's probation period, a probation officer may utilize personal contact with both the offender and the offender's family in order to provide appropriate supervision. Officers may meet offenders in the offender's place of employment or home. A probation officer may counsel an offender and assist him with finding the appropriate job training, or arranging plans for rehabilitation.
An individual management plan is developed with the offender which sets goals for the person to work on to assist them to stay out of trouble. This often involves referrals to organizations for specialist counseling and help with issues such as substance use, mental health problems and anger management. It also involves talking to their probation officer about their offending and problem areas in their life. The individual management plan and assessment of the risk of re-offending are reviewed throughout the probation period to see if goals are being met and if new goals need to be established. How often the person will have contact with a
