Importance Of Probation Officer

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I think that it is important that probation and parole officers have the knowledge and understanding of psychological and sociological constructs and theories because they can assist individuals in identifying their needs and formulating treatment plans to manage problematic behaviors. Probation and parole officers oversee offenders sentenced to probation and those who are serving parole. Probation officers work with convicts who are released from confinement while they are still under court supervision during a testing or trial period. Probation can be given in lieu of a prison term or can suspend prison sentence if the convict has consistently demonstrated good behavior. On the other hand, parole officers work with parolees, who are inmates …show more content…

Strong communication skills whether orally or written can be useful especially when the officers have to put together reports to argue in the courts. I think that they should have an understanding of various other legal occupations as well as being familiar with and understanding people various and diverse background. Probation and parole officers need to be able to cope well with the stress of their job as their caseloads are usually large. I believe that the minimum educational requirements for probation and parole officers vary by state and some states require a bachelor’s degree. When I worked in corrections as an officer the minimum was a high school diploma. But with other specific jobs, the individual had to have some level of previous related experience or knowledge of the …show more content…

In some cases I believe that some methods of treatment may require more training due to the type of job. Effective supervision is based on sound theoretical principles, yet rehabilitative services tend to be atheoretical (Russell, et. al, 2005). I think that it is a must for probation and parole officers to establish and maintain a good working relationship with other probation officers and the public, have the ability to focus on, in addition to planning and managing various projects professionally and successfully. Having these qualities basic knowledge and individual characteristics, probation and parole officers will be able to handle offenders and to enforce it rules and adhere to it regulations. Firearms and self-defense is another area of training and specialization that I think would most benefit probation and parole, but not in