How to Become a Probation Officer

You may be wondering how to become a probation officer for any number of reasons, from the desire to help create law and order to the need to help people get their lives back on track. It is also a steady job that will be in demand as long as we have a criminal justice system. As a probation officer, you will be responsible for supervising prisoners who have been sentenced to probation in lieu of jail time to ensure they are living up to their end of the bargain and taking the steps to become rehabilitated. You will also work closely with the court system and may sometimes be required to testify in trials.

The first thing many people want to know when they’re looking at how to become a probation officer is the educational requirement and the degrees needed. Probation officers may not have more than a high school diploma if they are able to work hard and move up through the ranks, but many have bachelor’s degrees in social work or criminal justice. The majority of probation officer jobs are with state and local governments in major cities, and there are also jobs with the federal government. The career information is good, as experts expect the job prospects to grow with the population over the next decade. There may also be other career options within this field including parole officer with the prison system and other jobs.

Probation officers typically work 40-hour work weeks, although the job may require longer hours as needed and can sometimes be a bit dangerous depending on whom you’re working with. The median salary for probation officers in the United States is $42,970, and the average range is anywhere from $33,880 to $56,280. You will earn more if you work in an urban setting and with more experience.

If you’re still wondering how to become a probation officer, the best way to get more information is to contact the local police and court systems to find out about the job requirements. Then you can take classes and begin training for this important career.

Institutions offering quality Criminal Justice Programs include ITT Technical Institute, American InterContinental University, Walden University, Kaplan University, Westwood College and South University.

Find the perfect Criminal Justice School or Criminal Justice College today and start your path to a rewarding career.