 Parole officers interact with recently-released prisoners and their families in order to help them become productive members of society.  They develop a plan of action for parolees that may include finding a job, securing low- cost housing and making sure parolees attend court- mandated programs.  Parole officers typically visit a parolee several times a month to check in on their well-being and to evaluate potential signs of recidivism.

 The educational requirements for probation officers vary by state, but most states require at least a bachelors in criminal justice.  Some states also require aspiring probation officers to complete certification programs sponsored by the federal government or state governments.  In addition to completing these basic requirements, potential probation officers should also have good computer skills, knowledge of state and federal laws, strong writing skills, excellent interpersonal skills, and good listening skills.  Employers may require probation officers to have experience in parole, corrections, probation, substance abuse treatment, criminal investigations, counseling, or social work.

Parole Officers taking in someone.

Here is a parole officer at a house. The person is possible on house arrest and can not leave the house. So the parole officer has to visit her house.

 Parole officers work directly with recently released inmates.  It is a parole officer’s job to monitor the people assigned to him and to make sure that each person complies with the terms of his parole.  If the person does not follow all the rules, the parole office has the power to arrest him on the spot and return him to prison for the duration of his sentence.  Parolees are carefully monitored to minimize chances that they will commit another crime, and to help them transition back into the community

 A parole officer must be good at working with people and able to communicate effectively with many different kinds of people.  He must also have a strong aptitude for critical thinking, since it is often a part of the job to figure out what will best serve the needs of an offender and enable the offender to transition back into society.  Organization and good writing skills are also important, since the file containing all the essential information for each parolee must be accurately maintained and updated constantly.

 It is common for parole officers to assist in various types of investigations related to parolees or those being considered for parole.  Some parole officers work inside prisons to determine which prisoners might have a good chance of success if granted parole.  They make recommendations to the parole board, and the results of these investigations typically determine whether or not a prisoner is released.  When working with parolees who have violated the terms of parole and are being returned to prison, a parole officer must investigate the situation and recommend to the court what the sentence should be.

A parole officer had an individual wear an ankle bracelet to assure others the individual wouldn’t leave home,

Parole Officer badge.