What are the norms of a probation officer?

Probation officers are involved with two types of
offenders, those who have been tried in court and given a probationary period as their
sentence, and those who have been released from prison and are on probation for a
certain period before going completely free.  The officers have a case load for each
offender.

Offenders given probation by the
court

The job of the probation officer is to
make certain that the offender complies with the terms set by the court. The offenders
understand that if they break the conditions set by the court, they will go immediately
to jail. These conditions usually include such things
as

1. undergoing substance abuse
   treatment


2. seeking
   employment


3. performing community
   service


4. staying out of trouble with the
   law


5. remaining in the locale set by court. (e.g. not
   leaving the house, not leaving town, county or
   state)


6. being involved in rehabilitation
   counseling


7. seeking
   housing

Offenders released from
prison and given a probationary period 

The
probation officer must make sure that each person in his caseload follows certain
conditions. The former prison inmate who is now on probation
must

1. seek gainful employment
   regularly


2. report for periodic substance abuse
   checks


3. remain in a half-way house for a time; he/she must
   also must not leave the area, be it the city, county, or
   state


4. follow a standard pattern of behavior
   


5. notify the probation officer if there is any
   irregularity from the norms set. (e.g. the probationary inmate may wish to visit an
   ailing mother or father or attend the funeral of a
   relative.)


6. work with a counselor appointed by the
   officer

Failure to comply with these
stipulations may cause the person on probation to return to
prison.

The probation officer must keep accurate records
and report to the court from time to time about the caseload.  He or she usually is
required to have a bachelor's degree in criminal justice; sometimes a master's degree
and experience is required.  Most prospective employees are between the average age of
21-37.