Wednesday, January 20, 2010

What are the pros and cons of being a probation officer?

Probation officers are charged with the duty of keeping track of individuals who have been charged with crimes that require court ordered supervision.  It is the probation officer's primary duty to try to ensure that these individuals do not engage in acts that are prohibited under the law or under the conditions that were established for the individual to remain in society.  


The pros of being a probation officer include a variety of job opportunities and work settings as well as a minimal educational requirement.  Unlike police officers, one is not required to undergo extensive training to become a probation officer.  Furthermore, probation officers can work out of a probation office, a group home, or at a correctional institution.


The cons of being a probation officer include interacting with people who have been convicted of crimes, who may be violent, try to escape their probation, or carry a weapon. Being a probation officer can be a dangerous job at times and the safety of the officer may be threatened.  In addition, the probation officer may not be able to keep track of every criminal under his or her charge and that person may commit another crime which involves harm to someone else.  Furthermore, there is often a great deal of paperwork that must be done in the day to day job of a probation officer.

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