Probation officers assist individuals serving a probation sentence in fulfilling its conditions. Through assessment, counseling and enforcement, probation officers help probationers comply with court orders, promoting stability and the successful completion of probation requirements.  

Individuals interested in a career in criminal justice, public service and supporting people on the road to rehabilitation should explore how to become a probation officer and how the right bachelor’s degree program can guide them toward a rewarding career. 

What Do Probation Officers Do? 

Probation officers are key contributors to public safety, as they’re tasked with supervising individuals who have violated the law and who are serving probation rather than being incarcerated. Probation is a type of sentencing that a court can assign to an individual after a criminal conviction. The court provides an outline of conditions for the offender to follow while on probation as an alternative to incarceration. 

A probation sentence allows an individual to remain in the community as long as they abide by their probation conditions. Probation officers provide the supervision necessary to ensure that probationers meet their conditions. To become a probation officer, it’s important to know how the role supports both probationer success and public safety. 

Main Responsibilities of Probation Officers 

A probation officer’s role is highly dynamic. From supervision to enforcement and documentation, below are the main responsibilities of this career.  

Supervising Probationers 

Individuals on probation are assigned to a probation officer. This officer is responsible for supervising each probationer to ensure that they comply with court-ordered conditions. Supervision can include check-ins, home visits and drug testing. 

Assessing Probationers 

Probation officers conduct assessments with those under their supervision. Assessment is essential for identifying a probationer’s successes and setbacks. Routine assessment helps guide a probation officer in finding ways to best support those under their supervision, ultimately aiding them in completing their probation terms successfully. 

Providing Support to Probationers 

With the help of assessments, probation officers identify various challenges and risks faced by those under their supervision. Probation officers connect probationers with resources such as counseling to help minimize these challenges, potentially curtailing harmful or risky behaviors that lead to criminal offenses. 

Enforcing Probation Conditions  

Should a probationer violate the conditions of their sentence, probation officers are responsible for stepping in to enforce action to help bring the probationer back into compliance. Probation officers may issue a warning or submit information to the court for further review of the sentence terms. Their enforcement may depend on the severity of the probationer’s violation and the court’s requirements.  

Completing Court Reports 

Court reports function as progress reports for probationers. Probation officers must complete reports to outline the progress or drawbacks of those under their supervision. These reports are crucial in determining whether probation ends satisfactorily or unsatisfactorily. Unsatisfactory termination can result in further legal consequences.  

Establishing Community Relationships 

Another main responsibility of probation officers is establishing positive relationships with the community. Since probation officers may need to connect probationers with public services, they need to foster relationships with the individuals and organizations that provide them. Relationships between community resources and probation officers help provide greater access to resources for those under their supervision. 

Requirements to Become a Probation Officer 

A probation officer’s career requires interpersonal communication and legal knowledge, two skills that individuals build upon during their journey toward the position. When learning how to become a probation officer, it’s necessary to review the education and experience requirements for the role.  

Education 

Entry-level probation officer positions typically require candidates to have at least a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, social services, psychology or another relevant field. A comprehensive bachelor’s degree program equips students with the knowledge to succeed in a probation officer position. This educational experience provides a deep understanding of law enforcement processes, behavioral analysis and proper case management, each essential to fulfilling a probation officer’s responsibilities.  

For further professional development, probation officers may earn a master’s degree in criminal justice. An advanced degree provides expanded knowledge on justice policies and systems that influence a probation officer’s work, builds on existing practical skills for the role, and can support those striving toward a supervisory position in the field. 

Experience 

The experience required to become a probation officer can vary, though most require relevant experience with the criminal justice or social services systems. Gaining work experience in the following areas can better position an individual for a career as a probation officer: 

• Counseling 

• Corrections 

• Criminal investigation 

• Law enforcement 

• Social work 

• Victim advocacy 

• Security analysis 

These types of roles help prospective probation officers build practical skills in communication, crisis response and case documentation. They also provide exposure to the justice system and the responsibilities involved in supporting individuals under their supervision. 

Probation Officer Salary and Job Outlook 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), probation officers and correctional treatment specialists earned a median annual wage of $64,520 in 2024. Salaries can vary based on employer and location, with the lowest 10% earning around $45,390 and the highest 10% earning more than $106,290.  

 Employment in this field is projected to grow 3% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. The BLS anticipates about 7,900 job openings each year during the period, largely due to workers retiring or transitioning to other roles, creating opportunities for new probation officers entering the field. 

Begin Your Journey in Criminal Justice 

Becoming a probation officer requires individuals to acquire a strong set of social science skills, such as interpersonal communication and behavior assessment. It’s important to select an accredited criminal justice bachelor’s degree program to support you along your path toward this rewarding career.  

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from SEMO Online, an institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, empowers students to turn their professional goals into actionable career steps. The robust online program helps students build the skills needed to address the unique and complex challenges of this field in a flexible format that supports both working learners and traditional students.  

Explore how SEMO Online’s criminal justice program can support your next steps toward a career in probation. 

Recommended Readings 

Sources: 

Circuit Court of Cook County, Overview of the Adult Probation Supervision Process 
Indeed, “Probation Officer Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications” 
Missouri Department of Corrections, Probation and Parole Careers 
United States Probation and Pretrial Services, Northern District of Indiana, Role of the Probation Officer 
United States Probation Office, District of Nevada, Probation Officers 
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists