Parole Officer

Job Description

Parole officers are responsible for monitoring offenders who have served time in prison and are released on parole. During parole, officers work with and oversee offenders to keep them out of trouble and prevent future crimes. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, parole officers share many of the same duties of probation officers, except that parole officers supervise those who have been to prison, which generally means that they have committed more serious crimes and require more monitoring. Generally, parole officers keep contact with offenders and their families by calling and visiting them at their homes, places of employment and therapy sessions. Some offenders are required to wear an electronic tracking device that monitors their location and movements, which helps parole officers keep track of offenders and prevent crimes from occurring. They may also arrange for offenders to attend substance abuse rehabilitation sessions, therapy sessions or job training. Parole officers attend parole hearings and report to judges or correctional facilities on their interviews, observation and surveillance of the offenders. Parole officers play a direct role in the rehabilitation and transformation of criminals who have served prison time, and are released back into the real world where they may pose a threat to the safety of others again.

Educational Requirements

The educational requirements for parole officers typically include a bachelor’s degree in social work, criminal justice, psychology, or a related field. A master’s degree in any of those majors may be required for candidates who do not have previous law enforcement experience. However, requirements may vary by employer and job responsibilities. Some employers may count related work experience as a feasible means for job qualification, while others strictly enforce that applicants have a college degree. According to the Bureau, related work experience may include working in probation, pretrial services, corrections, criminal investigations, substance abuse treatments, social work or counseling. In addition, parole officers are usually required to pass oral, written and psychological exams, as drug screenings and criminal background investigations.

Career Outlook and Salary

The career outlook for parole officers should continue to be favorable, because of an increasing population and growing crime rate. With that being said, more parole officers will be hired to balance the demand of those who are on parole and require their monitoring. Parole officers’ services are extremely helpful for correcting offenders’ behavior and assisting them in their rehabilitation process. The employment rate of parole officers is likely to increase with time, especially as parole officers retire or switch careers. With experience and additional training, parole officers may be eligible for advancement opportunities and increased salaries. According to Salary.com, parole officers made a median salary of $49,503 in 2009. Like most law enforcement careers, parole officers’ salaries can vary depending on their employer, location, education level and experience.