View Full Version : Why did you choose this career?
To all current probation/parole officers,
May I ask why you chose this field instead of being a police officer? I have been talking to people about the possible LE fields and the cops all said being a police officer is better as far as job duties and satisfaction. Personally, I like the idea of holding the convict responsible and involved in restitutions. I know for drug users and drinkers, rehab maybe isn't succesful but it's worth a shot.
I guess my question is for those who weren't police officers originally. What brought you to the field?
For those who were police officers, do you feel as much job satisfaction as you did in your old job? Do you feel you make a positive impact on at least some of the guilty folks?
Just trying to get all perspectives. Thanks for your answers!
jaltage,
I am a felony adult probation officer in Texas. I have been at this job for about 2 years now. While in school I never even thought about a job as a probation officer. I didn't know what probation officers did or what was involved.
Since i've been working I have found out that we have a big impact on people's lives. We have a huge part in deciding if a probationer goes to prison or not or if we give them chances to straighten up. We are in constant contact with Judges and attorneys, as well as many other law enforcement agencys.
While police officers do alot of the more dangerous work like arresting people and tickets, I have alot of friends in law enforcement that get tired of arresting the same person over and over again just to see them get out of jail the next day.
In probation we work with the defendants to try to get them through it, but we also put many of them in prison. Not jail, but prison. I can say that there have people I have helped and they have done a great job on probation, but I have also had a hand in putting many people in prison for not obeying their conditions of probation. It is a good job and you have the chance to help people as well as put the bad guys away and protect society.
One more big thing is that most probation officers have weekends and holidays off and no nights. Thats great, especially if you have a family.
Depending on which state and what function you perform in the probation and parole field you will inherently perform many of the same functions in this field as a police officer would in their line of work. Many probation and parole agencies perform their own arrests and do their own investigations. You will ultimately develop excellent communication skills and you will also learn how criminals think and act as per your individual meetings with them. You will develop many law enforcement contacts as you deal and work with other agencies on a daily basis. If you are with the right department and have the right contacts you will be invited to participate in special details and with other investigations. Overall the career can be just as rewarding and fulfilling as a police officer's career, you make out of it what you want. Police officers and probation and parole agents have the same overall goal which is protection of the community at large.
I have worked as a juvenile probation officer for seven years and
I had also been a special police officer when I was younger. I knew nothing about probation when I was hired. I just took a bunch of tests and probation bit first. Looking back I am glad I do
this instead of police work. I think unless you are in a big city there is no advacement for cops. In the seven years at probation I have been promoted once and I now run an intensive case load.
I will be making 50,000.00 this year. I am satisfied at this point. My only wish is that we had the pension that the cops get.
Badger,
What state do you work in ?
Hi,
I wanted to use my degree in Criiminal Justice and did not want to be a police officer because of the hours involved, safety issues, and such. Also, as a single mom, I need the stability of a nice "9 to 5" job. I am very happy with my choice to work for the judiciary and see what I am doing as a life-long career.
Good luck to you!
Blazer
Badger- You a mass. juvenile P.O?
Stubrie, I am a juvenile po in Camden, NJ. No firearms here, just
cuffs, capstun, and an asp. How about you guys and girls?
Sorry about the almost 1 month reply;
Cuffs, capstun, ASP what's that!!
We carry our car keys, a handful of change, and maybe a humungus lint ball to throw at offenders....
Probation here is let's say, a little more social work oriented than in other places.
I carry with me the luck of the Irish and the hope I'm not the guinea pig that takes that bullet, walking in those project hallways.....
Survival= instant millionaire.
I don't know guys. My department is pretty social work oriented, but you could not get me to do this job with out my 9mm, capstun and especially my bulletproof vest. The department issues these things, thankfully. I'm sure that your municipality issued these things to the police officers that arrested the people onyour caseloads. Yet they expect you to visit these people at their homes, unexpectedly. Do they realize these people are convicted criminals and often times drug abusers? I just don't get it! Well I hope you guys stay safe out there!
Probie1
Stubrie; NJ just passed a bill that will give 200 probation officers guns. The Judiciary is pissed. I may get one because of my case load. Get this though. The union rep from adult probation said it will take like 2yrs for it to start because of money. Jesus what a system huh. They messed it up because we will have to go to a whole academy because they are giving us full law enforcement power over every one not just probationers. I don't need that I just want a gun for working at night in the projects. Just send me to the range. We already go to the academy for the cuffs, asp, and capstun. I will be like 35 going to an academy. I hope it is modified. I am not in bad shape, but I can't run like I used to. Oh
well I guess we will see.
Stubrie:
NJ is laying off 1200 state workers, but I don't think it will be Probation. They don't mess with us much like that. Is your adult probation with the judiciary like ours is? NJ is so messed up that child support enforcement is under probation. I started over there for about 2yrs. not exciting work, but decent. I did warrrant
confrences with guys the sherrifs dept. picked up. I would set there bail. It was more power then I have in juvenile. One good thing is for both of us is at least the pay is good. Good luck on the State Police testing.
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