What Do It Take To Be A Probation Officer And Is It Hard?

Question

I'm 19 years old and I graudate in june from high school because I had to do another year, but after summer I would like to start taking classes for criminal justice at a community college to be a probation officer. I know I have to do 4 years in that major but I want to know what I'm getting my self into because I'm interested. I would like to know what classes I start with and if there is a test I have to start with and is it hard. If the class is hard period?



Please serious people reply.... I need to know what I will do with my life after school!

Answer 1

I was a probation/parole officer for 4 1/2 years. First let me say that in most states you are not a certified law enforcement officer. Second your case load is normally 100-120 people to start, it will lower as you go higher in the system to approx. 50-75 of your more dangerous offenders. Third is the job is high stress and low pay for what you do. You will find your self taking home the problems of your offenders by thinking about it all the time. I say this because you see your offenders monthly sometimes weekly and you get to know them. Then you start seeing them everywhere! You won't be able to eat out anywhere with out seeing someone you put in jail. It's not as hard for police because they only deal with people in time slots, but you deal with them in problems and their life. The classes are not hard but be warned if you do this your sanity will pay by burning out fast! I got a job as a judge with a higher degree choice so don't get stuck there if you decide to go ahead with your choice always keep your choices open and keep getting your education.

Answer 2

I'm graduating in May with a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and I want to be a parole officer. I think the classes in Criminal Justice are great...very interesting! I took a Probation and Parole class last semester and it was great, lots of guest speakers and stuff. It's a fairly easy major, I'm graduating with honors. I have a bunch of friends who are probation officers and they work very hard...they have HUGE caseloads and they don't get paid very much. Where I'm living, they start out at $2,300 a month. So, this is definately not a career you choose for the money, you really have to believe in it.

Answer 3

Hi. I would suggest going to policejobsinfo.com to learn more about what you want to know. If you are pursuing a 4 year degree, you will start with more generic (core) classes, and maybe one or two Intro to Law or Intro to Criminal Justice type classes - this will depend on the college (check a catalog from the university for requirements).

There will be a written exam and a physical exam that you will need to pass for employment.

In my state, these are the required physical abilities: Walk/run/jog 880 yards in 8 minutes or less.
Climb 15-foot ladder to platform. Dismount to platform. Remount the ladder
and climb down.
Lift 50-pound object from the ground, carry it 20 feet, put it on a 36" table, then
return the object to its original position.
Stand five feet from a property box or similar object. Go to the box. Bend down
(without knees or seat touching the ground), unlock and remove the padlock. Step
back to original position with the padlock and key. Repeat this action four more
times, finally locking the lock on the hasp.
From a standing position, kneel down and then lie flat on your back. Maneuver
head first to mid-chest under a barrier (24 inches high) and then back out to a
standing position.

And now, my question - why a community college?

I almost forgot -look for your local website of where you want the job - it's not too hard to google, and you can find the info you need there.

Answer 4

Your career choice is admirable. Be advised, it's one thing to be academically brilliant, and street wise stupid. Not everyone is cut out to pursue a career in law enforcement. As a probation officer, you will be dealing with the dregs of society. In my opinion, the only choice more dangerous is a corrections officer. Contact your local state's attorney's office, inform them of your career path, and ask for an interview with a probation officer. Get the scoop directly from someone who is doing it. Good Luck.

Answer 5

Don't waste four years to be a probation officer! Here you can get a two year degree in Criminal Justice and you are set. You might want to take a college writing and english class too..........

Answer 6

Good for you! I would suggest that you contact your local parole office and see if you can arrange to meet with someone there who can give you all the answers you're looking for. I can tell you that going to college for criminal justice is an excellent start! Good luck.

Answer 7

Call the college you want to go to and ask to speak with a student in that field, keep in mind, they will reference the best student. And unless your a hard *** yourself it will be a hard job. because you are dealing with the scum of the earth, i was a Corrections Officer, most P.O's I met were burned out, or just as mean as the convicts.

Answer 8

Study law enforcement procedures and apply for a probation officer.