What does a Probation Officer do?

After a short career as a cop, and a slightly longer one as an Immigration Officer (now ICE), I became a probation officer. I did that job for almost 30 years. To me it seemed like everyone was either on probation or knew someone who was. That’s not actually the case — only one in fifty-five adults are on probation or parole in the United States according to one study I found on the Internet.

When a critique partner expressed confusion as to what the job entailed, it got me thinking. I’ve seen a PO as a minor character in books, TV, and movies, but never as a lead character. Many people have no idea what a PO does.

When I first started the job the role was described to me as half social worker/half police officer. The PO walks a tightrope between advocating for their clients to enforcing that they follow the conditions of their probation. A PO is forever changing hats. Congratulating people when they do well, attending graduations, and celebrating accomplishments. And then, sometimes even in the same day, arresting the client and sanctioning them for bad behavior. Revocation of probation and a sentence to prison always hangs over a probationer’s head.

I’ve held the job in both Arizona and Oregon. While each state is a bit different, this will give you a general idea of a day in the life of a PO.

First of all, no two days are the same. It was good for me because I’m not super organized, but planning ahead, seldom works. You can block off your morning to write reports for the court, but then you get a call from a community member telling you that one of your charges, let’s call him Joe, has run amuck. Depending on how deep the muck is, the PO may have to drop everything and pay Joe a visit. Maybe Joe just needs to talk. Maybe he needs a UA or a referral to treatment. Or maybe he has to go to jail. This is the cop side of the job.

Typically, the PO will see their clients in the office at least once a month (usually depends on how risky their behavior is) and see them at their home and sometimes their job (or residential treatment) on a regular basis (field work). If the client is homeless, we typically ask for cross streets and try and find them in the area. Conducting searches of the client’s home or vehicle is also part of the job.

Paperwork is a big part of the job. We chrono all contacts, write warrant requests, court reports and there’s a form for everything. Finishing probation? Modifying a condition? Granting a travel permit? There’s a form for that.

Another big part of the job is attending probation violation hearings, which requires a lengthy report.

There are specialized caseloads. Too many to mention, but the big ones are gang, domestic violence, mental health, and gender specific.

PO’s work closely with treatment providers, mentors, the courts, and other law enforcement. Yes, a PO is considered law enforcement.

And the day of a PO doesn’t end at five o’clock. Nighttime is sometimes the best time to pop in on a client and see what they really do in their free time. Even if the PO is tucked tightly in bed for the night, the job doesn’t stop. POs are on call 24/7. Joe has police contact at 3am? The PO gets a call. Do you want to detain Joe or let him go? Making the decision half-asleep usually ruins your whole night as you fret about the choice you made while groggy.

This is by no means a comprehensive list of what a PO does in a day, but you get the drift. It was a great career and I loved it. The days fly by. Now I’m happy to just write about it.