Parole officer

Parole officers and probation officers play a large roll in the criminal justice field. Parole officers supervise and release offenders who have been incarcerated or have community service. They present reports and make sentence recommendations to the courts.

Parole officers monitor offenders, to help prevent them from committing another crime. Parole officers are very similar to probation officers, there is only one difference. Parole officers supervise offenders who have been released from prison and probation officers work with individuals who have been sentenced to probation and not prison.

Probation officers supervise and investigate defendents, who have not been sentenced to jail. The same process works for someone who has left jail. They too, will need to have a parole officer. The officer works with the defendent, by notifying them of court dates, drug tests and other actions required of them. If the defendent violates his or her probation they are sentenced back to jail.

Many officers meet offenders in their home and have contact with their family and friends. Many times, it is a group effort to help the accused. This means having support from family and friends. Parole officers will require help from local agencies. Organizations can be a great benefit to someone looking for acceptance in a community. Religious groups, neighborhood groups and local residents, can help monitor the defendent.

Some offenders have to wear a ankle bracelet which, is a electronic device that monitors the offender. Parole officers need to set up job rehabilitation. This means helping the offender pursue a job and meeting with the employer, if necessary. Substance abuse rehabilitation is required, as well. If the offender struggles with a controled substance, it is important that they receive help.

Most of the time, parole officers spend their time within the court system. They investigate backgrounds, write presentence reports and recommened sentences for the accused. They might have to testify in court, if needed.

The number of cases a parole officer takes on depends on the defendent. Some cases require more care then others. Parole officers see more then just a criminal they see a person. They want the person to pursue a normal healthy life, while integrating back into society.