Course: Introduction / Corrections
A parole officer is an officer charged with the supervision of offenders on parole, as well as other community-based sanctions.
A parole officer plays a crucial role in the criminal justice system by overseeing the reintegration of offenders into society following their release from prison. They work with individuals who have been granted parole or probation, providing them with guidance and support and monitoring their behavior to ensure they comply with the terms of their release.
Duties of Parole Officers
The duties of a parole officer are varied and may include conducting home visits to check on the offender’s living conditions, administering drug tests, and arranging counseling and other rehabilitative services. They also play a critical role in the supervision of offenders who have been released on parole, which is a conditional release from prison. This means that the offender is still serving their sentence but is allowed to live in the community under certain conditions. These conditions may include regular check-ins with the parole officer, maintaining employment or education, staying away from certain people or places, and avoiding any criminal activity.
Parole officers are also responsible for ensuring that offenders comply with any other community-based sanctions that may have been imposed. These sanctions may include community service, restitution, or electronic monitoring. In some cases, the parole officer may be required to testify in court regarding an offender’s compliance with the terms of their release.
One of the primary goals of a parole officer is to help offenders successfully reintegrate into society and become law-abiding citizens. This requires building a relationship of trust with the offender, providing them with support and guidance, and holding them accountable for their actions. Parole officers must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to be effective in their role. They must also have a strong understanding of criminal law and the criminal justice system, as well as knowledge of rehabilitation programs and services available to offenders.
Parole Officer Qualifications
To become a parole officer, one must typically have a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field, as well as experience in law enforcement or corrections. They must also pass a background check, a drug test, and a psychological evaluation. Once hired, they typically undergo extensive training in criminal law, investigative techniques, and offender supervision.
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- Chamberlain, A. W., Gricius, M., Wallace, D. M., Borjas, D., & Ware, V. M. (2018). Parolee–parole officer rapport: Does it impact recidivism? International journal of offender therapy and comparative criminology, 62(11), 3581-3602.
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Last Modified: 04/25/2023