What are the pros and cons of being a probation officer?

It's an important job, but it's not a job for everyone. In some states, the starting pay is rather low and one has to be on call at all hours of the day. One can become drained by seeing the same offenders arrested repeatedly and assigned probation when it appears as though the sentence does not help.

One also has to deal with unsafe situations, since many offenders are associated with others with criminal backgrounds

The Pros of working as a probation officer:

• Minimal education and good benefits.

• Probation officers are in high demand, and there is little risk of unemployment in this field, so there is good job security.

• Probation officers have a wide variety of duties, including everything from counseling to filing paperwork, court appearances, and more.

• The work is rewarding. Helping individuals better their lives and become productive members of society can be both personally and professionally rewarding.

• The work hours are flexible. There are full-time, part-time, and evening shifts available.

The Cons of working as a Probation Officer:

• The job is stressful. Dealing with potential danger and difficult situations can be stressful, both physically and emotionally.

• There is a high responsibility. Probation officers are responsible for making sure the individuals under their supervision follow all court orders and abide by their sentencing guidelines.

• The hours are long. Many probation officers spend long hours working in the field, at meetings, or in court.

• There is constant surveillance. Probation officers must constantly monitor their clients to make sure they comply with court orders and sentencing guidelines.

• The environment is unpredictable. Each case is different, and the work of a probation officer is often unpredictable

• There is a lot of paperwork. Be prepared to spend hours each day completing paperwork detailing the status of clients that you are assigned.