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Parole Officer Job Description
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A Parole Officer deal with offenders released from prison. The term “parole” refers to the conditional release of patients before their sentence is complete. Parole officers and probationary officers have many common responsibilities but the former have to deal with offenders released form prison while the latter have to deal with offenders on probation. During the period of parole offenders must stay away from trouble and fulfill certain conditions. Otherwise, they run the risk of being sent back to prison. Parole functions mostly come under the State rules.
Job Duties:
A Parole Officer performs a number of duties, including identifying the prisoner who is eligible for parole. In some states the roles of a parole officer and probationary officers are combined. The duty of a parole officer is to:
1) Observe and study prisoners’ behavior to qualify them for parole. To qualify as a parolee, a prisoner must follow all the prison rules scrupulously; perform tasks assigned in the prison to the satisfaction of the prison authorities and cooperate fully for rehabilitation and therapy and show considerable progress.
2) Refer prisoners’ names to the parole board.
3) Keep tab on parolees through meeting them and their family members, friends and associates regularly.
4) Seek the help of community organizations to monitor the behavior of a parolee.
5) Keep track of the movements of a parolee by attaching an electronic device to the body.
6) May have to collect and carry urine samples of parolees for drug testing.
7) Help parolees find jobs, attend education programs and participate in therapy groups.
8) May suggest revocation of parole if they detect violation of rules.
Knowledge and Skills:
1) Perfect knowledge of rules and regulations regarding handling parolees.
2) Excellent in handling offenders and their families who may also have emotional problems or may be difficult to deal with.
3) Good knowledge of criminal psychology.
4) Computer skills to record parolee’s progress and file reports.
5) Should be comfortable with using firearms. May have to use them to deal with violent or dangerous parolees.
Educational Qualification and Experience:
1) Parole officers must possess a bachelor’s degree in social work, criminal justice, psychology or related fields.
2) They have to have a clear written and oral test. They must meet a certain physical standard.
3) They should not have any felony convictions.
Salary and Benefits:
1) According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics a parole officer earns a median wage of $45, 910 per annum in 2008.
2) They earn benefits as fixed by the State or county government they work for.
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