Parole officers play an important role in helping people who have been incarcerated become reacclimated to society.
Requirements can vary between states, but there are a few general things you need to do to become a parole officer.
Keep reading to learn more about the career of parole officers and what the requirements are to become one.
What Is a Parole Officer?
A parole officer is a type of correctional specialist who works with clients who have been released from jail or prison and put on parole.
Parole is a period of time when someone who was previously incarcerated is released early, but they're still under a certain amount of supervision and have requirements to meet.
Parole officers are the ones responsible for the supervision of those on parole and for making sure that people on parole meet the terms of their parole.
The job duties of a parole officer may include:
- assessing their client's needs and determining how to help them meet their needs
- connecting clients to resources and services, such as job training
- ensuring clients meet their parole obligations, such as community service
- helping previously incarcerated individuals integrate back into society
- investigating alleged parole violations
- monitoring their client's activities
- testifying in court in regard to their client
- testing clients for drugs and illicit substances
- visiting their client's homes or workplace
- writing reports and maintaining client files
Some parole officers work with specific types of offenders or populations. For example, parole officers may work specifically with juveniles or those with substance abuse disorders.
In some areas, officers work with clients on parole and clients on probation. Probation is similar to parole but is offered as an alternative to incarceration.
These two groups have different needs, and officers that work with both need to know how to most effectively help both groups.
Parole Officer Requirements
When becoming a parole officer, you'll typically need to meet education and training requirements.
Requirements can vary depending on the state and area you work for. However, there are a few general requirements that you can expect.
Parole Officer Education Requirements
Most of the time, parole officers are expected to hold at least a bachelor's degree. This is a four-year undergraduate degree.
There is no specific degree for parole officers. Some common degree fields for parole officers include:
- behavioral science
- criminal justice
- criminology
- human services
- psychology
- social work
Some criminal justice degree programs may offer tracks specifically for those interested in going into corrections.
During your degree program, you may have the opportunity to participate in internships and other experiences that give you hands-on training in the field.
This can be especially helpful if your state requires previous experience in corrections before you can be hired as a parole officer.
Parole Officer Training Requirements
Most of the time, once you've been hired as a parole officer, you'll be required to complete a government-sponsored parole officer training program.
The topics covered by your specific training program will depend on the area you live in. Generally, these programs cover topics such as:
- court routines and procedures
- county and state policies
- firearm usage
- first aid and CPR
- investigation and surveillance policy and techniques
- safety methods and procedures
- self-defense
- writing official reports
Many states require you to pass an exam after you've gone through your training program to verify what you know. Some states may not require this until after your trainee period.
Your trainee period begins after training when you first start working as a parole officer. During this time, you'll be shadowing and working alongside experienced parole officers.
This allows you to get hands-on experience in working with clients, appearing in court, and maintaining files but doesn't require you to shoulder full responsibility.
The length of this phase can vary, usually from a few months up to a year. It will depend on where you work and how well you're progressing.
If you've chosen to specialize in the clients you work with, the experienced parole officer you're working with will likely be someone in the same specialty.
This gives you extra time to learn how to work specifically with your chosen population, allowing you to give them the most effective assistance possible.
Most of the time, you'll need to continue your education and training even after you have become a parole officer.
Many of the certifications and training required to be a parole officer, such as first aid and CPR training, require periodic refresher courses and renewals.
You may also be required to periodically renew your parole officer certification through continuing education courses.
Parole Officer Career Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) employment of parole officers and other correctional treatment specialists is projected to have little or no growth through 2031.
However, this doesn't mean that there won't be jobs available in this field.
An estimated 8,000 correctional treatment specialist jobs are projected to open up each year. This is expected to result from the need to replace workers who either switch to different occupations or retire.
The hope is that these employment opportunities will grow as governments continue to recognize the advantages of community corrections as opposed to incarceration in certain situations.
FAQs About Parole Officer Requirements and Career Outlook
Below, we've answered some common questions about becoming a parole officer.
Do I Need To Pass a Background Check To Become a Parole Officer?
This can vary, but you will very likely need to pass a background check to work as a parole officer. You may also need to pass random drug tests.
What Age Do I Have To Be To Work as a Parole Officer?
In many places, you need to be at least 21 to work as a parole officer, though in some places it's as low as 18.
Are There Any Other Requirements To Become a Parole Officer?
There may be other miscellaneous requirements that you need to meet as a parole officer, such as holding a valid driver's license.
Check with your state for a full list of requirements you need to meet to become a parole officer.
Become a Parole Officer
To become a parole officer, you'll typically need a bachelor's degree and to fulfill the necessary training programs.
With the information above, you can decide if this is the right career path for you, and if so, how to get there.
