Is Anyone a Probation Officer?

[McCallTx]

I am quite interested in a probation officer position in the DFW area; I am wondering if anyone can speak from experience. Graduated in '06 with a degree in sociology, emphasis in social deviance and social problems. I had an internship with the DAs office in Victim's Services which I enjoyed greatly, and for the past year I have been a general liability and commercial auto claims rep (eeeeek!). Both involve heavy file management of crappy situations.

I am not trying to make this sound like a resume, but what other characteristics should I emphasis when/if I interview? This is something I really want. The position I was looking at required a 4 year degree in a related field or 1 years applicable experience; I feel I have both. What are the perks of the job and what are the downers?

I appreciate anyone's input who is does this for a living or knows someone who does. My research on the net has been pretty good but I am wanting an honest unbiased opinion, aI can't think of anyone I know that does this for a living. Thanks in advance!

[El Duderino]

Not sure about your state but in mine you need to attend a Correctional Probation Officer academy and pass a state exam to be certified. Neither are extremely difficult, but if you've never been thru an academy or the military it might be somewhat different for you.

I've worked as a LEO at the city and county level, CO at the county level and a CPO at the state level. Corrections and Probation are pretty much tied for my least favorite jobs ever. I'm sure some people love it but the only ones I knew that did were the bleeding heart ex-hippie type who thought everyone needed a hug. The guys who took it seriously and laid down the law didn't stick around long with the state. Too many rules and regs about feelings, understanding and accommodation.

Sorry to be such a downer about it but I honestly can't think of a single pro to balance out the lengthy list of cons.

[McCallTx]

Haha, thats alright, I imagine there are mixed feelings, but its a step up from insurance claims I bet. The requirment to my knowledge is you must pass the certification in your first year of employment, atleast thats what the website said.

[El Duderino]

Honestly don't let my opinion sway you. It might be different in Texas, but here I felt like a social worker with a badge.

Either way good luck with your choice.

[trdvet]

I know a couple of former ones, they made their own hours which was nice but the pay was crappy.

[McCallTx]

Yeah, it would be a slight paycut for me but I believe it would be a better fit for me compaired to what I am doing now.

[trdvet]

Yeah, it would be a slight paycut for me but I believe it would be a better fit for me compaired to what I am doing now.

Go to www.workintexas.com if you haven't already.

[McCallTx]

but here I felt like a social worker with a badge.


That something I also looked into. I had the opportunity to supervise a halfway house but passed it up for a higher salary.

[McCallTx]

Go to www.workintexas.com if you haven't already.


Thanks, thats been a frequently visited site for me over the last couple years, I think I have been hesitant on pulling the trigger on any positions because I am trying to squeeze out a full year at my current job so i don't taint my resume, but that one year is approaching soon.

[Blue Duck]

I did it for several years in Missouri, became a supervisor for a couple of years, and now run a small District office, including handling new hires. With all that, I'm afraid I can't really tell you much at all ;)

Every state is totally different ranging from "hug a thug" Social Workers, to real deal cutting edge LE organizations. You also have offices in the same state, in different regions or Districts only miles apart that operate totally opposite of one another because the agency or judiciary are in conflict. I've had cases sent to prison for a second positive marijuana test in three years (tough judge), and another who got 14 positive coke test and three new felony arrest (two for selling drugs on highschool grounds) in only a year, get let off probation completely scott free because "Probation really is not working out for him very well." according to the Judge.

Your best bet is to try to find an inside contact to tell you what they are looking for if you really want the job.

I do keep up on national trends through the APPA and would not recommend anyone enter the profession, sorry.

[McCallTx]

Haha, well looks like I shouldn't put all my eggs in one basket! I am still interested though.

[Henning]

I am quite interested in a probation officer position in the DFW area; I am wondering if anyone can speak from experience. Graduated in '06 with a degree in sociology, emphasis in social deviance and social problems. I had an internship with the DAs office in Victim's Services which I enjoyed greatly, and for the past year I have been a general liability and commercial auto claims rep (eeeeek!). Both involve heavy file management of crappy situations.

I am not trying to make this sound like a resume, but what other characteristics should I emphasis when/if I interview? This is something I really want. The position I was looking at required a 4 year degree in a related field or 1 years applicable experience; I feel I have both. What are the perks of the job and what are the downers?

I appreciate anyone's input who is does this for a living or knows someone who does. My research on the net has been pretty good but I am wanting an honest unbiased opinion, aI can't think of anyone I know that does this for a living. Thanks in advance!

Hello, I am a juvenile probation officer in Ohio. I have been working in this field for quite some time and am now a senior PO working with juvenile sex offenders. Feel free to im or email whenever if you want to discuss further...good luck

[Gary1911A1]

Honestly don't let my opinion sway you. It might be different in Texas, but here I felt like a social worker with a badge.

Either way good luck with your choice.

Was one for 10 Months between school and it sucked. Swore I never do anything like it again and I retired from Corrections after 12 years to finish up 30 years with the state. I bet being a PO is worse now.

[BrazosCoTX]

I've been an adult probation officer in Texas for about 13 years, most of it in one department. Adult probation in Texas is not organized by county, but by judicial district. There are 122 adult departments in Texas-- some serve one judicial district over several counties (small departments), and ones like Dallas, Tarrant, and Harris serve many district courts and county courts at law each.

You've got the right degree. They looking for criminal justice, sociology, psychology, but will waive that requirement for almost any four year degree.

Starting pay differs by department. If you get on with Dallas or Tarrant, they should start you out between $30- $32K.

Most departments, called CSCDs (Community Supervision and Corrections Department), do not allow their officers to carry handguns. Some don't even allow pepper spray. Frankly, most departments don't want to make the investment in safety training-- they just pray that the next fatality won't be their's. We haven't lost any in a while-- last one was in Kerr County, shot to death after working hours. Unsolved to this day.

Caseload sizes depend on the type-- regular, about 125-140. Specialized, 40-65. You're not a social worker, but you wind up doing a lot of social work. You do help put the incorrigible away in the pen, but the goal is to get as many probationers as possible over the "finish line" successfully. You'll deal with cocaine and meth abusers, the emotionally unstable, the hardcore mental health cases, serial thieves, and many DWI and marijuana offenders.

This is my second career. I like it. Work for a good department. Most of the field is female (65% is my guess), out of a total of about 3,500 total officers statewide. I brought a mission-oriented mentality with me from my previous line of work (Semper Fi) when I started in probation, and found that many of my peers were simply civil servants with no real ambition. Eight-to-fivers, looking for a steady paycheck, nice folks, but not interested in making it a better profession. My boss (female), however, is one of the visionaries, and works harder than anyone else in the department. She sets a good example, and most follow her lead.

Hope I answered a few of your questions.

[McCallTx]

Thanks for the input fellas. It is still a career I am seriously considering, I realize there are some downsides, but as a commercial claims adjuster, I think my situation can only improve. Sounds like I would take a hefty paycut at first (I make 40k now), but I am willing to make that sacrifice for a career chance. I do not want to feel like my job is just to screw people over all day.