Probation and parole officers are unique in the criminal justice system. Whereas, the goal of most other criminal justice personnel is to arrest, prosecute, or incarcerate the offender, the probation...

Probation and parole officers are unique in the criminal justice system. Whereas, the goal of most other criminal justice personnel is to arrest, prosecute, or incarcerate the offender, the probation and parole officer works to rehabilitate the offender and keep him or her out of prison. They work one-on-one in long-term professional relations with a variety of clients from shoplifters to sex offenders to murderers. The minimum educational requirement for probation and parole officers is higher than most criminal justice entry-level positions. Most agencies require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and graduate degrees are common among successful candidates. They are required to have counseling skills and a good grasp of psychology and sociology as it relates to behavioral modification and motivation. Most probation and parole officers work either for the state or the federal government. Unlike police recruits there is no extended academy to train the probation and parole officer for the job. They are expected to possess the necessary skills prior to employment. The probation and parole officer works in a dangerous environment and many are armed with arrest powers. What academic classes would best prepare a student for work as a probation and parole officer?