If inmates comply with the behavior expected in prison, they might be released for good behavior to the supervision of a parole officer, whose responsibilities are similar to those of a supervising probation officer.

For a term determined by parole boards, "parolees" must make regular visits to an officer, prove they are seeking employment, stay off drugs and not violate their paroles in any other respect.

Parole officers counsel families to prepare them for the parolee's release into the community. Parole officers prepare pre-parole recommendation reports that indicate whether inmates should be released. Home visits and visits of parolees on the job or at school are also part of a parole officer's job.

Want to be a parole officer?

Probation officers and parole officers are often required to have a bachelor's degree in social work, criminal justice or a related field.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of probation and parole officers in 2000 was $38,150.