Once a defendant pleads guilty to a crime, a judge orders a pre-sentence report. This is where the probation department comes in. Probation officers (POs) assigned to investigation units prepare pre-sentence investigation reports (PSI) by interviewing defendants in person. Writing skills are important because reports must be clear and convey information the judge needs to consider sentencing the defendants.

Through the interview and other research (such as reviewing paperwork from the district attorney's office), POs obtain defendants' backgrounds, why the offense was committed, family information, past criminal history, drug use and other facts.

If a victim is involved in the case and is willing to give a statement, this can be a valuable resource at sentencing time. Some jurisdictions require probation departments to obtain information from victims.

Victims can indicate the impact the crime has had on their lives, what, if anything, was stolen and any injuries caused. The report ends with a recommendation for sentencing, where the PO indicates why a defendant is or is not a risk to the community.

Another role of the probation department is to supervise. POs assigned to supervise defendants meet with them regularly. Probationers (as the defendants are now called) are required to report to POs for regular visits. They must prove they are keeping to the terms of their punishments.

For example, if community service is part of a sentence, defendants must say what they have done to uphold that requirement. POs also oversee defendants' job searches or enrollment in substance abuse programs.

POs must formally notify the court of any violations of probation. Sometimes this results in a revocation (taking back) of probation, and the defendant becomes incarcerated.

Want to be a PO?

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.