| Just because a person did their time doesn't mean | | | | career is dependent on state and federal budgets. This |
| they've completely paid for the crime. As everyone | | | | is often a two-edged sword. Budget cuts could mean |
| knows about the American criminal justice system, | | | | more prisoners being released before serving their full |
| many former prisoners are released from | | | | sentence, thus increasing an officer's work load. Of |
| incarceration before they have completed their | | | | course, a budget cut could also mean laying off parole |
| sentence. This doesn't mean they are completely free. | | | | officers, which again increases the work load. |
| Usually part of their release is to report regularly to a | | | | At the present time though, it seems the general public |
| parole officer. | | | | wants to keep as much of the criminal justice system |
| Also called community supervision officers, their job is | | | | intact as possible. This also includes some of the |
| to keep a steady eye on those on parole. They are | | | | populace desiring it be larger with more prisons, police |
| often confused with probation officers, whose | | | | and parole officers. As it stands, the Bureau estimates |
| responsibilities are slightly different. According to the | | | | growth in the parole field will actually grow faster than |
| Bureau of Labor Statistics, a probation officer only | | | | the national average, at just under 20% between now |
| deals with those who were found guilty of a crime but | | | | and 2018. |
| not incarcerated. Parole officers deal primarily with | | | | For those interested in entering the field, a four year |
| former prisoners. It's very common for people to do | | | | bachelor's program is an absolute must. One should |
| both, depending on the state they live in. | | | | look for an on campus or online college that offers |
| Basically, a parole officer's responsibility is to keep an | | | | degrees in social science, humanities, criminal justice, |
| eye on released prisoners. They don't do it alone; they | | | | psychology or something related. Those with the right |
| often do it in conjunction with community groups. They | | | | kind of experience, such as police officers, often can |
| have their charges report to their offices on a regular | | | | find employment with just a few extra courses. |
| basis and they are also required to visit the former | | | | Salary is highly dependent on the state one works in. |
| prisoner and anyone related to them at their homes, | | | | On the low end it can go to just below $30,000, |
| place of employment or wherever else is necessary. | | | | although the average is $45,000. Some states do pay |
| The idea is to ensure the parolee has been living up to | | | | as much as $60,000 and, again according to the |
| the terms of his or her release. If not, it may involve | | | | Bureau, the upper 10% in the profession make around |
| re-incarceration. | | | | $78,000. One's benefit package is also highly |
| As these are governmental jobs, much of one's | | | | dependent on the state. |