What is the primary role of a probation and parole officer?

The primary role of a probation and parole officer is to supervise offenders placed on probation or parole. This involves monitoring compliance with the terms and conditions of their probation or parole, ensuring that they adhere to the law, and providing guidance to help them reintegrate into the community. Probation and parole officers play a critical role in the criminal justice system by helping to manage offenders who are not incarcerated, which can lead to reduced recidivism and promote public safety.

While rehabilitation through counseling is an important aspect of working with offenders, it is not the primary function of probation and parole officers; rather, it is one of the supportive roles they might take on alongside supervision. Legal representation in court is primarily the role of attorneys, not probation and parole officers, who do not provide legal counsel. Conducting criminal investigations typically falls under law enforcement responsibilities rather than the duties of probation and parole officers, whose focus is on community supervision and support for individuals on probation or parole.