• The job of a probation officer can vary from day to day. In addition to maintaining relationships with and supervising criminals placed on probation, they also conduct investigations and work with the courts--sometimes to testify during trials. Generally, probation officers are hired by local and state governments and must satisfy certain qualifications regardless of the city or state. In North Carolina, these qualifications relate to education, training and personal history.
  
  

Education

• Probation officers must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited four year college. Typically, probation officers have a degree in law enforcement or criminal justice. However, degrees in other fields such as psychology and sociology are also advantageous. In cities such as Charlotte and Raleigh, where there is a large volume of applicants for the position, a master's degree may be required. Additionally, the state of North Carolina offers a basic training program to certify probation officers. This is a requirement for probation officers that work in correctional facilities. The program teaches personal defense and restraint techniques and lasts approximately four weeks.
  
  

Training

• The general rule for the training of probation officers is that they work on a trial basis for up to a year before becoming permanent. Probation officers must be adequately trained in listening and communication skills, writing reports and record-keeping, and self-defense. These qualifications may be obtained through law enforcement or criminal justice courses in college, however, the probationary period provides the extra training that is needed in these areas. Probation officers who work in surveillance must have law enforcement (up to six years without a degree in North Carolina) and criminal justice experience.
  
  

Personal History

• Probation officers must be in excellent physical condition and must be emotionally and mentally capable of performing the required job duties. Probation officers must also be United States citizens and must not have any felony convictions on record. Additionally, the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission will not certify individuals with a history of any of the following misdemeanors: assault and battery charges, indecent exposure, larceny, child abuse, prostitution or stalking. Individuals who wish to wish to work as probation officers in the North Carolina Department of Corrections are likely to be subject to these background checks.