Parole Officers

Parole is the conditional release of a prisoner who has not served out a full sentence. A long-standing practice of the U.S. justice system, parole is granted for a variety of reasons, including the "good behavior" of a prisoner, as well as overcrowding in prisons.

Prisoners on parole, or parolees, are assigned to a parole officer upon their release. It is the job of the parole officer to meet periodically with the parolee to ensure that the terms of the release are followed; to provide guidance and counseling; and to help the parolee find a job, housing, a therapist, or any other means of support. Parolees who break the release agreement may be returned to prison. There are about 91,600 probation officers and correctional treatment specialists, including parole officers, working in the United States.

Salary Range

$25,000 to $100,000

Minimum Education Level

Bachelor's Degree

Certification/License

Required

Outlook

Little Change or More Slowly than the Average

Personality Traits

Helpful

Outgoing

Realistic

Career Ladder

Supervisor

Parole Officer II

Parole Officer

Parole Officer Trainee