How Do You Become A Probation Officer In New Jersey?
Probation officers are responsible for supervising adult offenders who have been granted probation to avoid a prison sentence. Probation officers must also collect fines from offenders and oversee any assigned community service. Juvenile offenders are also assigned probation officers, who must guarantee that the offenders complete the terms of their probation, according to the NJ Courts Online website. Outside of a college degree and relevant work experience, as a probation officer you must be 21 years old, be in superior physical condition, have a valid New Jersey driver’s license and possess excellent communications skills, as you will have to interact often with dangerous offenders, as well as their families and attorneys. Work out regularly to maintain the superior physical condition that is needed. Earn a bachelor’s degree in social work, criminal justice or psychology. Rutgers University, Kean University and Camden County College are generally viewed as having the state’s top cri