U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services officers receive training and education throughout their careers at the Federal Probation and Pretrial Academy.
Mission
The academy’s mission is to train officers to perform their duties effectively, efficiently, and as safely as possible while upholding the integrity, values, and dignity of the Judiciary. Students receive advanced training in firearms, safety, conducting searches and other aspects of the job. They also build relationships with officers from across the national system. The academy is located at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Charleston, South Carolina.
New Officer Training
The Initial Probation and Pretrial Training Program is a six-week program that provides new officers with basic training to perform the core job functions of a probation or pretrial services officer. The training includes traditional and virtual classrooms, electronic learning modules, role-playing scenarios, labs, and practical exercises. Officers learn about policies, procedures, and techniques related to pretrial investigations and supervision, presentence investigations, post-conviction supervision, officer safety, and firearms.
In addition to the core courses, students attend classes on ethics, use of force, de-escalation, the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, location monitoring, testifying in court, substance use disorder, mental health, domestic violence, sex offenses, and diversity and bias. The training program is accredited by the Federal Law Enforcement Training Accreditation Board.
Advanced Firearms and Safety Training
The Initial Firearms Instructor Certification is an intensive program designed to teach experienced officers who are proficient in handling firearms to conduct training in their home districts. Upon completing the course, officers are certified to train other officers in the laws related to use of force, fundamental pistol applications, shooter diagnostics, and range management. Recertification of firearms instructors takes place every five years.
The Initial Safety Instructor Certification is a physically intensive program that officers must complete to become certified as instructors. After completing the course, officers are certified to train other officers in response tactics such as weapon retention and ground defense, use-of-force policies and procedures, and the use of Oleoresin Capsicum (pepper) spray. Recertification occurs every five years.
Search and Seizure Training
The Search and Seizure Training Program trains search team members to follow search and seizure guidelines. Officers are trained in legal principles, handcuffing, and evidence-handling, storage, and disposal.
Adjunct Instructors
The academy relies on experienced officers to serve as adjunct instructors for national training and advanced programs. Experienced probation and pretrial services officers take part in three-year assignments, during which they have the opportunity to train, coach and develop the national workforce of U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services.