Probation and Pretrial Officers Help Bring Positive Change in the Community
U.S. probation and pretrial officers must balance two very important goals: protecting public safety and helping people they oversee make positive changes in their lives.
In recognition of National Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision (PPPS) Week, a new video explains the work of officers and their unique roles in the administration of justice, providing insight into how they do their jobs effectively.
“It’s the probation officer’s job to help assess the person under supervision and find out what their needs are. And once we know what their needs are, it’s our job to help motivate them and to ... help collaboratively come up with that road map to get them to where they need to be,” said Justin Adams, a special offender specialist for the Western District of North Carolina U.S. Probation Office.
Officers work hard to help individuals who have been convicted of federal crimes to fully reintegrate themselves into society. Many face a wide range of needs, including employment, mental health treatment and even getting a driver’s license after spending time in incarceration.
“Not only am I working to help preserve community safety and looking out for the public, but I’m also working every day to help people make positive changes in their lives,” said Amanda Knox, a sentencing guideline specialist for the District of Arizona U.S. Probation Office.
PPPS Week is honored annually during the third calendar week of July to recognize the public service of community corrections professionals.
Learn more about the federal probation and pretrial services system.
Related Topics: Probation and Pretrial Services