US Probation Officer

[borninblue]

I was reading one of the announcements and it states police officer experience does not meet the requirement, but investigative experience does. I am not a detective but have been assigned cases to work on my own. Any current PO's know if I would stand a chance? I have 12 years local LE experience and a Master's Degree.

[PSOSAC]

I think there's only 17ish independent Pretrial offices across the country. I'm very fortunate to be in one of those offices.

[SamJ]

Thanks for the info Sat, and yes, I'm going through the process with the SD in NY. I was under the impression that the majority of the info posted was relating to Probation and not Pretrial Services, so the clarification is much appreciated.

[satxparoleofcr]

Respectfully, go back to page one and read the entire thread. Myself and other officers have given some really good insight on the process and how it varies GREATLY from district to district.

FLETC doesn't focus on any one thing. It focuses on all aspects of the gig. Pretrial/Probation supervision, using our computer programs, writing PSR's, firearms, defensive tactics, etc. good luck.

+1. Great points! I went through IPPT a couple of years ago and felt that it was primarily geared for post-conviction supervision and PSI, at least in the classroom instruction. Working PTS is a different animal than post and PSI. Your primary duties are bail investigations and supervision of defendants. SamJ, I see you're from NY. Are you interviewing in the SD/NY? Where I'm at, we deal with the various NY districts quite often and they seem to be very busy. Southern and Eastern NY are not combined districts so probation and pretrial are separate agencies there. I think there is a big difference in the way PTS is done in districts that are not combined versus combined districts, which are the majority out there, but that's up for debate.

[PSOSAC]

Has anyone had experience with the interview process for Pretrial Services and or work as a US Pretrial Services Officer? If so, how long was the hiring process from start to finish, what is the major focus during the 6 week basic training, what percentage of the job would you say is focused on LE? Thanks in advance.

Respectfully, go back to page one and read the entire thread. Myself and other officers have given some really good insight on the process and how it varies GREATLY from district to district.

FLETC doesn't focus on any one thing. It focuses on all aspects of the gig. Pretrial/Probation supervision, using our computer programs, writing PSR's, firearms, defensive tactics, etc. good luck.

[SamJ]

Has anyone had experience with the interview process for Pretrial Services and or work as a US Pretrial Services Officer? If so, how long was the hiring process from start to finish, what is the major focus during the 6 week basic training, what percentage of the job would you say is focused on LE? Thanks in advance.

[pragmatic1920]

I'm currently with BOP now. Good luck on your interview!

[DaBulls]

I too, finally have a job interview for a USPO position in Pensacola next week. I have been a fed LEO for ICE for 6 years now, and prior to that was a CO with the BOP for a very short while.

[pragmatic1920]

Hello everyone. I actually have a job interview on Monday in Louisiana for a U.S. Probation Officer. I was a state probation officer for five years before going to the federal bureau of prisons. Any advice? I have had 1 other job interview before that I did not get.

[SaceLA]

Wow, thanks Sciens! That sounds like a big mess and misunderstanding but I'm glad you got through it! I sure hope I hear something soon considering it's been 6 weeks since my medical exam was completed but I figured with the holidays coming around, it might set me back a bit. I also doubt I will start so soon since I still have to put in my two weeks notice as instructed by the HR coordinator in my district. I just hope they don't take my signed probationary offer of employment away for any reason because I've heard of that happening to some people. I've also tried making contact with the medical review officer in Atlanta, GA but it seems to be mission impossible to get through. Thanks for the positive feedback! The waiting game is ALWAYS the toughest part!

[sciens]

Are there any other applicants on here currently waiting for FOH medical review results? I received a medical review form 3 weeks after i had my medical exam administered. The form asked for supplemental information in regards to my LASIK surgery I had back in July. I had my eye doctor fill out the form and I mailed it back to FOH with expedited shipping that same week but I have yet to hear back. I was wondering if this is normal time frame? It's now been an additional 3 weeks since they've received my supplemental form.

I think you might have about another week to wait as QTC/FOH has 30 days to provide the final medical results to the AO. Its pretty fast once it gets to the AO and my guess is you'll probably start on December 1st. I had somewhat of a similar situation with QTC/FOH and didn't start until 30 days after the last back-and-forth.

For me, the contracted medical examiner said I had an abnormal EKG and I was told to see my primary care doctor to have it checked out. (I have never had any history of cardiovascular problems.) I went to my primary care doctor and a private cardiologist to have myself checked out. I had multiple EKGs and also paid for a stress test with the private cardiologist. Every EKG test was normal and I tested at the highest level of cardio-respiratory fitness for my age range. I sent all the results to QTC/FOH within two weeks after the physical.

However, the contracted medical facility also neglected to conduct five additional tests during the physical, but I wasn't told by QTC until a couple of weeks later. I ended up having to go back to the facility again for a follow-up physical so they could conduct the five tests. After another 30 days, I got the word that I was cleared to start. In total, from scheduling initial physical to ultimate start date, it took nearly three months for my "medical."

[leonarmi]

Experience is the key. I don't know of anyone who has started out with federal probation. I did 7 years with the county before I was finally hired with the feds, and every other officer I know had at least 3 years or more experience. My recommendation would be to start getting that experience as soon as you can.

I must be doing something wrong. No state or federal job has come calling. No interviews after more than a few at state level. I guess it is true education is worthless unless you have the experience to back it up. Should have worked first went to school after. I'm getting up there in age probably time to find something else.

[jdg0044]

Experience is the key. I don't know of anyone who has started out with federal probation. I did 7 years with the county before I was finally hired with the feds, and every other officer I know had at least 3 years or more experience. My recommendation would be to start getting that experience as soon as you can.

[leonarmi]

I have been applying for a USPO for some time in various locations. From what I am reading here it must be due to my inexperience because I have gotten 0 interviews. I have an MA in Crim. Justice but can't seem to secure any employment due to my inexperience. Going through the process now in Mass and NY pretrial services officer.

[SaceLA]

Are there any other applicants on here currently waiting for FOH medical review results? I received a medical review form 3 weeks after i had my medical exam administered. The form asked for supplemental information in regards to my LASIK surgery I had back in July. I had my eye doctor fill out the form and I mailed it back to FOH with expedited shipping that same week but I have yet to hear back. I was wondering if this is normal time frame? It's now been an additional 3 weeks since they've received my supplemental form.