US Probation Officer

[wildlife97]

I am 25 years old with a BA in Criminal Justice and have been working the past two years as a seasonal LEO with the National Park Service. Prior to that I worked two years as an intern with another federal natural resource LE agency, and prior to that for about three years as a investigative employee for a state LE agency.

I have been looking at US Probation Officer jobs and they are really intriguing. I have found between previous threads on here and job announcements that each district truly is different in what they require in their officer's.

I hate to do a "crystal ball" type thread here but for those "in the know" how likely would I be to land one of these positions, I am willing to go anywhere. I know someone worked as an officer for about two years and he had no prior LE experience at all, then I see some others say that you must have extensive parole/probation experience for these positions. Just want to see what you all think. Thanks.

[sflipping]

Anyone from the MD district ? I have a few specific questions

[sflipping]

Thanks for your response .. by the way what district are you joining ?

[teamhoyt]

It was less than three months for me. I also had multiple people in my FLETC class that had been on the job for well over a year. I haven’t paid that much attention to our new hires’ timelines. My district has always been very considerate of family situations and such in asking officers if they’re ready. There’s no hard and fast rule.

FLETC is an enormous investment in a new hire. Some districts wait to see how new hires are adjusting; FLETC smurfs are a reflection of their district and chief - you’ll get the lectures (a guy from my class is the subject of one such story).

If I were you, I’d get in, find out district expectations as soon as possible, check FLETC openings and go from there.

[Balco42]

Thank you for the advice, teamhoyt! Any idea how long after starting I should expect to attend FLETC?

[teamhoyt]

Catch FLETC right away in spring. July and August suited up at the outdoor range is a beast and the a/c in the mat rooms leaves a bit to be desired. Avoid budget crunch and inclement weather periods if possible, or you may have a shortened program (again spring is the finest time to enjoy Chuckstown). Be eager but show a willingness to learn. Feds operate different from any state/county I’m aware of.

If you don’t have a tailored suit, go get one

[Hoppyandiknowit]

Hey just out of curiosity... Is anyone currently working or has anyone worked in there Vermont district?

[Balco42]

The medical process was a very thorough physical exam that also included vision and hearing screenings, blood work, TB test, and a medical history review.

My medical cleared in 21 days and I received a call right away, directly from the Chief. It came in the middle of the government shutdown though, so we decided to delay my start date to avoid the uncertainty that would come with that. That’s why I’m just now starting. Otherwise, it would’ve only been 21 days for me.

[sflipping]

How was the medical exam process? Im at this point just would like to know what to expect? how soon after that appointment did you get your start date?

[Balco42]

I officially have my start date! Any tips that might help make the transition a smooth one are greatly appreciated.

[afoutlaw163]

I’ve applied to the US Probation Officer announcement for the District of Massachusetts. Does anybody have specifics on that district I.e. flex time, comp time, tele work, if they are armed, and their development cycle? Thank you in advance.

[brownj21]

Hello all, I was given an offer from Northern District of California. Does anyone have advice on countering? Is there a science to establishing the class? I've been a juvenile PO for cook county and hold an MA. Thank you for your insight in advance.

Some districts allow for countering, while others do not and the offer is more of a take it or leave it.
Be sure which one Northern District of Calif is before making that move.

Not sure what your question "is there a science to establishing the class?' means.

[Raqui]

Hello all, I was given an offer from Northern District of California. Does anyone have advice on countering? Is there a science to establishing the class? I've been a juvenile PO for cook county and hold an MA. Thank you for your insight in advance.

[StarkWood88]

Anyone got any insight on NDIL or NDIN (northern district of Illinois - Chicago) or (northern district of Indiana - Hammond).

Chicago has that new office built. New Chief from Kentucky, Holmes... Any insight on how they roll and the atmosphere there or across the street at pretrial would be appreciated on the culture of the office, leadership, type of new hires they usually have recruited recently, social work/LE orientation, carry in office/field, FLETC training spots, dedicated car or shared gov car, how is fieldwork conducted, telework, upward mobility, training opportunities within district and out of district, the judges, etc?

Okay - I've been a PO in 3 districts and counting (across 10 years), and I know about a lot of other districts. Although your questions sound like legitimate questions, don't take this the wrong way, but it sounds to me like Probation is not the job for you. You're looking for more of a traditional 1811 gig.

Probation (supervision) is HEAVY social work in MOST districts. The districts that are more progressive on the LE side STILL are heavy on social work (Vegas, Southern New York, Western PA, Western NC) with the day to day operations.

If you have specific questions, feel free to PM me.

[Nola504]

Anyone got any insight on NDIL or NDIN (northern district of Illinois - Chicago) or (northern district of Indiana - Hammond).

Chicago has that new office built. New Chief from Kentucky, Holmes... Any insight on how they roll and the atmosphere there or across the street at pretrial would be appreciated on the culture of the office, leadership, type of new hires they usually have recruited recently, social work/LE orientation, carry in office/field, FLETC training spots, dedicated car or shared gov car, how is fieldwork conducted, telework, upward mobility, training opportunities within district and out of district, the judges, etc?

Good lord, have you not asked about every single district and how they "roll" on every probation thread on here? C'mon now. It's been over a year and I keep seeing the same post, different district. Its annoying