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.

[mattydub]

I did see the posting in San Diego, and figured they would have high caseloads. Are you able to have a say in the caseload you supervise or more just assign based on needs?

Does anyone have input on the Las Vegas, El Paso, or Middle District of Florida? I see they have all openings and was curious to how they were with caseloads, office environment, hiring process, etc.

[HMCN]

I have a D.C. contact. PM me if you still have questions.

[LadyKiller]

I filled out the SF86 prior to starting.

[COPO85]

Hey Lady, curious, how long after you started provisionally did you fill out the SF86?

[Uptown1234]

Thanks for your feedback!

[LadyKiller]

Hello all, any insight on the SF86/background investigation process or timeline for a new hire?

It's a single scope background. They will talk to everyone, tell the truth. My background took right at two years. I was hired, and supervising a caseload prior to it being completed, that entire two years I was provisional/subject to being fired if something negative came back. New people in my office are currently having to wait 12+ months for their backgrounds to clear. The upside is with Probation you aren't subject to the adjudication standards that other agencies are. In other words, if you have something negative, the Chief Judge, and Probation Chief decide if you still get hired. There isn't someone in Washington checking boxes that doesn't know you making that decision. There are several people working in my office that have had serious background issues that are now fully credentialed federal law enforcement officers, because they were simply honest with the Chief about their past indiscretions. On a side note this means if you are denied by one district, you can still apply and be picked up by another, I see it all the time, it's literally up to the Chief. There are even felons working in support roles for U.S. Probation.

[Uptown1234]

Hello all, any insight on the SF86/background investigation process or timeline for a new hire?

[COPO85]

Hey everyone! I have interviews with Illinois (Peoria) coming up soon. Curious if anyone has any info on these districts? PM me if you have any insight. TY!

[ecg14]

If there is anyone here that works in D.C. could you please PM me. I have several questions regarding the open position there. Thanks!

[SamsoniteWayOff]

Hi all. I’ve searched high and low and cannot find much regarding medical disqualifications based on a mental illness. I know they want a letter from your doctor but if you have been stable on your meds, is it truly a disqualifying factor? Anyone have any experience with this?

[holycrikey]

My advice is don't work in the Southern District of California. Heavy caseloads, supervisors are micromanaging, and lots of self-demotions. If you're looking for law enforcement work, this is not the best place. PO's are limited to what they can do, and they are no lateral opportunities such as task force work and joint training. If you promote, you will do more of the same but slightly more difficult cases.

That sucks, sorry to hear that. I've previously met a few SD/CA officers and they all complained of high turn-over and big caseloads. I think last I checked, of the 3 officers I knew there, 2 have moved on elsewhere. Also sucks because my district has done joint training with other agencies. State/local folks, USMS, etc. I guess mileage varies on this front too.

[ATanaka]

My advice is don't work in the Southern District of California. Heavy caseloads, supervisors are micromanaging, and lots of self-demotions. If you're looking for law enforcement work, this is not the best place. PO's are limited to what they can do, and they are no lateral opportunities such as task force work and joint training. If you promote, you will do more of the same but slightly more difficult cases.

[Jwebb514]

(Double Post)

[Jwebb514]

Anyone have any first hand info on the Western District of Oklahoma?