Jefferson Parish is home to Gretna and Kenner, but also includes a large number of metropolitan New Orleans residents. The Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections manages probation and parole services here. The typical caseload in this parish was about 120 in 2005, but this has escalated in recent years, especially in metropolitan New Orleans.
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Requirements to Become a Probation and Parole Officer in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana
Most probation and parole officers in Jefferson County possess a bachelor’s degree, although some highly qualified professionals may be able to substitute six years of full-time work experience for a bachelor’s degree. Prospective probation and parole officers are highly encouraged to pursue a master’s degree as this may provide competitive advantages during the hiring, promotion and salary determination processes.
Candidates for Jefferson Parish probation officer jobs should also possess the following qualifications:
- Possess a valid Louisiana driver’s license
- No felony convictions
- No domestic violence convictions
- Ability to carry and use firearms
- Ability to receive Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification
POST Certification and Training for Jefferson Parish Probation and Parole Officers
In order to receive POST certification, officers must attend an accredited training academy that provides 420 hours of Peace Officer instruction. In addition to 80 hours of firearms training and 40 hours of training in Pressure Point Control Tactics, officers must also take courses in:
- Legal Aspects
- First aid and CPR
- Orientation to criminal justice
- Investigations
- Report writing
- Officer survival
- Professional Peace Officer
A rigorous physical training program is also required while students are enrolled at the academy. Following these courses, a written exam must be passed, along with a physical fitness test. New officers must also complete the Basic Firearms Qualification, which must be renewed annually. Officers must complete 40 hours of additional training each year.
What to Expect from Probation and Parole Officer Careers in Jefferson Parish
The Division of Probation and Parole passed American Correctional Association for six straight years through 2009. Jefferson Parish has implemented a new program that allows supervisees to pay their supervision fees through Western Union locations. This partnership with a private company is expected to greatly enhance the ability of officers to supervise offenders, as the DPP estimates almost a quarter of PO schedules were devoted to collecting these fees.
One of the highest priorities for the DPP is the proper supervision of sexual offenders. Using the “Containment Model” as the basis for Sex Offender Supervision Program, POs work with the Attorney General’s Office, Louisiana State Police, local sheriffs, and legislative committees to develop coordinated strategies for tracking, monitoring and treating offenders. In compliance with state and federal statutes, some offenders are monitored for the rest of their lives through active supervision and GPS monitoring.