Probation and parole officer jobs in Michigan are divided among regions, with several major cities falling within each region. Detroit probation and parole officer jobs fall within the Metropolitan Region.
The Detroit Police Department maintains an interactive crime database that can be accessed by anyone. It shows the crime rate to the day, hour and minute. As of May 2013, homicides in Detroit were down 8.3 percent from the same time last year. The figures on this website indicate that all crimes in Detroit have decreased since 2005. It is thanks in part to the work performed by probation and parole officers in Detroit that the city’s residents can live a bit more securely now than they could a decade ago.
Education Required to Become a Probation and Parole Officer in Detroit
For entry-level probation and parole officer jobs in Detroit (classified as Parole/Probation Officer 9), a bachelor’s degree is a must. This degree should be in one of the following fields:
- Psychology
- Criminology
- Social work
- Correctional administration
- Criminal justice
- Theology
- Human services
- Family relations
- Education psychology
- Social work administration
- School social work
- Sociology
- Child development
- Counseling/guidance
Because this job is considered to be a trainee position, no experience is required in order to become a probation and parole officer in Detroit.
Application Process to Become a Probation and Parole Officer in Detroit
Applications for open probation and parole officer jobs in Detroit will be advertised online at the State of Michigan Job Opportunities website. Applications are also taken online.
All candidates must submit official copies of college transcripts online as well. Additionally, all applicants must have a valid driver’s license, a vehicle, and a telephone listed in their name. Any applicants who have felony charges pending or felony convictions on their record may not apply to become a probation and parole officer in Detroit.
Training for Probation and Parole Officers in Detroit
It is only possible to become a probation and parole officer in Detroit through training, which is extensive. The training program for probation and parole officer in Detroit is called Program F, and has three phases:
Phase 1 is an orientation required of all state employees, called Non-Custody New Employee Training, and must be completed within the first 30 days of employment.
Phase 2 consists of 360 hours of on the job training, completed at the field office location to which a probation and parole officer is assigned.
Phase 3 consists of computer-based and classroom courses in technical rule violations, supervision standards/classification, substance abuse, sentencing guidelines, probation violation process, probation process, pre-sentence investigations, pre-parole process, parole violation issues, parole process, offender supervision, interstate compact, interviewing skills, electronic monitoring supervision, community resources, residential programs, and criminal justice sentencing.
Continuing Education for Probation and Parole Officers in Detroit
Probation and parole officers in Detroit must complete in-service trainings each year in order to keep their jobs. The in-service training must be directly related to the duties of each individual probation and parole officer.