The Wisconsin Department of Corrections, Division of Community Corrections is the state body that is responsible for monitoring the activities and enforcing the rules for adult residents of the state on probation or parole in Kenosha County. The parole operations in Wisconsin are divided into eight regional offices and approximately 113 local field offices, which makes it one of the largest probation and parole officer employers in the region.
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Probation and parole officers in Kenosha County do not have peace officer status, but are still allowed to make arrests when necessary, although they are not allowed to carry or operate firearms as part of their duties.
Requirements and Testing
Education – In order to become a Kenosha County probation and parole officer, applicants must meet basic education requirement among other criteria. The education requirements for the job state that all applicants must have at least a high school diploma or GED in order to apply for a parole officer position, although applicants with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, criminal justice, social work or sociology are for more likely to be the most sought after candidates.
Written Exam – If an applicant is deemed to be a worthy candidate for the position, they will be invited to take a written examination. The written exam is multiple-choice and a minimum score of 70-percent is required to pass and move on to the interview and recruitment process.
Fitness Exam – All recruits looking to obtain a career as a probation and parole officer in Kenosha county must pass a physical fitness examination. The exam requires that recruits complete a set number of sit-ups, push-ups and a 1.5 mile run. The passing score is dependant on the person’s age, as someone who is 21 years of age must be faster than a recruit who is in their 40s.
Training Academy
The training academy is an intensive 12-week crash course in the basic skills needed to be a successful probation and parole officer in Kenosha County. The training academy is located on the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Upon completion of the training academy, the recruit will be given certification to work with the public as an employee of the state of Wisconsin.
Training courses include:
- Communication skills
- Public outreach
- Psychology
- Social work
- Sociology
- Report writing
- Basic law enforcement investigation
Upon completion of basic training at the academy, parole officers are not required to take any additional training after the first year, except under special circumstances. Additional training is required if the state has changed or modified any of the parole service operations, rules, laws, mandates or any other type of legislative change that affects the way in which the Wisconsin Department of Corrections operates.
Parole officers are only required to participate in 8 hours of Principle of Subject Control (POSC) training each year after the first year of employment.