The New Jersey State Patrol Board entrusts parolee supervision in Monmouth County with its senior parole officers and parole officer recruits. In 2010, Monmouth County supported a population of 630,380, making it the fifth most populated county in the state of New Jersey. Among the cities contributing the most to the need for parole services in this part of the state are Middletown, Freehold Borough, and Asbury Park.
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Monmouth County officials have made a serious effort to implement intervention programs in the lives of inmates before their parole release. These programs include GED classes, substance abuse services, housing, and health services. The two weeks immediately after release are identified as a critical period for reentry.
One of the major correctional facilities in the state is the Monmouth County Correctional Institute which houses almost 1,200 inmates and books or releases 1,000 offenders monthly.
Becoming a Parole Officer in Monmouth County, New Jersey
In order to join the New Jersey State Parole Board as a parole officer recruit, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Hold a bachelor’s degree
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Successfully passed a civil service exam
- Ability to complete the Police Training Commission academy course
Although a bachelor’s degree is the minimum educational requirement to become a parole officer in Monmouth County, many candidates with a master’s degree or post-graduate work often experience competitive advantages during the hiring process, salary determination and pace of promotion. Highly motivated candidates may also wish to obtain experience in offender supervision through paid employment, internships or volunteering in order to demonstrate competencies and strong motivation.
Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) Certification
The Police Training Commission is the state’s authority for commissioning law enforcement officers. The 24-week training program includes an intensive physical conditioning program as well as instruction in the following topics:
- Report writing
- Radio communications
- Constitutional rights
- Use of force
- Vehicle control techniques
- First aid
- Parolee supervision
- Firearms training
In order to graduate from this program and receive Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification, trainees must demonstrate proficiency with firearms and pass a final exam. Following graduation, parole officer recruits will be closely supervised for the one year probationary period, after which they will be promoted to senior parole officer.
Each year, officers must re-qualify with firearms and obtain at least 40 hours of additional training.
The Monmouth County Parole Process
In Monmouth County eligibility for parole is based on one third of sentence minus time served in municipal or county detention facilities, as well as other contributing factors known as “credits.” Convicts serving a life sentence must serve a minimum of 25 years less any credits. Credits may be received for good behavior, working, and minimum custody status.
Upon release, parolees must sign a parole certificate, which details the terms of the parole. Parole officers will be present at the signing and explain the parole terms. If the offender violates the terms, they may receive counseling from the parole officer, but persistent violations may cause parole officers to initiate revocation proceedings that may lead to re-incarceration. If the parole officer has probable cause to believe an offender may not appear at a hearing or may be a threat to public safety, the officer may issue an arrest warrant.