The Riverside County Probation Department bills itself as one of the most progressive and diversified law enforcement agencies in the U.S. The administrative offices are located in the city of Riverside (the county seat). In addition, there are field services offices in the cities of Banning, Blythe, Corona, Indio, Murrieta, Palm Springs, Perris, Riverside, San Jacinto and Temecula.
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The department employs a total of 1,043 sworn and non-sworn employees. Entry-level sworn peace officer positions include adult and juvenile deputy probation officers and deputy corrections officers.
Riverside County Probation Department Hiring Process
Candidates will be contacted to schedule the initial interview at a probation department office. Each step in the hiring process for adult deputy probation officer must be successfully completed before the next event is scheduled. The entire process takes between three and six months and includes the following:
- Oral interview with a two-person panel
- Written essay
- Personal history statement and pre-investigative questionnaire
- Meeting with background investigator
- Background investigation
- Physical exam
- Psychological evaluation
- Truth verification exam
- Job offer
The first six months of employment consist of on-the-job training. Entry level deputy probation officers earn between $19.21 and $31.20 an hour.
How to Apply for the Position of Parole Officer in Riverside County
Candidates for Deputy Probation Officer I and II jobs must be U.S. citizens, at least 21 years of age, possess a California driver’s license, have a bachelor’s degree (preferably in a behavioral science) and have no felony convictions. There are no application forms for those interested in learning how to become probation officers in Riverside County. Interested job candidates must first take an “early assessment test” given by the county Human Relations division.
A list of those who pass the early assessment test is given to the probation department for follow-up. Persons who fail may retake the test after a period of six months. Test schedules and locations are available by phone or email from the Human Relations Division; 951/955-3500; [email protected].
Volunteer/Internship Programs with the Riverside County Probation Department
There are ample opportunities for volunteers and student interns at all of the Riverside County Probation Department field offices. Volunteers and interns must be at least 18 years old and able to pass a background investigation. All candidates will be interviewed by the volunteer coordinator. For further information and appointment scheduling call the office of the volunteer coordinator at 951/955-2830.
Duties of Adult Deputy Probation Officers in Riverside County, CA
The duties of adult deputy probation officers include:
- Evaluating an offender’s social, behavioral and personal disposition to advise the court on the suitability of probation
- Ensuring offender compliance with court-mandated conditions
- Making office and home visits (including searches and arrests)
- Providing referrals for employment, housing, substance abuse, medical care, etc.
- Writing case documents and court reports
- Participating in drug, gang or sexual offender task forces
- Supervising high-risk, violent probationers (armed probation officers only)
California’s Public Safety Realignment Act of 2011 gave county probation departments the additional responsibility of supervising specific lower-level, non-violent parolees released to reduce prison overcrowding.