Juvenile crime in Allen County has frequently involved the use of drugs. In 2005, 55 juveniles were arrested for possessing marijuana and two for the sale/manufacture of the drug. In the 2005-2006 school year, 210 juveniles were suspended or expelled from public schools for being involved with drugs, weapons, or alcohol.
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Juvenile probation officers handle the cases of such youths. They provide pre-sentencing reports to the Juvenile Court and also arrange for needed services such as substance abuse treatment or mental health counseling for youths that would benefit from it.
How to Become a Juvenile Probation Officer in Allen County
The requirements to become a juvenile probation officer in Allen County include having a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field and being a U.S. citizen who has reached 21 years of age. Applicants should have the following qualifications:
- Knowledge of
- Treatment programs and services available from government and private agencies
- Standard practices and policies of Allen County and Probation operations
- The laws that apply to probation operations
- Ability to
- Effectively interview, counsel, investigate, and work with clients and their families
- Enforce and apply regulations
- Use various restraint techniques, chemical spray, handcuffs, and firearms
- Strong communication skills (written and verbal)
Certification is required for juvenile probation officer jobs in Allen County and throughout Indiana. An integral part of the certification process is taking an examination that is administered by the Indiana Judicial Center. Applicants are urged to take the examination as soon as possible, but it must be taken and passed within six months of having been hired.
Training to Become a Juvenile Probation Officer in Allen County
Applicants who have been hired by the Superior Court of Allen County learn how to become juvenile probation officers by training in Indianapolis at the Indiana Justice Academy. This training is required within the first year on the job, but new juvenile probation officers are advised to take part within their first six months of employment.
This training is an orientation that takes place from Tuesday morning through Friday afternoon and teaches procedures for adult and juvenile probation. It also teaches officers the skills of:
- Interviewing
- Supervising
- Investigating
Juvenile probation officers who are establishing themselves in their careers may be interested in joining The Probation Officer’s Professional Association of Indiana.