Probation and parole officers are responsible for a recent count of people totaling 535 offenders under electronic monitoring and other forms of supervision, 4,500 offenders on probation, and 1,800 offenders on parole. They also provide pre-sentencing investigations as a court service.
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Probation and parole officers (PPOs) provide a vital link between offenders released from correctional institutions and the wider community, helping offenders to successfully learn how to become responsible members of society, while at the same time monitoring and holding them to account.
In the most recent statistical year PPOs made an average annual salary in New Hampshire of $55,640.
Required Education and Experience
PPOs in New Hampshire are required to have a bachelor’s degree in sociology, psychology, education, social services, criminal justice, behavioral science, or any other related field such as social work. The State also requires at least three years of experience working with social welfare, law enforcement, corrections, parole, probation, or other related employment. However additional years of college education may be substituted for years of work experience on a one-to-one ratio.
Careers and jobs as PPOs also require:
- Valid New Hampshire driver’s license and liability insurance
- Ability to work legally in the United States
- Good moral standing in society
- No significant criminal record
- Mostly clean driving record
- Alimony, child support, and tax payments are in good standing
How to Apply
When candidates feel they can meet the requirements to make a successful bid for the PPO position they should fill out the four-page New Hampshire State job application. PPO positions are advertised only when there is a vacancy, and therefore candidates should monitor the New Hampshire jobs website as well as local sources. Candidates need to include a copy of an official university or college transcript when they submit their fully-completed and legible application.
Training
Probation and parole officers will need to complete a three-phase training process as new hires. The first is the Corrections Academy, nine weeks of intensive training totaling 360 hours that includes field work. The second phase includes instruction in the legal aspects involved in PPO jobs and careers. Topics such as search and seizure and arrest powers are discussed during this period. Finally on-the-job training commences where PPOs learn the specific procedures and laws of their particular district.
Probation and Parole Officers in New Hampshire
PPOs report to twelve district offices spread throughout the state, with an additional three sub-offices. The main district office is located in Concord. PPOs are considered to be part of the Field Services division of the State Department of Corrections. The Field Services Division also works in partnership with other states to make sure offenders moving across state lines are held accountable to their parole or probation requirements no matter where they go. Probation and parole officer jobs are expected to increase by 18 percent over the next decade nationwide.