Pretrial services officers: Salary, career path, job outlook, education and more
Pretrial services officers investigate a pretrial defendants background to determine if the defendant can be safely allowed back into the community before his or her trial date. Officers must assess the risk and make a recommendation to a judge, who decides on the appropriate sentencing (in settled cases with no trial) or bond amount. When pretrial defendants are allowed back into the community, pretrial officers supervise them to make sure that they stay within the terms of their release and appear at their trials.
- Education Required
- A bachelors degree in social work, criminal justice, behavioral sciences, or a related field is usually required. Requirements vary by jurisdiction.
- Training Required
- Most probation officers and correctional treatment specialists must complete a training program sponsored by their state government or the federal government, after which they may have to pass a certification test. In addition, they may be required to work as trainees for up to 1 year before being offered a permanent position.
- Job Outlook
-
The projected percent change in employment from 2016 to 2026: 6% (As fast as average)
(The average growth rate for all occupations is 7 percent.) - Advancement
- Advancement to supervisory positions is primarily based on experience and performance. A masters degree in criminal justice, social work, or psychology may be required for advancement.
- Median pay: How much do Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists make?
- $50,160 Annual Salary
- $24.12 per hour
Careers for Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
- Case managers
- Correctional counselors
- Correctional treatment specialists
- Juvenile probation officers
- Parole agents
- Parole officers
- Probation officers