NCJ Number
155089
Journal
Corrections Compendium Volume: 20 Issue: 2 Dated: (February 1995) Pages: 8-19
Date Published
1995
Length
12 pages
Annotation
Departments of corrections and probation and parole agencies in the United States and Canada were surveyed in September 1994 to determine the characteristics, selection, training, authorization to use firearms, and use of firearms.
Abstract
Responses came from 46 systems in the United States, including the Federal Probation and Pretrial Service System, and nine provinces and the Correctional Services of Canada. Results revealed that 59 percent of parole and probation officers in the United States and 47 percent in Canada are male. Probation and parole agencies have high eligibility requirements for new officers, and the average salaries reflect the training and education expected. Monthly caseloads are 76 for parole officers, 153 for probation officers, and 101 for officers who handle both probationers and parolees. No Canadian probation officers are authorized to carry firearms, but 70 percent of the systems in the United States have State laws allowing probation officers, parole officers, or both to carry firearms. However, few incidents have occurred that have involved parole/probation officers. Chart presenting State-by-State information