Job Details

Duties and Responsibilities

The probation officer performs functions that aid judicial officers in making informed decisions on persons charged with and convicted of criminal offenses; and in supervising persons to assure their compliance with the conditions of release. An officer also assists the U.S. Attorney’s Office with its pretrial diversion program. The incumbent’s duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Gathers and verifies background information concerning persons charged with a federal criminal offense upon arrest, or concerning persons considered for the pretrial diversion program.
• Evaluates information and prepares a report to the judicial officer prior to a person's initial court appearance with an assessment of the risk of nonappearance and danger to the community, and a recommendation for release or detention according to the factors noted in the Bail Reform Act of 1984 as amended.
• Prepares a report for the U. S. Attorneys Office on persons considered for the pretrial diversion program and supervises persons accepted into the program by monitoring their conditions.
• Conducts investigations and prepares presentence reports for the U.S. District Court with recommendations for sentencing offenders convicted of federal offenses. These reports require interviewing defendants and their families, investigating the offense, prior record, and financial status of the defendant, and contacting law enforcement agencies, attorneys, victims of the crimes, schools, churches, and civic organizations. The purpose of these activities is to ascertain the defendant’s background, to assess the probability of future criminal behavior; and determine profit from the offense, restitution, and the defendant’s ability to pay fines and costs of prosecution, incarceration, and costs of supervision.
• Interprets and applies U.S. Sentencing Commission Guidelines and relevant case law.
• Following disclosure of the presentence report to the parties, analyzes any objections and determines appropriate course of action. Such actions include resolving disputed issues and/or presenting unresolved issues to the court for resolution.
• Presents presentence report and sentencing recommendations to the court. Responds to judicial officer’s request for information and advice. Testifies in court as to the basis for factual findings and guidelines applications. Serves as resource to the court to facilitate proper imposition of sentence.
• Supervises defendants and offenders to maximize adherence to imposed conditions, reduce risk to the community, and to provide correctional treatment.
• Maintains personal contact with defendants and offenders through office and community visits and by telephone. Investigates employment, sources of income, lifestyle, and associates to assess risk and compliance. Responsible for detection of substance abuse; and through assessment and counseling, implements the necessary treatment or violation proceedings of appropriate offenders. Refers offenders to appropriate outside agencies such as medical and drug treatment facilities, employment, and training.
• Detects and investigates violations and implements appropriate alternatives and sanctions; conducts preliminary interviews and other investigations as required; and maintains a detailed written record of case activity.
• Initiates contacts with, replies to, and seeks information from organizations and persons such as the U.S. Parole Commission, Bureau of Prisons, and attorneys concerning offenders’ behavior and sanctions. Reports violations of the conditions of supervision to the appropriate authorities. Prepares reports, which may include application of U.S. Sentencing Commission revocation guidelines. Makes recommendations for disposition. Testifies at court or parole hearings.