Probation Officers
Probation and Welfare Officers assist the Court in reaching its decision by supplying reports on persons who have committed offences.
The reports outline the health, social, educational and vocational circumstances of the offender as well as the attitude of the offender to his/her crime.
If an offender is placed on probation or under supervision, the officer's duty is to assist, guide and befriend the offender in an attempt to lead him/her into a useful law-abiding life; to see that the conditions required by the court are observed; to help with personal problems and to report progress.
The courts have power to order a person aged sixteen years or over, convicted of an offence punishable by imprisonment, to perform unpaid work or service to the community.
Probation and Welfare Officers are required to prepare reports satisfying the court that the offender is a suitable person to perform work under a Community Service Order and advising the Court that arrangements can be made for him/her to perform such work.
Probation and Welfare Officers in prisons and other places of custody are concerned with helping prisoners.
A person needs excellent communication skills, to express yourself confidently and persuasively in court.