Officers can work in a variety of fields, especially those that rehabilitate released criminals such as parole officers. However, many people still ask, what does a parole officer do?
When an inmate is approved for an earlier release, they aren’t completely free yet. They still answer to a parole officer, who keeps them accountable.
As a bail bonds service provider in Pennsylvania, we hear a lot of confusion. At Blackman Bail Bonds, we have helped those facing a broad range of charges. When you find yourself in need of bail, contact us 24-hours a day.
Continue reading to learn more about what a parole officer does.
What Does a Parole Officer Do for Parolees?
Many parole officers have law enforcement experience, but this role is much more supportive. It makes more sense to keep ex-cons out of prison rather than repeating offenses successfully. You can think of parole officers as the tough love side of law enforcement. They recognize it’s a challenging transition to return to society and to avoid criminal behavior.
When approved for parole, some may even meet with you before your release. Then, officers discuss their plan of action for keeping you out of trouble, including:
- Continual Communication
- Progress Evaluation
- Recommendations and Warnings
- Treatment Compliance
- Community Service Progress
- Maintain Case Files
- Conditional Release Details
- Drug Testing
- Scheduled Home Visits
- Unannounced Visits
- Court Actions
- Communication with Family Members
- And other responsibilities
Parole officers find themselves in a unique position for inmates and society. It’s thanks to them that more ex-cons keep away from their past lives of crime.
What Do Parole Officers Do for Family Members?
Studies show that support from family members makes a difference with recidivism. As a result, many parole officers also keep in contact with a parolee’s loved ones.
Those that leave prison often do so without nearly anything of value. Without a family to come home to, they struggle for food, housing, and other support. Since reintegration is equally crucial for the family, they play a huge role.
In answering what do parole officers do for family members, they offer:
- Home Plans
- Sources of Conflict
- Parolee’s Responsibilities
- Officer’s Responsibilities
- Weapon Restrictions
- Travel Restrictions
- Domestic Violence Concerns
- Contact and Communication
- Electronic Monitoring
- Phone Access
- Parole Procedure
- Updated Timelines
- And more
The goal of the parole officer is not to keep peace in the home. Instead, it is to ensure inmates can handle the responsibility of their release.
What Do Parole Officers Do When They Visit?
Parole officers are on their side, but they never stop wearing their police badge. Home visits are equal parts of friendly check-in and interrogation. Officers must make sure that their parolees aren’t falling back into old habits of committing crimes. Even recreational drug use could lead to a fast return to prison.
While they do offer their support, they are also looking for red flags. What parole officers search for when they visit are:
- Body Language
- Inconsistent Answers
- Unusual Behavior
- Illicit Items
- Safety Concerns
- Social Network Review
- Potential Hazards
- Clear Understanding
- Possible Conflicts
- Repeat Behavior
- Mental Health Concerns
Although they can still arrest you, their role is to encourage successful integration. As long as you aren’t doing anything wrong, you should have nothing to fear.
When Will I Get a Parole Officer?
While the overwhelming majority of inmates are released eventually, not all will get parole. Early release is only for specific convicts who meet certain requirements. Also, not every inmate will need to seek parole, especially lighter sentences. Instead, those that do qualify will be notified while still incarcerated.
On the other hand, there are those currently arrested and are still awaiting their first hearing. Being released from jail requires you to post bail before you can return home.
When you need to speak with a local bail bonds agent, call us 24-hours a day. Blackman Bail Bonds is your convenient source for bail loans throughout the Pennsylvania community.
