The main duty of an adult probation officer is the supervising of subjects sentenced to various types of probation. These officers must keep reports of the probationer. Thus, quality report writing is essential. In the course of duty, a probation officer may have to testify before the judge regarding anyone on his caseload. Additionally, officers arrange detailed reports regarding the actions of subjects on their caseload.
Officers place emphasis on upholding discipline and keeping order maintenance.
Unlike adult prisons, the primary philosophy of the juvenile detention center is on treatment, rather than punishment. Sources Courtless, Thomas F. Corrections and the Criminal Justice System . West Publishing Company, 1996.