A probation investigator is a law enforcement worker who works alongside a probation officer. The investigator's job is to monitor the actions of convicts who have been put on probation and reports their actions to the officer. To become a probation investigator, you must usually have an associate's degree and two years' worth of relevant experience. You will then need to apply at the appropriate office to be considered for hiring.
The minimum level of education usually required to become a probation investigator is an associate's degree, which can usually be earned in two years of full-time study or four years of part-time study through a traditional or community college. A bachelor's degree may be preferred for some probation investigator positions. Good undergraduate studies to pursue to become a probation investigator include criminal justice, psychology and social work.
You will also usually need experience in law enforcement or investigation to become a probation investigator. This experience can sometimes be gained through paid or unpaid law enforcement internships, while you are enrolled in college courses. It may also take the form of other sorts of investigative work through justice departments, such as working as a junior investigator alongside other law enforcement investigators. At least two years of prior experience is generally preferred.
Next, you will need to find and apply for open probation investigator positions. Government positions, such as probation investigator jobs, are usually required to be advertised publicly for a certain amount of time before being filled. You can check for job openings on the Web sites of states and counties where you may be interested in working. As in other job fields, networking is also a good way to learn about openings in law enforcement jobs. People you work with in internships or other capacities may be able to help you in your job search.
Some government jobs require applicants to take some sort of test to prove that they have knowledge relevant to the position. Requirements for taking a test as well as the content on the test will depend on the state or municipality of the job. The job hiring process will also almost certainly involve a criminal background check.
