probation officer

noun

1. an officer who investigates and reports on the conduct of offenders who are free on probation.

probation officer

noun

1. an officer of a court who supervises offenders placed on probation and assists and befriends them

Word History and Origins

Origin of probation officer¹

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900

Example Sentences

Because of covid restrictions, she could meet with her public defender, probation officer and advocate only by phone.

From Washington Post

A onetime probation officer, Primeau first made his name in 1979 by recovering audio for the FBI in a sting operation against Detroit judges.

From Time

Martin said he “wanted to do something with law enforcement,” perhaps become a probation officer or work in corrections.

From Time

He is now free to choose where and how he lives, without having to get approval from a probation officer.

From Washington Post

Weigle agreed, saying he feared that if he sent a probation officer to Calhoun’s house the lawyer would consider it a salvo from the “deep state” and respond with violence.

From Washington Post

She also reportedly told her probation officer that she was considering suicide.

From The Daily Beast

He also allegedly said he wanted to kill his probation officer.

From The Daily Beast

The five-time convicted felon has been on the lam since failing to check in with his probation officer in January.

From The Daily Beast

I hugged my mother goodbye and made my way into New York, in order to meet my probation officer.

From The Daily Beast

The probation officer may be a police official; not necessarily a police officer, but under the control of the police.

From Project Gutenberg

The probation officer has his hands full, having quite a number of people to visit and report upon daily.

From Project Gutenberg

The probation officer, her hands filled with papers, bustled forward and whispered.

From Project Gutenberg

So it was that in the midst of the confusion we did not hear the approach of the probation officer and her charge.

From Project Gutenberg

In Europe the minister is often made a probation officer by the state, to see that the boy or youth keeps straight.

From Project Gutenberg