probation officer

American  

noun

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

---

probation officer British  

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of probation officer

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900

Example Sentences

"Something that I noticed was the relationship that the service user actually has with the probation officer," he said.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

It takes more than a year to train a probation officer.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

One probation officer described the workload as "non-stop", and increasing until "you simply can't cope", adding: "It's just overwhelming."

From BBC • Aug. 20, 2025

A second accomplice who fled with Baker in the hairstylist’s Porsche was unknown until last October when authorities arrested Austin, an Oregon probation officer.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 7, 2025

One to a parent or guardian, the other to your employer if you have a job, or your probation officer if you’re on probation.

From "The 57 Bus" by Dashka Slater