probation officer

American  

noun

• probation officers
  plural

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

---

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• probation officers
  plural

Etymology

Origin of probation officer

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

probation officer

During the visit, guards saw Randall try to pass a blue balloon to her son, a deputy probation officer wrote in the report.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 14, 2026

The family’s claim alleges the clinician’s conduct “went overlooked and unreported for months” and that the teenager’s probation officer has changed at least four times since his release.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 29, 2026

He had not declared his relationship with Kelly to his probation officer as was required.

From BBC ● Jul. 10, 2026

One probation officer told the BBC that missed appointments could lead offenders to break the law again because "crucial information isn't gathered and shared".

From BBC ● Mar. 19, 2026

My probation officer thinks he’s slick; he swears he’s an expert on gangs.

From "The Freedom Writers Diary" by The Freedom Writers