probation officer

American  

noun

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

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probation officer British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of probation officer

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900

Example Sentences

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

One probation officer told BBC News: "We can't cope now, God knows how we'll cope if these recommendations are accepted. I'm already looking for another job. It's just not possible to do all this work."

From BBC • May 22, 2025

It wasn’t until last October that authorities arrested Austin, an Oregon probation officer.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2025

Giving evidence earlier, Ms Pegg said she joined the Prison Service after eight years as a probation officer because she liked working with people and "wanted to make a difference".

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2025

It’s unclear how Tate was able to persuade Holman’s warden to house two pretrial detainees on death row, although Tate knew people at the prison from his days as a probation officer.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson