probation officer

American  

noun

probation officers plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• probation officers
  plural

Etymology

Origin of probation officer

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900

Example Sentences

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

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

The court heard Vernon had described being "young and scared", expressing remorse to a probation officer and apologising to the man and his family.

From BBC • Mar. 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

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

From "The Freedom Writers Diary" by The Freedom Writers