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

She spoke to the BBC about it in 2021, describing how she eventually turned away from a life of crime to become a probation officer.

From BBC • May 26, 2026

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

He stayed until he was 23 and now lives back in London working as a probation officer.

From BBC • Mar. 15, 2025

Then she began calling everyone she could think of—Richard’s father, his probation officer, the police station.

From "The 57 Bus" by Dashka Slater