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 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

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 almost as if the probation officer is one of the kids,” Gunsberg said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 21, 2025

“I talked to a probation officer whose home had been in the family forever, and I’m not going to look her in the eye and say, ‘You can’t build.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 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