probation officer

American  

noun

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

---

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

In May 2025, when the appeal judgement was handed down, Mr Sullivan was listening via video-link from HMP Wakefield, sitting next to his probation officer.

From BBC • Nov. 19, 2025

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

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