California Probation Officer Core Tasks

The following list is provided for the convenience of core training providers, employers and employees. This list presents the tasks and their responsibilities that were identified as necessary and important for probation officers to perform their job. The list is taken from the Job Analysis Questionnaire used in the original Standards Project of 1983-85 and the subsequent re-analysis projects of 1989-90, 1993-94, and 1997-98. The original item number is included in the list. The task numbers are not sequential because not every task in the questionnaire was identified as a core task. The tasks in this section are the statewide core tasks for the majority of probation officers in California.

1. Review police reports of charges against a juvenile who has been cited or taken into custody.
2. Discuss circumstances of the charges against juvenile with arresting officer.
3. Fill out Juvenile Hall booking sheets.
4. Advise minor of constitutional rights (e.g., right to make phone calls) upon booking in Juvenile Hall.
5. Contact parent, guardian, or responsible relative to notify them that juvenile is in custody.
6. Initiate search to locate missing parents.
7. Pat search juvenile for contraband.
8. Check juvenile for signs of injury or intoxication; determine whether juvenile has medical needs, and arrange for administration of medication or a physician's attention where needed.
9. Photograph any injuries or bruises in cases of suspected child abuse.
10. Locate crisis home placement for delinquent child (602) who is taken into temporary custody.
11. Transport juvenile (using car or van) to juvenile hall facility.
12. Decide whether to hold in appropriate facility or release juvenile (300, 601, or 602).
13. Advise institutional staff of any detention problem.
14. Review booking sheet for juvenile.
15. Check Juvenile Hall log and/or talk with Juvenile Hall staff to determine juvenile's attitude, conduct, and condition.
16. Check probation files and/or contact assigned Probation Officer to obtain details of any prior contact a juvenile has had with Probation Department.
17. Advise juvenile status offender (601) or law violator (602) of his/her constitutional rights or Miranda warnings, and ensure juvenile understands rights.
18. Verify that referring agency has notified parent of minor's arrest.
19. Contact police agency to obtain police report.
20. Interview juvenile to obtain background information and information about the offense.
21. Interview parent or other adult associated with juvenile, school, victim, witness, to obtain background information and information about the offense.
22. Advise minor and parents of right to counsel and process of obtaining a public defender or private attorney.
23. Check juvenile's prior arrest record and/or police contacts.
24. Decide whether to close the case; release the juvenile on promise to appear in court; handle informally or detain.
25. Evaluate fitness of parent and extent to which there exists present or likely danger to minor.
26. Counsel juvenile who will be released without further action.
27. Contact law enforcement, other correctional agencies, or other Probation Officers who may have an interest in the juvenile to advise that juvenile is in custody.
28. Determine filing deadlines and court appearance deadlines.
29. Schedule detention hearing and arrange for transportation.
30. Inform all relevant parties (e.g., juvenile, parent, attorney) of date of detention hearing; ensure juvenile and parent agree to appear at hearing.
31. Discuss case with District Attorney to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to file charges and whether the seriousness of the offense warrants filing.
32. At detention hearing, present recommendation to detain or release juvenile and recommendation as to how case should be handled.
33. Prepare and file petition in status offender cases.
34. Prepare necessary paperwork for District Attorney to use in filing Juvenile Court petition in law violation cases.
35. Discuss circumstances of charges against individual requesting O.R. or bail reduction with arresting officer or others in the criminal justice system.
36. Identify filing deadlines and court appearance deadlines.
37. Review record for any previous failures to appear by defendant requesting reduction of bail or release on own recognizance.
38. Interview spouse, employer, victim, and/or others to verify information provided by defendant and to gather additional information about the likelihood that the defendant will appear in court and the potential hazard to community if defendant is released.
39. Recommend for or against release on own recognizance or reduction in bail and state rationale for recommendation.
40. Inform adult jail staff of any custody problems.
41. Conduct intake or pre-plea/pre-sentence interview with adult or juvenile.
42. Review District Attorney's file, court referrals, police report, plea agreement or jury verdict, and/or any other paperwork pertaining to the current offense.
43. Review CII rap sheet, FBI rap sheet, Department of Motor Vehicles printout, probation file, and/or other records pertaining to prior criminal record.
44. Interview juvenile/adult and/or co-defendants to get their description of the offense and background information.
45. Interview members of juvenile's/adult's immediate family, relatives, neighbors, employers, school officials, character references, and others about the social, educational, work history and adjustment of the juvenile/adult.
46. Interview witnesses to get their descriptions of the offense.
47. Interview victims to get their descriptions of the offense and obtain a victim impact statement; notify them of their right to appear in court.
48. Advise victims of services available (e.g., counseling).
49. Obtain juvenile/adult or parent release for medical, psychiatric, or other information.
50. Obtain verification of employment, education, and/or other pertinent background information.
51. Interview persons in the criminal justice system (such as arresting officer, District Attorney, defense attorney) to get their statements.
52. Contact law enforcement agencies in other jurisdictions to uncover any previous trouble and/or to learn the disposition of prior arrests.
53. Contact treatment programs, other probation officers, or parole officers to get information on their experience with the juvenile/adult.
54. At the request of other jurisdictions, conduct courtesy investigations (interview or record checks) of individuals currently or formerly living in the county.
55. Assess complaints of child neglect/abuse, refer complaints, and file appropriate notifications under the law.
56. Visit the juvenile's home to evaluate the quality of parental care and home environment in preparation for a report to the Court.
57. Evaluate the seriousness of a violation of probation and decide whether to file charges.
58. Request court action or garnishment where probationer falls behind in child support or other payments.
59. Compute credit for time served, good time, and work time, for judge at sentencing.
60. Read Penal Code and review sentencing manual to determine aggravating and mitigating circumstances of the crime.
61. Synthesize and evaluate information gathered, to decide which facts of the case represent aggravating or mitigating circumstances of the crime.
62. Synthesize and evaluate information gathered, to make a recommendation of fitness for juvenile court.
63. Synthesize and evaluate information gathered, to decide on recommended disposition, sentence and/or terms and conditions of probation.
64. When appropriate, request that court give probation department more time to investigate and submit report.
65. Investigate private placements available (e.g., group homes, foster homes, relatives, treatment centers) for juveniles/adults.
66. Request out-of-county evaluations of parent or relative for possible placement.
67. Determine recommended placement (e.g., own home, Department of Corrections, jail) in cases that do not involve treatment programs or other referral sources.
68. Contact placement facility, describe the case, and get their agreement to take the juvenile/adult.
69. Contact probationer to set up initial interview appointment.
70. Review probationer's file to become familiar with the nature of the offense, prior record, and individual's social, educational, and employment history.
71. Photograph probationer.
72. Fingerprint probationer.
73. Review terms and conditions of probation with probationer and/or family.
74. Interview new probationer to assess his/her needs.
75. Interpret psychological, achievement, intelligence, aptitude, or interest test data for probationer for inclusion in Court reports or other agencies.
76. Set up information on probationer (e.g., court orders, address, phone) for Field Contact Notebook.
77. Interview new probationer to assess the risk he/she poses to the community.
78. Determine probationer's eligibility for alternative sentencing programs.
79. Notify applicant of denial of alternative sentencing programs.
80. Orient probationer to alternative sentencing program rules and procedures.
81. Speak to probationer about poor performance or absence from work crew.
82. Contact supervising probation officer about probationer's poor performance or absence from work crew.
83. Determine the frequency of contact needed during supervision, taking into account the risk involved and the needs of the probationer.
84. Consult with outside agencies to which the probationer has previously been referred to get their input (e.g., for development of a treatment plan).
85. Prepare case plan and set goals for treatment or probationer's conduct under supervision (e.g., develop a treatment plan, supervision plan).
86. Draw up contract with juvenile and parents, outlining conditions of informal probation.
87. Review terms and conditions of probation with police agency in probationer's area of residence.
88. Get clothing and other personal effects for probationers in placement/custody.
89. Decide whether to accept the request from another county or state to supervise a probationer residing in county,
90. For cases involving a non-resident individual, verify residence, and complete paperwork requesting transfer of the case to county of residence.
91. Contact victim(s) and ask them to detail their losses and estimate the dollar value of the loss.
92. Evaluate and verify restitution claims submitted by victim(s).
93. Determine recommendation on the amount of restitution due to victim(s).
94. Interview probationer and/or family to determine ability to pay restitution, fines, and other payments.
95. Determine or recommend whether probationer should pay cost of probation fee.
96. Advise probationer and/or victim of their right to a restitution hearing.
97. Set up a payment schedule of fines, restitution, and other payments.
98. Interview probationer to determine progress toward treatment goals and compliance with terms and condition of probation.
99. Interview parents, relatives, school officials, employers, and/or others in probation officer's office or over the phone to check on probationer's conduct and compliance with terms and conditions of probation.
100. Visit the home, neighborhood, school, and/or work place of probationer to check on the individual's conduct and compliance with terms and conditions of probation or wardship.
101. Determine officer safety issues and develop plan for contact, search, arrest, seizure of evidence, etc.
102. Search probationer's person, personal property, residence, or automobile per Court Order.
103. Collect and preserve evidence.
104. Review report forms or other written reports submitted by probationers to check place of residence, employment, probationary payments (fines, restitution, or support), and arrests in the preceding month.
105. Review department reports to monitor payment of fines, restitution, or other payments by the probationer.
106. Observe collection of urine samples for drug testing; submit samples while maintaining chain of evidence.
107. Conduct drug/alcohol test.
108. Conduct presumptive drug tests on seized items suspected to be controlled substances.
109. Check for physical signs of drug or alcohol abuse by probationer.
110. Obtain progress reports (orally or in writing) from referral sources (treatment, educational, employment, or training programs) working with a probationer.
111. Visit placement agencies to discuss probationer's progress with probationer and agency staff.
112. Call or correspond with staff and/or administrators of placement agencies about the behavior of probationers.
113. Evaluate extent to which probationer is making satisfactory progress towards goals and is complying with conditions of probation.
114. Determine whether to increase or decrease the frequency of contact with probationer.
115. Determine whether to recommend revocation, modification, or termination of probation.
116. Reclassify cases that no longer require personal contact to "minimum supervision" status or refer to a "bank caseload."
117. Review citations issued by police and/or bookings in jail or Juvenile Hall for violations of probation or new offenses by probationers.
118. Arrest probationers who violate the law or conditions of probation.
119. Request warrant from court on missing probationer.
120. Execute probationer warrants.
121. File petition or request that petition be filed to initiate court process when probationer violates terms of probation or commits a new offense.
122. Review request for permission to leave county or state temporarily and decide whether to approve or deny request.
123. Review request for permission to leave county permanently (e.g., change of residence to another county or state) and recommend whether to approve or deny request.
124. Issue travel permits.
125. Initiate procedures to recommend transfer of case to appropriate court in new jurisdiction.
126. Initiate procedures to request Interstate Compact Supervision for probationers wishing to leave the state permanently.
127. Refer probationer for professional evaluation (e.g., medical, psychological, alcohol, or drug evaluation).
128. Identify treatment, educational, employment, or other program (e.g., alcohol, drug, or counseling treatment program) that will meet the needs of a probationer, his/her family, or others.
129. Contact treatment, educational, training, or employment program, or other community agency; describe probationer's needs, and get their commitment to work with the probationer.
130. Arrange for medical treatment when necessary.
131. Refer probationer to appropriate program or agency.
132. Refer members of probationer's family, victim(s) or others to counseling and/or other appropriate program or agency.
133. Follow up to verify that probationer or other individual received service and to evaluate success of referral.
134. Respond to questions from probationer in person or over the telephone.
135. Respond to calls and/or correspondence requesting information about probationer.
136. Inform police department of law violations by probationer.
137. Give police department information that may help them investigate a case.
138. Notify other agencies (e.g., Welfare Department) of information of interest (e.g., change of placement).
139. Notify anyone who is the specific object of threats by a probationer.
140. Individually counsel probationer, probationer's family members, or others about personal problems (e.g., substance abuse, family issues, financial).
141. Observe wards in group and individual activity and provide advice and counseling to foster behavioral modification.
142. Assist probationers or other individuals experiencing personal crisis.
143. Discuss probationer's financial circumstances and/or help probationer obtain financial assistance (e.g., welfare, loans).
144. Conduct vocational or job counseling sessions with probationer.
145. Conduct family counseling sessions.
146. Lead group counseling or discussion sessions with clients.
147. Verbally intervene in potentially violent interpersonal situations.
148. Prepare report giving recommendation to detain or release juvenile and rationale for recommendation.
149. Prepare report giving recommendation for own recognizance release and/or bail reduction and rationale for recommendation.
150. Prepare juvenile intake report (i.e., report prepared at time of booking).
151. Prepare detention report for use at detention hearing.
152. Prepare fitness report for juveniles over the age of 14 charged with violations of criminal record.
153. Prepare pre-sentence, disposition, or pre-plea report to Superior Court.
154. Prepare supplemental report on progress of probationer (e.g., results of professional evaluation, semi-annual review, updates).
155. Prepare and submit a request for petition to the District Attorney.
156. Prepare affidavit/petition/probation violation/modification notice.
157. Prepare memorandum to the court.
158. Prepare court documents for Judge's signature (e.g., arrest warrants, terms and conditions of probation, ex-parte orders).
159. Maintain field book information/documentation.
160. Fill out probation department forms or other forms.
161. Write or dictate correspondence or e-mails.
162. Write case notes in probation file or keep chronological reports about probationer.
163. Write or dictate case/treatment plan or case review.
164. Develop new form.
165. "Pull" files and gather paperwork to be forwarded to others.
166. Gather data for statistical reports (e.g., caseload count and composition).
167. File paperwork in own desk, file drawer, or filing cabinet.
168. Proofread and/or edit reports that have been typed.
169. Review case file to prepare for appearance in court at case hearing.
170. Appear in court and answer questions about case.
171. Testify at hearing, deposition, or in court as a witness. Assist with special projects, studies, and investigations ordered by the court.
172. Obtain and process court documents needed by Probation Department staff.
173. Record court dispositions.
174. Serve as sentencing consultant to the judiciary on a specific probation case.
175. Sit in on and participate in plea sentence negotiations.
176. When court ordered, gather information and update the court orally on status of a probation case.
177. Provide sentencing/dispositional consultations to the judiciary on a specific probation case.
178. Respond to general questions from citizens - in person, over the telephone, or in writing.
179. Serve on boards of community-based organizations.
180. Serve on School Attendance Review Board.
181. Give presentations to schools, community agencies, and civic groups.
182. At the request of parents or others, speak with at-risk juveniles about their concerns or problems.
183. Represent probation department perspective with other agencies (e.g., social service, mental health, public schools).
184. Participate in joint operations with other law enforcement/corrections agencies (e.g., gang task force).
185. Develop community service work programs for probationers.
186. Visit placement facilities to learn about and evaluate the care and/or treatment they provide.
187. Visit community-based organizations to learn about their services and evaluate the care and/or treatment they provide.
188. Contact individuals who can provide employment for probationers to develop or maintain continuing working relationship.
189. Contact Social Services, schools, law enforcement, and other agencies to develop or maintain continuing working relationship.
190. Develop and design new community resources to meet probationer needs.
191. Update program and resource information (in writing).
192. Give assignments and/or instructions to other probation officers, probation assistants, aides, other Probation Department personnel, students, or volunteers.
193. Evaluate the work of other Probation Department personnel or volunteers (for input into performance appraisal or to give feedback directly to the individual).
194. Coach, train, or assist in training other Probation Department personnel or volunteers.
195. Schedule and/or plan the work of other Probation Department personnel or volunteers.
196. Recruit applicants for work in the Probation Department, including volunteers (e.g., conduct informational meetings for potential volunteers).
197. Interview, or assist in interviewing, applicants for work in the Probation Department (including volunteers).
198. Interview family members and consult District Attorney's office to make recommendation regarding emancipation.
199. Physically restrain physically acting-out probationer or other individual.
200. Physically subdue a resisting or fleeing probationer, with no additional help.
201. Physically subdue a resisting or fleeing probationer, with the help of others.
202. Handcuff a non-resisting person.
203. Handcuff a resisting person.
204. Put an actively resisting person in the seat of a car.
205. Assist an uncooperative/incapacitated individual (e.g., handcuffed persons) from a prone position on the ground to his/her feet.
206. Physically defend self or others (i.e., with hands, arms or feet) against an attacking probationer or other individual.
207. Defend oneself or others using less lethal force (e.g., OC spray, baton).
208. Defend oneself or others using lethal force.
209. Drive a car to perform work duties.
210. Run for a short distance (e.g., to obtain protective cover).
211. Bend, extend, and/or twist body (e.g., when searching vehicles and/or placing physical restraints on individuals).
212. Perform CPR.
213. Render first aid other than CPR.
214. Walk up or down one or more flights of stairs.
215. Run up one or more flights of stairs.
216. Lift and/or carry moderately heavy objects (e.g., boxes of evidence, files).
217. Process requests for sealing of records.
218. Transport individuals (e.g., from detention site to court, hospitals, airports, referral programs).
219. Travel for agency related work other than to transport individuals.
220. Arrange for transportation of individuals (e.g., from detention site to court, hospitals, airports, referral programs).
221. Consult or share information with coworkers and/or supervisors (e.g., discuss recommended dispositions, treatment plans, appropriate referrals).
222. Present cases to a committee that reviews recommendations (e.g., placement recommendations).
223. Maintain current knowledge of case law and sentencing precedents (e.g., attend training, supervisor instructions, review legal update memos).
224. Maintain current knowledge of departmental policies and procedures (e.g., attend training, review memos).
225. Maintain current knowledge of areas of personal, agency, or county legal liability (e.g., attend training, read legal memos).
226. Design and develop special programs, (e.g., victim's programs).
227. Implement and/or administer special projects or programs (e.g., victim's programs).
228. Conduct tours of probation facilities.
229. Read internal memos, correspondence.
230. Attend meetings of Probation Department staff.
231. Attend training courses or seminars offered by the department or outside the department.
232. Conduct (or assist in conducting) group-training programs for probation staff.
233. Monitor the behavior of visitors to a probation facility.
234. Evacuate individuals from an area or facility (e.g., in fire drill or real emergency).
235. Inventory and order supplies.
236. Report needed maintenance to appropriate person.
237. Serve as interpreter for non-English speaking individuals.
238. Communicate with non-English speaking individuals (does not include communication via an interpreter).
239. Refer complaints of suspected elder abuse and file appropriate notifications under the law.
240. Refer complaints of suspected domestic violence to proper agencies for assistance.
241. Teach classes to probationers (e.g., domestic violence, drug abuse, parenting skills).
242. Notify victim as required by law.
243. Refer calls from media to agency Public Information Officer (PIO) or designated contact person and/or alert PIO to sensitive issues.
244. Consult or share information important to officer safety/debriefing of critical incidents with co-workers and supervisors.