In the 94 federal judicial districts nationwide, U.S. probation officers play an integral role in the administration of justice. Probation officers serve as the community corrections arm of the federal court system. Our agency provides to the court two important services: investigation and supervision. U.S. probation officers make an important contribution to the federal criminal justice process. Our mission is to investigate and supervise offenders whom the courts have conditionally released to the community on probation, parole, or supervised release.

By serving as the court’s fact-finder, controlling the risk offenders may pose to public safety, and providing offenders with correctional/clinical treatment, officers attempt to influence factors that are correlated to recidivism and encourage successful reintegration into the community.

Officers’ responsibilities require work not only with federal judges and other court professionals, but collaboration with U.S. attorneys, defense attorneys, Bureau of Prisons and U.S. Parole Commission officials, state and local law enforcement agents, treatment providers, and community leaders. Officers deliver services that benefit the court, the community, and the offender.