Improving Relations with a Probation Officer

Probation is one of the most common punishments for misdemeanor offenders in the United States, and when you are sentenced to probation, you will be assigned a probation officer. You will be required to meet with the probation officer on certain dates (sometimes as often as every other day), and the conditions of your probation could include mandatory drug tests, searches of your home, counseling, and scores of other possible conditions.

When you meet with your probation officer for the first time, it is imperative that you make a favorable impression. If you don’t, he can very easily make your probation sentence unusually uncomfortable, and if he discovers that you have failed to meet any condition of your probation, he can have you thrown in jail.

Improving Relations with a Probation Officer: Be on Time

When you are scheduled to meet with your probation officer, take into account that he or she probably has a very full day. Tardiness is not tolerated, and showing up on time will make a favorable impression. In fact, arriving ten or fifteen minutes early is even better.

Improving Relations with a Probation Officer: Dress Appropriately

Never attend a meeting with your probation officer wearing a stained t-shirt and torn blue jeans. Instead, dress as nicely and professionally as possible, comb your hair, brush your teeth and smile frequently. Probation officers deal with all kinds of people, and working with someone who cares about their appearance will be a breath of fresh air.

Improving Relations with a Probation Officer: Be Respectful

Treat the probation officer just as you would a judge or the prosecutor. Yes ma’am’s and no sir’s will go a long way, and don’t forget to thank him for his time. Although you might not be particularly pleased about probation, don’t forget that probation officers don’t always have the easiest time of it.

Improving Relations with a Probation Officer: Show Penance

Never approach a conversation with your probation officer by saying, “I’m glad I did it.” Instead, explain any mitigating factors surrounding your crime, let him or her know that you never plan to do the same thing again.

Improving Relations with a Probation Officer: Demonstrate Rehabilitation

If you have apologized to the victim of your crime, say so. If you have been engaging in voluntary community service, make it known. Show the probation officer that you are doing everything in your power to “make it right”. He or she will undoubtedly be impressed.

Improving Relations with a Probation Officer: Never Argue

If you’re asked to do something, do it. You’ll have to anyway, and putting up a fight will only sink you into deeper trouble. Probation officers are harder on people who make their lives more difficult, and if you give him or her any reason to dislike you, you’ll be hundreds of times more likely to end up back in prison.