Issue link: http://ncumarketing.uberflip.com/i/1035281
PRETRIAL SERVICES OFFICERS Pretrial services officers work to determine if a defendant should be held in custody before their trial or if it is safe to offer them bail. They will investigate the defendant's background and assess if they present a risk to the community. This may include interviewing the defendant, talking with those that know them and a criminal background check. Additionally, they evaluate other aspects of the defendant's life such as employment, financial status, mental health and other factors. After completing their research, they then provide recommendations to the judge, who makes the final decision. If the defendant is released on bail, the pretrial services officer will supervise them to make sure they comply with the terms of their release. Not every jurisdiction has pretrial services officers, but they may be used at the municipal, state and federal level. Education: Education requirements vary by jurisdiction. Typically, a bachelor's degree is needed for entry-level positions. A master's degree in areas related to criminal justice, social work or psychology may be necessary for advancement opportunities. Certification through the state or federal government may also be required. CORRECTIONAL TREATMENT SPECIALISTS Correctional treatment specialists may be called case managers or correctional counselors in some jurisdictions. Those in this role evaluate inmates and monitor their progress during incarceration. This includes examining the inmate's behavior and history to determine the likelihood that they will commit a crime after release. Their recommendations are then offered to the parole board when an inmate is eligible for release. Correctional treatment specialists also assist in the development of parole and release plans. They may connect the inmate with resources to help them be successful after release, including job placement, housing and substance abuse services. Education: Education requirements vary by jurisdiction. Typically, a bachelor's degree is needed for entry-level positions. A master's degree in areas related to criminal justice, social work or psychology may be necessary for advancement opportunities. Certification through the state or federal government may also be required. PRETRIAL SERVICES OFFICERS Pretrial services officers work to determine if a defendant should be held in custody before their trial or if it is safe to offer them bail. They will investigate the defendant's background and assess if they present a risk to the community. This may include interviewing the defendant, talking with those that know them and a criminal background check. Additionally they evaluate other aspects of the defendant's life such as employment, financial status, mental health and other factors. After completing their research, they then provide recommendations to the judge, who makes the final decision. If the defendant is released on bail, the pretrial services officer will supervise them to make sure they comply with the terms of their release. Not every jurisdiction has pretrial services officers, but they are used at the municipal, state and federal level. Education: Education requirements vary by jurisdic- tion. Typically, a bachelor's degree is needed for entry-level positions. A master's degree in areas related to criminal justice, social work or psycholo- gy may be necessary for advancement opportuni- ties. Certification through the state or federal government may also be required. CORRECTIONAL TREATMENT SPECIALISTS Correctional treatment specialists may be called case managers or correctional counselors in some jurisdictions. Those in this role evaluate inmates monitor their progress during incarceration. This includes examining the inmate's behavior and history to determine the likelihood that they will commit a crime after release. Their recommenda- tions are then offered to the parole board when inmate is eligible for release. Correctional treatment specialists also assist in development of parole and release plans. They may connect the inmate with resources to help be successful after release, including job place- ment, housing and substance abuse services. Education: Education requirements vary by jurisdic- tion. Typically, a bachelor's degree is needed entry-level positions. A master's degree in areas related to criminal justice, social work or psycholo- gy may be necessary for advancement opportuni- ties. Certification through the state or federal government may also be required.