The adult state probation system in New Jersey is controlled by the Administrative Office of the Courts– specifically the Probation Services Department. Hudson County’s probation offices are organized by vicinage. This is generally by county, but in some cases, a vicinage may provide support for several counties nearby. The vicinage of Hudson County has its own probation office.
At the end of 2011, over 118,000 people were on probation in New Jersey. The primary goal of probation is to reintegrate offenders as productive, law-abiding members of society. New Jersey has been successful at this and had the lowest recidivism rate in the Northeast according to a 2011 study.
The County of Hudson Probation Office is located in Jersey City and had 150 employees in 2012.
How to Become a Probation Officer in Hudson County: Education and Training
The primary requirement to be eligible for Hudson County probation officers jobs is a bachelor’s degree. Applicants should have 24 hours of credit in the social or behavioral sciences, either as part of their degree or taken in addition to it. Additional requirements include being 21 years old and having a driver’s license that is valid in New Jersey. Probation officers in Hudson County are state employees and must pass the entry exam to become a civil servant.
New employees undergo a great deal of training to learn how to become probation officers in Hudson County. Part of this training involves learning how to prevent domestic violence.
The cases or people who have committed federal crimes in New Jersey and are on probation fall under the purview of the U.S. Probation Office—District of New Jersey.
Probation Officer Job Description in Hudson County, New Jersey
Probation officers in Hudson County supervise individuals on parole by making sure that they:
- Stay employed
- Continue substance abuse treatment if necessary
- Perform community service
- Pay fines and any restitution they might have been assigned
These officers do this by maintaining close contact with the person on probation, along with their employers, families, police, and any community agencies that are involved with their probation.
In Hudson County, two Assistant Chief Probation Officers oversee:
- Conditional discharge
- Adult supervision
- The Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC)
Conditional discharge is a specialized program in which first time drug offenders that are eligible are supervised for six months to three years.
The IDRC deals with offenders who have DUIs from driving or boating. Offenders receive education from certified alcoholism counselors. First time offenders receive twelve hours of education, while a second offender who has not been sentenced to inpatient treatment or jail attends a 48 hour program. Those who have offended three or more times may receive jail sentences and/or inpatient treatment. After this, they will have to follow up by attending the twelve hour program.