Probation Officer Definition

An officer appointed by a magistrate to watch over and guide persons placed on probation.

An officer charged with assisting courts in the investigation of defendants' backgrounds and circumstances to assist in the determination of appropriate sentences and in the supervision of convicted offenders who have received a sentence of probation.

A similar officer charged with investigating the backgrounds and circumstances of juveniles to determine appropriate outcomes in delinquency proceedings and with supervising those adjudged delinquent.