Parole Officers

Duties and Responsibilities of a Probation and Parole Officer

As detailed in WV §62-12-15, below are powers and duties of WV Parole Officers:

• Parole Officers performs work at beginning level in investigation and intervention, and provides continuous supervision for Interstate Compact probationers, parolees, misdemeanor cases, and West Virginia parolees to assist in their social, and personal adjustment.
• Officers investigate background histories of offenders; reviews court files, police reports and other pertinent reports to gather information concerning offenders. They interview offenders' family members, friends, employers and other persons concerned with offenders' readjustment into society.
• Furnishes conditions of parole
• Supervises and counsels offenders in office, home and community settings. Prepares petitions, testifies in court and parole revocation hearings.
• Officers keep informed of offender's conduct, and Encourage offender's positive behavior.
• Conducts drug and alcohol testing. Coordinates and utilizes law enforcement duties with the local police agencies to make arrests and transport offenders, which may involve dangerous offenders and situations.
• Officers contact community resources to arrange services for offenders regarding matters of job development, counseling services, etcetera. Must have the ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with offenders, co-workers, other agency representatives and the general public.
• Officers must keep detailed accurate records.
• Officers may arrest parolees with, or without, a warrant.
• Parole Officers have the powers of a Notary Public.
• Oversees financial payments of parolees, as needed.

Parole Officers Provide Information to Investigators

Parole Officers investigates cases referred to him/her.

• Current information is kept on all offenders
• Digital photos of offenders and their tattoos are available
• Detailed records on Offenders are kept for a minimum of 5 years
• Any file material is available to Law Enforcement when investigating an offender.
• Monthly lists of Offenders by county are provided to each department/detachment. Officers can get one sent to them personally via e-mail upon request.

Misconceptions About Parole Officers

• Are all armed.
• Have state vehicles.
• Find Offenders employment.
• Can force payment of restitution.
• Only supervise offenders.
• Refer for Revocation after the first violation.
• Any criminal charge will be a violation of parole.
• Work for Circuit Court Judges.