News  Second Probation Officer Academy begins

A group of 18 new Probation Officers, representing 14 courts across the Commonwealth, began their first day of training in the Probation Officer Academy on Monday.

The PO's are the second class to participate in the new academy located at the Massachusetts Training and Operations Center (MTOC) in Clinton.
The academy trainees represent the Central Division of the Boston Municipal Court (BMC), Worcester Superior, Waltham District, Fitchburg District, Plymouth Juvenile, Suffolk Juvenile, Suffolk Superior, Lawrence District, Essex Superior, Berkshire Juvenile, Fall River District, Norfolk Probate & Family, Dudley District, and Suffolk Probate & Family.
Monday's training featured a panel on the “Role of a Probation Officer” and an overview of the Field Services Division presented by Brian Mirasolo, Deputy Commissioner of Field Services. The new PO's were also paired with their mentors.


"The new Probation Officers and their mentors were paired and introduced to each other. We are excited about the mentorship component which is important in every profession," said James Hotaling, MPS Training Manager who oversees the three-week PO Academy.

Statewide Training Director Patricia Gavin added, "Academy participants leave the academy with foundational knowledge to be built upon over the next many months as they complete additional trainings and apply what they have learned in their respective roles and locations."

During the Probation Academy, the new PO's are introduced to the tools and skills required of their role, including legal principles with a mock courtroom experience, evidence-based practices, dispute interventions, verbal de-escalation and conflict resolution, officer safety, and disengagement tactics. However, training continues beyond the academy, according to Mr. Hotaling.
MPS is currently hiring new PO's. Registration to take the exam kicked off on Monday, June 9th, and will end August 29th. Candidates may take the exam between Monday, September 15th, through October 3rd. The exam may be taken at a Pearson VUE testing center or online via OnVue remote proctoring.

If a candidate has already taken and passed the March 2024 PO Entrance Exam, they do not have to retake it.

Requirements to become a probation officer:

• Bachelor's Degree: a concentration in human services, behavioral sciences, or criminal justice is preferred
• Two years of related work experience
• Register, take, and pass the Probation Officer (PO) Exam
• Interview and be eligible to proceed to the next interview phase
• Must be hired as PO to attend the Probation Officer Academy