U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Officers are covered under federal law enforcement retirement as defined in 5 U.S.C. Ãç 83-84. In order to be included under federal law enforcement provisions, the candidate must not have reached their 37th birthday at the time of their appointment. Applicants 37 or over who have previous law enforcement experience under the Civil Service Retirement System or the Federal Employees Retirement System and who have either a subsequent break in service or intervening service in a non-law enforcement officer position may have their previous law enforcement officer experience subtracted from their age to determine if they are eligible. Candidates for this position require mandatory retirement at the age of 57 and must have at least 20 years of creditable law enforcement service to be eligible to retire.
The duties of U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Officers require the investigation and management of individuals charged/convicted of federal crimes, some of whom may pose a danger to officers in particular and the public in general. In the supervision, treatment and control of these individuals, these duties may require moderate to arduous physical activity, including prolonged periods of walking and standing, physical dexterity, and coordination necessary to use a firearm and self-defense tactics. On a daily basis, officers may face unusual mental and physical stress because they are subject to danger and possible harm during frequent, direct contact with individuals in the federal criminal justice system.
Because officers must be able to protect themselves and are subject to moderate to arduous exertion, candidates must be physically able to perform their duties. Officers must possess, with or without corrective lenses, good distance vision in at least one eye and the ability to read normal size print. Normal hearing ability, with or without a hearing aid, is also required.
TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS:
See Qualifications Required and Quality Ranking Factor sections.