How to become a probation and parole officer in Delaware
The Delaware Department of Correction — Bureau of Community Corrections (Probation and Parole) hires state probation and parole officers under the title Probation and Parole Officer I (class UBEA01). New probation and parole officers start at $68,969 a year, rising to $94,933. You must be at least 20.5.
Pay
| Starting salary | $68,969 |
|---|---|
| Top of scale | $94,933 |
Class spec pay range: $68,969 minimum / $75,946 midpoint / $94,933 maximum yearly. PPO I is the entry level of a career ladder: PPO II $73,107-$101,018; Senior PPO $81,879-$114,384. Range shown on the State of Delaware class specification at capture; effective date not printed.
Source:[jobapscloud.com]
Pay for this work across Delaware
Federal survey figures for probation officers and correctional treatment specialists in Delaware, counting every employer in the state, public and private, so they differ from the state's own pay scale above.
| People in this work | 380 |
|---|---|
| Lower pay (10th percentile) | $56,260 |
| Median pay | $81,880 |
| Higher pay (90th percentile) | $102,000 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, state estimates (all employers)[bls.gov]
Requirements
- Minimum age: 20.5
- Education: Bachelor's degree or higher in criminal justice, law enforcement, psychology, sociology, human services or related field; OR at least 60 college credits plus knowledge of case management, behavior management, interviewing, and narrative report writing.
- At least 20 and a half years of age
- Valid driver's license (not suspended, revoked, cancelled or disqualified)
Source:[jobapscloud.com]
Hiring process
- Apply on the State of Delaware JobAps site when a Probation and Parole Officer I recruitment opens
- Pass the required written test
- Complete the Personal History Statement; background investigation by DOC Internal Affairs (employment, criminal, DMV, references)
- Interview
- Conditional offer and pre-employment drug test
- Complete the 13-week Probation and Parole Officer basic training course at the DOC Employee Development Center before district office assignment
Source:[jobapscloud.com]
Entrance exam
Probation and Parole Officer I written test
Academy
13 weeks.[statejobs.delaware.gov]
Pension and retirement
- Plan: Delaware State Employees' Pension Plan (SEPP)
- When you can retire: Hired on/after 1/1/2012: age 65 with 10 years, age 60 with 20 years, or 30 years at any age; as Specified Peace Officers, Probation and Parole Officers also qualify for the 25-Year Plan: 25 years of credited service regardless of age with 20 years as a Correctional/Specified Peace Officer (7% contribution)
Source:[delcode.delaware.gov]