How to become a probation and parole officer in Rhode Island
The Rhode Island Department of Corrections (RIDOC), Adult Probation and Parole hires state probation and parole officers under the title Probation and Parole Officer I (class code 02826900). New probation and parole officers start at $70,876 a year, rising to $79,844.
Pay
| Starting salary | $70,876 |
|---|---|
| Top of scale | $79,844 |
| Scale effective | 2026-06-28 |
Class spec and Classified Pay Plan (July 29, 2025) place Probation and Parole Officer I at pay grade 27A. Classified annual salaries Schedule 00, effective June 28, 2026, grade 027: $70,876 / $73,221 / $75,813 / $79,844. Assumes the general Schedule 00 applies; separate schedules (e.g., 300, B00) exist for certain bargaining units and show different grade-27 rates. Officer II is grade 29A, Officer III grade 31A.
Source:[hr.ri.gov]
Requirements
- Education: Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education with a specialization in sociology, psychology, social work, penology, criminal justice, or a closely related field; and a minimum of one year experience in a criminal justice, casework, and/or case management environment, or closely related work experience with related client populations.
- Supervises adults placed on probation by the courts or granted parole by the Parole Board (probation and parole are both state-run under RIDOC)
Source:[datadoa.ri.gov]
Hiring process
- Apply for a posted RIDOC Probation and Parole Officer vacancy on the State of Rhode Island jobs site (apply.ri.gov)
- Screening against the class specification's education and experience requirements
- Interview and selection
Source:[doc.ri.gov]
Academy
Length not published. No official source found stating a required basic training course or length for RIDOC probation and parole officers.[doc.ri.gov]
Pension and retirement
- Plan: Employees' Retirement System of Rhode Island (ERSRI), state employee hybrid plan (defined benefit + defined contribution)