Must have the ability to operate a variety of equipment necessary to perform job duties such as motor vehicles, computers, telephones, radios, handcuffs, body armor and other equipment depending on case assignments. Must possess independent body mobility to stand, walk, bend and sit for prolonged periods of time and/ or drive a vehicle; the manual dexterity necessary to reach, grasp, hand write, and use a computer; vision sufficient to see and read; hearing and speech sufficient to communicate in person and over the phone; the ability to withstand varying weather temperatures; the ability to lift, drag, push and carry items of various weight up to 50 pounds.
Probation Officers have the authority of Peace Officers in the performance of his/her duties per A.R.S. 12-253.3 and can thus serve warrants, make arrests, and bring persons before the court who are under suspended sentences. Because probationers under court supervision are convicted felons and/or persons with domestic violence convictions, these job duties expose probation officers to a risk of being assaulted by probationers, family members and others in proximity to the probationers. Officers must be able to recognize and handle confrontational situations using defensive tactics and techniques, when necessary. For these reasons, the probation officer position is designated as a safety-sensitive position in accordance with ACJA § 6-106(A) and ACJA § 6- 107(A). All probation officers must “demonstrate, by proficiency testing, competency and understanding of the physical and verbal techniques and tactics presented at the defensive tactics training academy.” ACJA § 6-107(G)(1)(b). The proficiency testing is based upon whether they can perform the skills or tactics (or comparable alternatives) necessary for self-defense.