Do parole officers make arrests? The law states that probation/parole officers shall have the power of peace officers in the performance of their duties and shall have police powers and authority throughout the Commonwealth to arrest with or without warrant any person on probation, intermediate punishment, or parole for any violation of probation, .... Step 5: Apply for a Job. Most parole officer positions are offered through the state government. You'll need to sit for the civil service test given by your state. These civil service exams will then be your application for any parole officer openings. You'll be informed of any opportunities and called in for interviews based on your score.. 2 Authority. A correctional officer has authority over the inmates inside the jail or penitentiary, but no authority outside of the institution. A parole officer has authority over the individual in terms of reporting their compliance with their probation and has the authority to recommend their return to jail if they are in violation. Parole officers serve a role in the rehabilitation of criminal offenders by helping them obtain job training, housing and counseling, when necessary. Education. Many parole officer positions require a four-year degree in criminal justice, sociology, social work or a related field of study. In some cases, an associate's degree and relevant work.