(a) A probation officer shall investigate all cases referred to the probation officer for investigation by the judges of the courts or by the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction. The officer shall keep informed concerning the conduct and condition of each person on probation under the probation officer’s supervision by visiting, requiring reports, and in other ways, and shall report thereon in writing as often as the court or the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction may require. The officer shall use all practicable and suitable methods, not inconsistent with the conditions imposed by the court or the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction, to aid and encourage persons on probation to bring about improvement in their conduct and condition. The probation officer shall keep detailed records of the probation officer’s work; shall make such reports in writing to the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction as the Secretary may require; and shall perform other duties as the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction may require. A probation officer shall have, in the execution of the probation officer’s duties, the powers of arrest and, to the extent necessary for the performance of the probation officer’s duties, the same right to execute process as is now given, or that may hereafter be given by law, to the sheriffs of this State.

(b) Probation officers may be assigned by the Secretary of the Department of Adult Correction to perform additional duties during a declared state of emergency or a natural disaster. This authority does not convey to probation officers any additional powers of arrest or other authority beyond that provided in subsection (a) of this section. (1937, c. 132, s. 9; 1973, c. 1262, s. 10; 1975, c. 229, s. 1; 1977, c. 711, s. 18; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h), (i); 2013-101, s. 3; 2022-58, s. 1(a), (b); 2022-74, s. 19A.1(j).)