Meet Katrina Y.

"As an Associate Probation Officer, I manage a caseload of offenders who are on probation and pre-trial court orders. Clients report to me in person and I make sure they are following all the conditions of their court orders. As probation officers, we are taught to target each offender’s risk areas with the aim of reducing each offender’s likelihood to re-offend. It can be best described as a blend of social work and enforcement. The goal is to help rehabilitate offenders in the community while also maintaining public safety.⠀ ⠀

I am currently 10 months into this placement and I still learn new things every day about how the criminal justice system works. It allows me to expand upon and apply my criminology and psychology coursework to real life situations. ⠀ ⠀

This experience has taught me a lot about myself and what I am capable of doing. This position has been challenging and overcoming those challenges has improved my confidence in my abilities and also shown what areas I have for improvement. As someone interested in a future career in criminal justice and government, the work experience and professional connections I am making are invaluable. In addition, this experience has eased some of my concerns about finding work after graduation and helped me better define my future career goals.”⠀

Katrina Yaskowich is a 3rd year Criminology Student who is currently completing a 16 month AWE work term with Alberta Justice and Solicitor General as an Associate Probation Officer.