What aspect of a probation officer's workload is often stressful?

High caseloads represent a significant source of stress for probation officers, as they are responsible for managing multiple cases simultaneously. Each case requires careful attention, documentation, communication with offenders, and coordination with various community resources or treatment programs. When the number of cases becomes overwhelming, it can lead to increased pressure to meet deadlines, conduct thorough assessments, and monitor compliance effectively.

This stress is compounded by the seriousness of cases that probation officers handle, which often involve high-risk offenders with complex needs. The expectation to maintain high standards of supervision while managing substantial administrative duties makes a heavy caseload a critical concern in this profession. Thus, the impact of dealing with many cases at once can lead to burnout and a diminished capacity to provide the necessary support to each individual on probation.