Which of the following is a duty of a probation officer?

Monitoring and explaining probation conditions is a fundamental duty of a probation officer. This role involves overseeing individuals on probation to ensure compliance with the conditions set by the court. It is essential for probation officers to regularly check in with probationers, provide guidance, and clarify any terms associated with their probation. This includes explaining the expectations and any consequences for violations. The objective is to support rehabilitation while maintaining public safety by ensuring that probationers adhere to the rules established by the court.

The other options listed pertain to duties that are not typically assigned to probation officers. For instance, submitting legal documents is generally handled by attorneys or clerks, while authorizing probation conditions is more of a judicial function. Additionally, representing offenders in court is a responsibility of defense attorneys, not probation officers, who are tasked with supervision and monitoring rather than legal representation. This focus on monitoring and explanation highlights the probation officer's role in fostering accountability and facilitating rehabilitation.