Both parole and probation officers make planned visits to the homes and workplaces of offenders. They work with neighborhood associations and religious groups to check up on the behavior of offenders. They ensure that the people they supervise enroll in substance abuse rehabilitation and job training programs, as ordered by the court. It is the probation and parole officer's main goal to keep offenders from repeating past crimes or violating parole and ending up returning to prison. Convicted criminals are often placed on probation in lieu of prison sentences. Individuals who've completed their prison sentences often get placed on parole after being released. While on probation or parole, convicted criminals are required to remain drug free, refrain from committing crimes, and adhere to other requirements. Parole officers have similar responsibilities as probation officers, but parole officers monitor released prison inmates, while probation officers assist individuals serving probation sentences rather than prison sentences. Parole and probation officers are responsible for supervising people serving parole and probation sentences. While serving probation or parole sentences, some offenders are required to wear electronic anklets to keep track of where they spend their time. Probation and parole officers assist the people they supervise obtain vocational training and drug rehabilitation counseling. Probation and parole officers typically hold bachelor's degrees in criminal justice, sociology, psychology, social work, or correctional counseling. Officers employed by federal government agencies are required to acquire 2 years of relevant work experience. Legal jurisdictions require most probation officers and some correctional treatment specialists to complete formal training administered by state governments or the federal government.