Two state agencies in Georgia are teaming up on a dual certification program that equips graduates with the skills to work as either a parole officer or probation officer.

The State Board of Pardons and Paroles and the Department of Corrections are jointly offering the Basic Probation/Parole Officer Training Course. It is scheduled to graduate its first class of 63 participants Thursday, with 14 going to parole and 49 going to probation.

Probation and parole have many similarities. Both allow offenders to stay out of jail or prison as long as they comply with a specific set of conditions.

The eight-week course includes training in supervision techniques, investigation procedures, intervention strategies, interview skills, defensive tactics and firearms qualification.

Tags: training, Probation, Department of Corrections, State Board of Pardons and Paroles, parole