 Hello, I'm Javier Hernandez reporting from Washington. Probation and pretrial officers have one of the most challenging jobs in the judiciary. Oftentimes they're part detective, part lawyer, part counselor, even part psychologist. It's no easy job, but the judiciary is making sure they have the skills needed at the Probation and Pretrial Services Academy in South Carolina. Welcome to the Academy for New Probation and Pretrial Officers. Here, new officers learn more than just the basics. The training is realistic and intense. There's no other situation where you can get this type of training, the level of commitment from the trainers, everyone is very serious about what they do. The Academy is located at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Charleston, South Carolina. The first class started in February of 2005. Back then, the course was three weeks long. Now, it's five weeks. In 2007, the Academy will begin to run concurrent classes. And then what we'll do as a large group is we'll degrade the whole class. The backbone of the Academy is its staff of instructors, each a veteran officer. They guide the trainees step by step through a 20-course curriculum. I think that because they understand that we know what they do in the field. We know the dangers inherent in their job. We know the work that they do, that they may be buying to us maybe a little bit more. Role-playing is a big part of training here. It's important for trainees to learn to treat offenders with fairness and respect, but also keep public safety in mind. Each scenario teaches new officers to expect and be prepared for anything. Are you aware that Mr. George cannot read? From a practical experience, they're going to encounter all types of scenarios in the courtrooms. They're going to get situations where one day the U.S. Attorney is on their side and the next, the U.S. Attorney isn't. Just having this experience going through the process and having already done it, you know, the role-playing are very helpful. You learn on the spot, which for me is the best way to learn. So, you know, if anything comes up in the future, I've already had that experience. Trainees arrive with varying degrees of ability. So, the instructors must tailor their approach to each student. So, for instance, in the firing range, if you come here, a very accomplished shooter, we're going to challenge you personally to become better in this area or that. Academy officials feel each graduate is a well-rounded professional, armed with the skills they'll need to succeed and to stay safe on the streets. Congratulations to classes 606 and 607. The initial probation and pretrial services training is available to new officers within the first two years of their appointment. Reporting from Washington, I'm Javier Hernandez.