The law mandates that probation officers report their knowledge of clients' infractions while at the same time inspiring confidence and providing support to probationers' social reintegration efforts. It is essential that probation officers and clients understand the nature of both responsiblities. The officers must distinguish situations that must be reported from those that can remain confidential, and use discretion in the way that judges are informed of new complications in a case. Furthermore, the probation officer's intervention must not infringe upon professional areas outside their competence, such as giving clients legal advice. Administratively, the probation/parole officers in North Rhine-Westphalia are under the justice department and a specially appointed coordinator of social services. The coordinator's role is unclear; officers are uncertain of the coordinator's commitment to their interests (i.e., the primacy of the assistance and support function) and resent their lack of autonomy under this arrangement. A total of 12 footnotes are given.