IT IS SAID THAT LITTLE EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE HAS BEEN FOUND TO INDICATE THAT PROBATION OFFICERS ARE SUCCESSFUL IN IMPROVING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF REHABILITATION PROGRAMS THROUGH THE PROVISION OF PROFESSIONAL SOCIAL SERVICES. PROBATION OFFICERS ARE, HOWEVER, INCREASINGLY BEING CALLED UPON TO PROVIDE TRADITIONAL, PRACTICAL SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY AND COURTS, AS WELL AS TO THE OFFENDER. THUS, IT IS SAID THAT THE PROBATION OFFICER MUST STILL POSSESS SPECIALIZED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE WHICH CAN BEST BE ACQUIRED THROUGH A COLLEGE EDUCATION.