Volunteer probation officers are affiliated to one of the 903 probation districts that exist around the country (as of April 1st, 2000) and are engaged in activities in their respective localities. Normally, volunteer probation officers are assigned to a probation district near their place of abode and are therefore conversant with local circumstances and social resources. Thus, taking advantage of this fact, they help with the reform and rehabilitation of probationers living in the same probation district, while also involving themselves in crime prevention activities.
  As organizations that support the work of volunteer probation officers, there are volunteer probation officer associations in each probation district, federations of volunteer probation officers associations in each prefecture(except in Hokkaido, where they are based on districts determined by the Minister of Justice), regional associations of volunteer probation officers in each jurisdiction area of Regional Parole Boards, and finally, as a national organization, the National Confederation of Volunteer Probation Officers.
  These volunteer probation officer organizations play an important role in organizing voluntary training for volunteer probation officers, promoting crime prevention activities, implementing the"Movement for a Brighter Society", supporting and assisting each other, finding and cultivating support organizations and social resources, liaising and cooperating with probation offices, local authorities, and other relevant bodies and organizations, promoting activities by volunteer probation officers, and so on.