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 White paper on crime 2009 Part2/Chapter5/Section5/1 

Section 5  Volunteer Probation Officers, Private Supporters/Support Organizations, and Crime Prevention Activities

1 Volunteer probation officers

  Volunteer probation officers can be assigned to any one of 882 probation districts (as of April 1, 2009) nationwide where they engage in rehabilitation services such as implementation of probation/parole supervision and crime prevention activities, etc.
  Fig. 2-5-5-1 shows the number of volunteer probation officers and their average age since 1953.

Fig. 2-5-5-1  Number of volunteer probation officers and their average age (1953–2009)

  As of January 1, 2009, the number of volunteer probation officers was 48,936 persons. The Volunteer Probation Officer Act (Act No. 204 of 1950) stipulates that the number of volunteer probation officers shall not exceed 52,500. The average age of volunteer probation officers was 53.2 in 1953 but then increased rather sharply until around 1975, and has been on a slight increasing trend since then. As of January 1, 2009, the average age was 63.2 (Source: The Rehabilitation Bureau, Ministry of Justice).
  Fig. 2-5-5-2 shows the percent distribution of volunteer probation officers by age group and occupation.
  By age group, those aged 60 or older accounted for 72.5% while the proportion of those aged 49 or younger was 5.3%. By occupation, the proportion of unemployed persons (including housewives) was the highest, followed by company employees, etc. Those engaged in commerce/services and involved with religion were also common.

Fig. 2-5-5-2  Percent distribution of volunteer probation officers by age group and occupation (as of January 1, 2009)