Shantae Ranger
Adult Probations Officer, State of Connecticut, Judicial Branch
B.A. Philosophy, Politics and Law '03

"I work in the same neighborhood where I grew up.  Some of my clients come in and complain about their lives, but I remind them that they don't take advantage of the opportunities given to them. I can say, 'Hey, look at me, I did it.  I had the same opportunities.'" 

Shantae Ranger graduated from Binghamton University in 2003 with a B.A. in Philosophy, Politics and Law (PPL). Upon graduation she faxed her resume to the State of Connecticut Human Resources Department, looking for any sort of work within the community.  She was granted an interview and 6 months later was hired as an office clerk in a courthouse.  She held this position for a year and a half until she was given a promotion.  Today, she works as an Adult Probations Officer for the State of Connecticut. 

Her activities here at BU helped her develop the skills she uses most for her job: namely, her communication and people skills. Her involvement in the Thurgood Marshall Pre-Law Society opened her mind to law.  The group discussed different kinds of cases in history, including current issues with the state. "It opened my mind to what's going on in the world today, and I learned crime basics that I see everyday in my work." She was also a member of the Black Student Union.

On a busy day, Ms. Ranger sees anywhere from 10-20 clients who have just been released from jail or criminal court. Her aim is to get her clients back on track by helping them find jobs and be a part of the community. She types in lots of notes and warrants while maintaining open communication between lawyers, judges, and police officers.   She describes herself as being somewhat of a social worker combined with law enforcement.  She keeps up-to-date background information on each of her clients, including information from police records as well as noting whether or not her clients show any progress or improvement. "The most interesting thing about my job is the number of characters that I meet," she says. "Everybody's story is different; some change, some don't. Some take advantage of the opportunities being given to them, some don't.  I can only show them what they can do to improve their lives, but I cannot force them to make that choice."   That, she says, is what she always has to remind herself if or when a client commits another crime.

This job requires excellent communication skills along with a thorough knowledge of the hierarchy of the judicial system. Knowing the different sectors of the judicial system comes with graduating with a major in PPL.  Ms. Ranger suggested that if one were to look for internships or volunteer opportunities, any work within your local judicial branch ( i.e., courthouses, law offices, office work) or even just within the community will help.

Though Ms. Ranger enjoys her job, she does have future plans. "When I graduated from Binghamton I wanted to be a lawyer," she says. "I still plan on going to law school; it just so happens that this great opportunity came my way, and I wanted to take it."


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