The function of the United States Probation and Pretrial Services Office is to collect, verify, and report to the judicial officer, prior to the Federal pretrial release hearing, information pertaining to the pretrial release of each individual charged with an offense, including information relating to any danger that the release of such person may pose to any other person or the community and, where appropriate, include a recommendation as to whether such individual should be released or detained and, if release is recommended, recommend appropriate conditions of release.

The officer prepares a report that assists the Court make an informed release or detention decision. If the defendant is released, probation officers are responsible for assisting persons under supervision in complying with conditions of release, monitoring compliance, providing necessary support services, and informing the Court and the United States Attorney's Office of all apparent violations of the conditions of release. The objectives of supervision are to reduce the likelihood that persons on pretrial release will fail to appear on scheduled court dates, or commit crime, or otherwise pose a danger to any other person or the community.

It is the duty of the probation officer to inform the Court of any violations the defendant incurs while on bond. Should the defendant fail to report as instructed or not comply with any of the court-ordered conditions, he/she may be brought before the judge for stricter conditions or remanded back into custody.

Pretrial supervision ends if the defendant is found not guilty at trial or the charges are dropped against him or her. If the defendant is found guilty or pleads guilty, the pretrial services officer will typically continue supervising the defendant until their sentence begins. Pretrial supervision usually lasts a few months, during which time a probation officer may start the defendant's presentence investigation.