Is a state probation officer a higher profile law enforcement job than for example a basic police officer since you need a BA degree?

Answer 1

What do you mean by "higher profile law enforcement job"? They certainly do not make the news.

In the United States, probation officers exist at the city, county, state, and federal levels, that is, wherever there is a court of competent jurisdiction.

Most probation officers work in State and local governments. In some states, probation officers may be employed on both the state and local level, while in others they are employed at only the state or local level.

They do require more training than a basic police officer.

Answer 2

not in my state -- it's the other way around