PHOENIX (Feb. 15, 2022) – Promoting and maintaining a safe and healthy community is a top priority for the Adult Probation Department, which serves a probation population of more than 46,000. This year, the Adult Probation Department, part of the Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County, will celebrate its 50th anniversary and reflect on the evolution of the department.

In 1972, the Adult Probation Department was established to assist justice-involved individuals by providing programs and services to help them overcome barriers to their success. By doing so, in 2021 nearly 90% of justice-involved individuals successfully completed probation.

“Our department is proud to offer a vast number of services ranging from cognitive-based classes to general education. We serve many individuals in our community, not only those involved in the criminal justice system,” said Division Manager David Taylor. “By providing services and referrals for other resources, we hope to help strengthen the neighborhoods we serve within and provide opportunities for positive changes.”

According to the Adult Probation Department, research shows that if individuals involved in the criminal justice system make needed changes in the most critical areas, including relationships, thoughts and beliefs, they will have a lower risk to re-offend, therefore making the community a safer place for everyone.

“It is truly our privilege at Adult Probation to serve and resource the fourth largest Trial Court in the Country and the residents of Maricopa County. We are so fortunate for the legacy of staff and previous leaders who have established such a rich history of excellence and innovation,” said Chief Probation Officer Michael Cimino. “We are honored, along with the Superior Court and Juvenile Probation, to be part of the Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County. We are also grateful to the support we receive from the County Board of Supervisors, County Administration, and for their continued partnership of public safety. We look forward to continuing that innovative work and commitment to excellence as we begin our second 50 years.”

To continue in their commitment to improvement, the Adult Probation Department has launched three key initiatives: Equity, Justice-Involved Women and the Continuous Improvement Initiative.

  • Equity Initiative: The goal is greater equity across racial, socioeconomic, LGBTQ+ and other lines both within Adult Probation and among those served by the department. Therefore, the department recently requested guidance from Diversity Equity and Inclusion subject matter experts to assess the needs of the department and a team of approximately 40 staff and leaders are guiding this initiative.
  • Justice-Involved Women Initiative: To explore the improvement of services for this population and analyze what approaches would be more effective.
  • Continuous Improvement Initiative: The ongoing improvement of key work practices, including revisiting the Adult Probation Department’s mission, vision and values and performance measures. Another key component is staff involvement at all levels of the department, to develop ideas that improve work processes.

 

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