Probation staff perform an essential role in upholding public safety
PHOENIX (July 23, 2024) – While there may be many misconceptions about what probation and surveillance officers do, their impact can go a long way in altering the trajectory of people’s lives. Probation staff are instrumental in fostering behavioral changes that help people complete their probation terms and assist in turning their lives around to become law-abiding citizens.
National Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week, observed during the week of July 21, honors the significant contributions of probation, juvenile detention and surveillance officers nationwide. Probation Week provides an opportunity to join in celebration with the more than 100,000 community corrections professionals across the nation who diligently work to maintain our community’s safety.
The Maricopa County Adult Probation Department serves more than 51,000 individuals. Recently, the department updated its mission, vision and values to mirror the organization’s dedication to innovation and ongoing enhancement. Enhancing community safety is one of the department’s primary goals and in the fiscal year 2023, the department reported that over 76% of individuals on probation completed their terms successfully. Probation staff work to provide resources that assist individuals in effecting change while ensuring accountability. Adult Probation staff will be celebrated throughout the week through various activities and gatherings.
“After 25 years in this field, I am more convinced than ever that community corrections hold the keys to permanent reductions in crime and enhancement of community safety,” said Chief Adult Probation Officer Michael Cimino. “We are fortunate in Maricopa County to have the professionals we do in adult and juvenile probation leading these efforts from juvenile detention to probation and pretrial supervision to resourcing the Court’s initial appearance and presentence decision-making. They are national leaders in our field, and I could not be prouder of the work they do for our Court and the residents of Maricopa County. We are proud to participate in National Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week and see their important public service celebrated.”
In fiscal year 2023, the Maricopa County Juvenile Probation Department received 8,903 referred offenses. Over half of all referred offenses were sent to a diversion program and managed without filing a formal petition to the court. About 95% of the youth that had been diverted in the previous year did not have a subsequent felony referral.
An example of the department’s continued effort to innovate is the use of an online platform where youth can complete assigned modules to satisfy diversion consequences. Since its introduction, 25 youth have used the mobile platform resulting in 150 completed modules, focused on strengthening families, making good choices, avoiding substance use, and other topics. For those youth requiring additional supervision, in fiscal year 2023, 88% of the youth that had been placed on probation in the previous year did not have a subsequent felony referral following their completion of probation. Officers’ work of ensuring accountability while supporting opportunities to change makes a difference. An additional level of community protection occurs through the 24/7 care provided by juvenile detention officers. Detention provides an opportunity to re-kindle educational interests, participate in behavioral health services, recreational activities and positive programming.
“Every year we get the opportunity to celebrate and recognize the challenging and rewarding work of our profession and the professionals who are a critical component of our public safety system. Our work with juveniles and families includes having to confront past traumas, emotional and physical abuse, self-harming behaviors, and occasional deaths,” said Juvenile Probation Chief Eric Meaux. “These realities and events have an impact on our professionals. I’m excited about this year’s theme: ‘Wellness Unveiled: Navigating the Journey.’ This year’s theme shines a spotlight on this element of our work and is an opportunity to encourage our officers and support staff to focus on their physical and mental well-being. Our JPD staff have rewarding jobs, however it comes with stress and can take an emotional toll. With this year’s theme, we will highlight the significance of daily selfcare by sharing daily tips on best practices for physical and mental health. I am looking forward to celebrating all our juvenile justice professionals and all they contribute to ensuring safer communities and brighter futures for the youth and families they serve."