In recognition of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, observed annually during the second week of April, the Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County proudly honors its Probation Communications team for their vital role in supporting public safety operations.

“The department performs valuable work that enhances community safety through its service to those under supervision and to community and law enforcement stakeholders,” said Adult Probation Chief, Michael Cimino. “Doing that work effectively is made possible by teams at the Branch like our Communications Center. They staff the center every hour, every day of the year, providing continuous monitoring of officers in the field, taking phone calls from law enforcement, the community, and our staff, further enhancing our service delivery. They represent the Branch’s commitment to excellence in their approach to their work, and we are grateful for their service to the Branch.”

The Communications Center operates year-round, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Telecommunications personnel serve as a critical lifeline for field staff, demonstrating exceptional multitasking abilities and attention to detail in high-pressure situations. The Probation Communications team is comprised of highly trained and dedicated professionals who work behind the scenes and remain an essential part of the mission of the Judicial Branch. 

“Our work with juveniles and families in the community is impactful and meaningful, and it equally requires a constant focus on safety both in detention and the field,” said Juvenile Probation Chief, Eric Meaux. “That safety is strengthened every day by the skilled professionals who provide real-time monitoring, coordination, and communication behind the scenes. We are grateful for their dedication, professionalism, and steady presence. Their work delivers an essential layer of protection and support, ensuring our officers can respond effectively and continue serving the community with confidence.”

The Probation Communications Center team operates a multi-channel radio communications and computer-aided dispatch system to support and monitor Adult and Juvenile Probation staff in the field, as well as the Judicial Branch Security team. Staff are responsible for receiving, coordinating, and transmitting critical information from law enforcement, the public, and other sources, while maintaining constant radio communication with field personnel.  

“We would like to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to the men and women who serve the Judicial Branch in the Juvenile Probation Department, Adult Probation Department, and Security Department command and control centers,” said Director of Judicial Branch Security, Sean Gibbs. “Their 24/7 monitoring of our facilities and posts/patrols as well as the constant devotion to public safety dispatching, their excellence in customer service, and continued pursuit of protecting life and property, is simply phenomenal and should be honored this and every week.  Behind every hero is a guardian looking out for them, who are typically dispatchers. Thank you, you’re the unseen heroes of public safety.”

NPSTW is held annually to honor public safety telecommunicators for their commitment, service, and sacrifice. It began in 1981 with Patricia Anderson of the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office in California. In 1994, President William J. Clinton signed a Presidential Proclamation, declaring the recognition.

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