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Adopt and present a resolution recognizing July 16 through July 22 as Probation, Parole, and Community Supervision Week (Supervisor Spering)
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Director of Probation recommends the Board of Supervisors adopt and present a resolution recognizing July 16 through July 22, 2017 as Probation, Parole, and Community Supervision Week.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The American Probation and Parole Association has designated July 16 through July 22, 2017 as Probation, Parole, and Community Supervision Week nationally. This week has been set aside to recognize and celebrate the dedicated and caring individuals in your community who work tirelessly to make your neighborhoods safer. These professionals are on duty each and every day to assist juvenile and adult offenders in becoming better citizens with productive lives. The Department recognizes the need to raise public awareness about the services and functions of probation agencies in the community and therefore wishes to participate in the upcoming Probation, Parole, and Community Supervision Week. The theme for this year is “Clients, Communities, Employees: Empowerment through Partnerships.”
These professionals assist juvenile and adult offenders in becoming more productive members of society by providing effective supervision of offenders; working closely with victims of crime and/or their families; working with the families and others who seek to help offenders; partnering with treatment providers and community groups; and partnering with police and law enforcement groups. Their efforts help to change offender behavior, thereby keeping our community safe.
Today in America, there are over 5 million adults under community supervision and most of these individuals are monitored by probation and parole officers. Monitoring may take the form of home contacts, drug testing, counseling sessions, and helping offenders to find suitable housing and employment. Many officers also supervise offenders using electronic monitoring equipment which requires knowledge of newer technologies.
Currently, Solano County employs 102 probation officers to supervise approximately 3000 adults and 400 juveniles, and 73 group counselors to supervise up to 70 minors detained at the Juvenile Detention Facility, New Foundations and the Challenge Academy. Probation continues to impact Solano County by linking the justice system’s many diverse stakeholders, including law enforcement, the courts, prosecutors, defense attorneys, community-based organizations, mental health/drug treatment service providers, the community, the victim, and the offender.
The Department’s general responsibilities are defined in the following categories:
• Intake and investigation - Conduct pre-trial, pre-sentence, and intake services.
• Supervision - Supervise adults and juveniles in the community, including courtesy supervision for offenders who live in Solano County but committed an offense in another county or state. Adult services are outlined in California Penal Code Section 1203, and Juvenile services are outlined in California Welfare and Institutions Code Section 202.
• Collections - Collection of money from offenders for restitution, fines and fees and its distribution to the appropriate parties (e.g., victims, courts, etc.).
• Custody - Detention of minors in the County Juvenile Detention Facility to include electronic monitoring and home supervision.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with Probation, Parole, and Community Supervision Week (e.g., printing of brochures and posters) will be absorbed in the Department’s FY2016/17 Budget. Therefore, there is no additional financial impact to the County General Fund.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board of Supervisors could choose:
1. Not to adopt the resolution; however, this alternative is not recommended since non adoption by the Board would not bestow recognition to corrections professionals during this special week; and/or
2. To proclaim another week as Probation, Parole, and Community Supervision Week; however, this alternative is not recommended since the week of July 16 through 22, 2017 has been nationally designated as Probation, Parole, and Community Supervision Week.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Superior Court of Solano County, along with the Sheriff, District Attorney, Public Defender, local law enforcement agencies, and Superintendent of Schools are appreciative of the services provided by the Probation Department.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION