News Coverage
County Spotlight: Stanislaus Probation Officers Find Explosive During Probation Check
From KCRA.
CERES, Calif., July 30, 2025 — Officers conducting a probation compliance check at a residence in Ceres on Tuesday uncovered an explosive device, according to the police department.
…Stanislaus County Probation Officers were conducting a compliance check in the 3900 block of Blaker Road when they found what appeared to be an explosive device.
San Diego County Probation’s New Healthcare Unit Will Enhance Medical Services for Youth
From San Diego County News Center. By Yvette Urrea Moe
SAN DIEGO, Calif., – July 23, 2025 - County Probation has created a new integrated Healthcare Services unit with the goal of enhancing the care and support given to youth in detention facilities and both youth and adult clients under Probation supervision. To that end, a new medical director and a healthcare operations manager have joined the Probation team.
“The establishment of this unit is important because it will help address disparities in healthcare and improve health outcomes for our clients after their release,” said Tamika Nelson, Chief Probation Officer. “The money saved will be directed toward enhancing other programs and services Probation provides for our clients to help them successfully transition back into the community.”
Probation hired Dr. Lou Gilleran, Probation’s medical director, to oversee all healthcare services including physical and behavioral health in December. He is a retired U.S. Navy Medical Officer with 27 years of military service and has since worked in several key roles in the County including the Medical Director for the Emergency Homeless Shelter at the San Diego Convention Center during COVID, TB Clinic and as Chief Medical Officer for the San Diego Sheriff’s Office.
To help him with this major and critical task is Michael Kelley, MSN in the new position as Healthcare Operations Manager, who has extensive experience in quality assurance…
They are leading the rollout of Justice-Involved CalAIM, a state initiative that will transform Medi-Cal in youth detention centers which is set to begin later this year, Gilleran said. The department is piloting new pre-release services. The way it will work is that Probation will receive reimbursement for youth care for 90 days before they are released. Currently, youth who have medical insurance and are booked into a correctional facility are automatically suspended from any Medi-Cal reimbursement for medical or behavioral care as per federal law. Now, those services will be funded.
Kelley said they have applied for Probation to have a special clinic designation that will allow them to bill the state for medical services, case management, laboratory tests, durable medical equipment, and medications. They also established a contract with a single contract provider in the detention facilities which offers both physical and behavioral health services which will improve communication and services.
This then gives the Integrated Healthcare Services Unit better oversight, enabling seamless services, Gilleran said. When a young person is booked, they will have a whole person assessment which will be included in their re-entry plan, he said.
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“Another really big benefit is the warm handoff for our youth before release to ensure they receive continued care,” Kelley said.
Gilleran added, “The benefits of CalAim is that now we’ll be bringing in revenue that allows us to put money into other programs that addresses pro-social, pro-health, cognitive, and behavioral issues and can potentially be put into vocational training.”
One of the vocational training programs offered to youth is music production, which requires a studio to learn how to mix and edit sound and music. “One example of putting money into other programs is building a music studio,” Kelley said.
San Diego County Probation is committed to delivering high-quality services that drive improved outcomes for the youth and adults they serve.
Read the article here.
Madera County Probation Department Receives Recognition
From The Madera Tribune
Madera, Calif., August 12, 2025 – Madera County Chief Probation Officer Chris Childers receives a plaque and proclamation from the County Board of Supervisors. Childers retired from a 37-year career in law enforcement.
The Madera County Board of Supervisors recognized the contributions of several of its employees within the probation department.
Marin County Probation Department Celebrates 10th Annual Career Explorer Program
From the County of Marin.
San Rafael, Calif. – August 12, 2025 – The Marin County Probation Department proudly funds and celebrates the 10th anniversary of its Career Explorer Program, a transformative initiative that has opened doors for hundreds of local youths. What began a decade ago with just 15–20 interns has grown into a robust, countywide program now serving more than 50 interns annually.
“This milestone is more than just a number — it’s a testament to the lasting impact of investing in our youth,” said Marlon Washington, Chief Probation Officer. “The Career Explorer Program has opened doors, built confidence, and created pathways to public service and meaningful careers.”
The County celebrated this summers’ 53 Explorers during a graduation event August 6 in the Marin County Board of Supervisors chamber at the Civic Center in San Rafael.
Kern County Probation Department Uncovers Their Daily Routine as an Officer
From ABC 23.
Bakersfield, Calif., — Officers invited 23ABC on a ride along to see the life of a probation officer. The department has increased their presence in the community offering services that are meant to better residents.
Officers Find Explosive During Probation Check in Ceres, Officials Say
From KCRA.
CERES, Calif., July 30, 2025 — Officers conducting a probation compliance check at a residence in Ceres on Tuesday uncovered an explosive device, according to the police department.
Officials said Stanislaus County Probation Officers were conducting a compliance check in the 3900 block of Blaker Road when they found what appeared to be an explosive device.
Riverside County Probation Vehicles to Serve as `Mobile Service Centers’ for Probationers, Parolees
From NBC Palm Springs
Riverside, Calif. – July 29, 2025 – Parolees and probationers in Riverside County who are homeless or otherwise unable to find readily available transportation to make court dates or check in with their assigned agents now have the option of utilizing “mobile service centers” provided by the Department of Probation.
“Reliable transportation should never be the deciding factor in whether someone succeeds on probation,” Chief Probation Officer Christopher Wright said. ``By meeting people where they are, our Mobile Service Centers remove a major obstacle, helping clients stay on track, fulfill court-ordered requirements and ultimately move forward with their lives.”
Solano County Celebrates Probation Services Week Honoring Officers and Their Impact
From Citizen Portal
…The Board of Supervisors convened on July 22, 2025, to honor Probation Services Week, a time dedicated to acknowledging the vital role probation officers and juvenile correctional counselors play in the justice system.
Placer County Board of Supervisors Approves Proclamation for Probation Services Week 2025
PLACER COUNTY, Calif., – Placer County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a Proclamation recognizing Probation Services Week during their meeting on July 22, 2025.
To celebrate Probation Services Week, Placer County Probation held a departmental luncheon honoring their hardworking staff and their dedication to public safety and rehabilitation. Members of the Board of Supervisors and the County Executive Office joined for the event, showing their appreciation and support for the vital work the probation team does every day.
Chief Brian Passenheim said, “Placer County Probation is grateful for the continued recognition from our local leadership and for CPOC’s statewide efforts to elevate and support the probation profession.”
Inyo County Probation Celebrates Staff During Probation Services Week
INYO COUNTY, Calif., — To commemorate Probation Services week, Chief Jeffrey Thomson prepared a pancake and sausage breakfast for staff, clients, and visitors.
In addition, probation staff celebrated the beginning of Probation Services Week with a picnic, water balloon and water blaster battle, competitive cornhole matches, and frisbee golf at the Millpond Recreation area.
Lake County Board of Supervisors and Community Members Celebrate Probation Staff for Probation Services Week
LAKE COUNTY, Calif., — Last week, the Board of Supervisors recognized the Lake County Probation Department during “Probation Services Week” and invited community members to share positive stories about their interactions with probation staff.
Sonoma County Board of Supervisors and Chief Probation Officer Fuchs Recognize Probation Staff During Probation Services Week
SONOMA COUNTY, Calif., — Last week, the Board of Supervisors and Chair Lynda Hopkins recognized the Sonoma County Probation Department during “Probation Services Week” and invited probation staff to share their stories.
Imperial County Supervisors Honor Probation Staff
From Desert Review
EL CENTRO — On Tuesday, July 22, the Imperial County Board of Supervisors held their regular meeting in the Board Chambers at the County Administration Center in El Centro.
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Big Sur Foundation to Sponsor a Half Marathon Inside Monterey County Juvenile Detention Center
From Monterey Herald
Carmel, Calif., – July 23, 2025 - It started with a thought, then a phone call, some brainstorming and the willingness to provide a foundation.
In conjunction with the Big Sur Marathon Foundation, the Monterey County Juvenile Detention Center in Salinas has turned a vision into a reality with the inaugural Hall Half run.
Friday, ten incarcerated individuals between the ages of 17-23 will run 124 laps around a paved track inside the fences of the juvenile detention center. The 8 a.m. race will be an official half-marathon – 13.1 miles.
“These are the kind of things the Big Sur Marathon Foundation wants to be a part of,” Marathon Executive Director Jennifer Edwards said. “If we can change just one life, we’re all in. Our aim is to give these guys the tools and confidence to build a healthier, safer and active life.”
San Diego County Probation Youth Shine at Theater Camp
From San Diego County News Center. By Yvette Urrea Moe
SAN DIEGO, Calif., – July 23, 2025 - Three Probation youth not only got to help build theater sets backstage at the La Jolla Playhouse, they also got to build their self-esteem and their resumes.
The youth are students at the Youth Transition Campus and the week-long Tech Theatre Training camp is done in partnership with the theater, the San Diego County Office of Education and the County Probation Department.
“Programs like these support the long-term success of Probation youth by enriching their lives with creativity, structure, and opportunity,” said Mike Whatley, Probation division chief.
Whatley explained several reasons why programs like the theater camp are important for probation-involved youth. The young people get hands-on technical and creative skill development, and they get to see themselves as capable and talented individuals, sometimes for the first time. This can help them build their self-esteem and give them a sense of purpose, he said.
San Francisco Juvenile Probation Marks Probation Services Week with History, Art, and Friendly Competition
SAN FRANCISCO – This week, the San Francisco Juvenile Probation Department (JPD) proudly celebrated Probation Services Week 2025 by honoring the vital, compassionate, and often unsung work of its dedicated professionals who serve youth and young adults in the juvenile justice system.
With a mix of history, art, and camaraderie, the week’s events showcased the department’s deep roots in San Francisco and its ongoing commitment to safe, rehabilitative, and community-centered services.
Message from CPOC President Chief Steve Jackson in Honor of Probation Professionals: Probation Services Week 2025
During this Probation Services Week 2025, I want to extend my deepest appreciation to the dedicated professionals working in probation departments across California.
Probation Department’s Compliance Operation Yields Two Arrests
From Noozhawk.
July 19, 2025 – The Santa Barbara County Probation Department on July 17 conducted a countywide compliance operation with a focus on supervised clients convicted of sex offenses.
During the action, 24 locations were visited and 12 searches conducted in the Santa Maria, Orcutt, Lompoc, Santa Barbara, and Goleta areas. In the Santa Maria area, the Santa Maria Police Department joined the Probation Department effort.