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ICYMI: A Story of Justice and Recovery
From The Press Enterprise. By Anthony Martinez.
As our communities come together to celebrate National Recovery Month, I want to take a moment to share my personal journey. My hope is that by telling my story, I can help inform ongoing discussions about addiction and criminal justice, while offering some hope to those who struggle with addiction.
Reassessing California’s Approach to Public Safety and Reentry
By Karen Pank, Executive Director, Chief Probation Officers of California.
Every day, new reports of crime shake communities across California. Recent high-profile violent crime incidents have intensified concerns about public safety and the policies guiding safety decisions in our state. But it’s not just the high-profile cases that have California residents shaken, it’s the too-close-to-home incidents we all see on the streets of the communities in which we live every day.
Orange County Deputy Probation Officer Earns Outstanding Probation Officer of the Year Award from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)
Orange, Cali., September 11, 2024 – In a world where driving under the influence (DUI) remains a critical public safety concern, the dedication and innovative approaches within the justice system can make a significant difference. One such individual, Ronald De La Riva, is a recently honored member of the Orange County Probation Department, whose work with DUI court programs has earned him the 2024 Outstanding Probation Officer of the Year from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
Statement on CPOC’s Support for Proposition 36 from President Kelly Vernon
The Chief Probation Officers of California support Prop 36 as an important step toward meaningful change in the justice system and the communities we serve. As professionals dedicated to public safety, helping individuals transform their lives and supporting victims, we recognize the urgent need for action and approach this decision with a lens of balancing accountability and opportunity for change.
Victim Resources
CA Department of Justice Victims’ Services Unit – The Victims’ Services Unit offers crime victims and their families support and information at every stage of the criminal process.
CA Dept. of Corrections and Rehabilitation, OVSRS – Provides information on offender release, restitution, parole conditions and parole hearings when the offender is incarcerated in prison. 1-877-256-6877
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Contra Costa County Probation Hosts the 8th Annual Range Instructor Coalition Statewide Meeting
Contra Costa County Probation had the distinct honor of hosting the 8th Annual Range Instructor Coalition Statewide Meeting earlier this fall, a premier event that brought together Probation representatives and firearms instructors from across California. This dynamic coalition serves as a vital committee for sharing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and addressing key topics related to probation training, firearms use, and safety protocols.
Over the course of the meeting, participants engaged in meaningful discussions on critical issues, including the latest legislative updates and best practices for training, equipment, and firearms. These conversations aimed to ensure that probation departments statewide are equipped with the tools and knowledge necessary to operate effectively and safely.
Empowering Presentations and an Inspiring Chief Panel
One of the highlights of the event was a thought-provoking presentation by The Counseling Team International, titled “Resilience in Crisis: Managing Critical Incident Stress After Officer-Related Shootings.” This session provided invaluable insights and strategies for managing stress and maintaining mental health after high-stakes, traumatic incidents—an issue of growing importance in the probation field.
Another standout moment was the Chief Panel discussion, expertly moderated by Karen Pank, Executive Director of the Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC). The panel featured an impressive lineup of leaders:
- Chief Esa Ehmen-Krause (Contra Costa County Probation)
- Chief Robert Reyes (San Luis Obispo County Probation)
- Chief John Keene (San Mateo County Probation)
- Chief Lonnie Reyman (Del Norte County Probation)
The panelists candidly shared their insights on leadership, departmental challenges, and innovative approaches to improving probation operations. Attendees praised the session, with many calling it the most engaging and impactful Chief Panel they had ever attended.
Action-Packed Training: Counter Ambush Tactics
On the final day of the event, Armitage Tactical delivered an adrenaline-fueled Counter Ambush Tactics training at the range. This hands-on session focused on advanced techniques designed to prepare firearms instructors and officers for high-pressure ambush scenarios. Participants walked away with cutting-edge strategies and practical knowledge to implement in their departments, reinforcing the commitment to officer safety and operational excellence.
Celebrating Success and Looking Ahead
The event was widely regarded as a resounding success, raising the bar for future gatherings. The collaborative efforts of the Contra Costa County Probation Firearms Instructor Team, Staff Development Unit, Fiscal Unit, and IT Department played a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless execution of the meeting.
A special note of appreciation goes to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department for graciously allowing the use of the Emergency Operations Center, which provided an ideal venue for such an impactful event.
As the host, Contra Costa County Probation set a new standard for excellence, and all eyes are now on Riverside County Probation, which will proudly host next year’s event. This annual meeting continues to serve as another piece of innovation, collaboration, and professional development in the California Probation field.
Chief Probation Officer Jeff Thomson was recognized by the Inyo County Board of Supervisors
From Sierra Wave.
INYO COUNTY, November 7, 2024 - Chief Probation Officer Jeff Thomson was recognized by the Inyo County Board of Supervisors this week for reaching 25 years of service to the county. He is joined here by the Board, CAO Nate Greenberg, County Counsel John-Carl Vallejo, and his wife, Tawni, and mother, Joyce.
