SACRAMENTO, Calif., February 15, 2024 – Chief Probation Officers of California President, Chief Probation Officer Kelly Vernon, issued the following statement in response to retail theft Legislation announced by Speaker Rivas and Assemblymember Zbur:

“Probation Chiefs are pleased to see drug courts and probation terms included in the solutions proposed by the Speaker and Assembly leaders. As on-the-ground connectors and experts in community safety, we look forward to being a part of the continued discussions to work towards meaningful and comprehensive solutions to the retail theft crisis. Probation’s role in balancing accountability, while providing opportunities and services, is a key nexus to comprehensively addressing the issues facing our communities. We appreciate the Speaker’s and Assemblymember Zbur’s desire to have probation’s part of the comprehensive solution that is needed to address retail theft as a part of this legislation and look forward to continued work on the issue.”

The Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) is an association of all 58 counties with a shared identity as law enforcement leaders. CPOC is committed to a research-based approach to public safety that promotes positive behavior change. Their leadership guides policy and practice in prevention, community-based corrections, secure detention for youth, and direct human services. CPOC’s goal is to prevent crime and delinquency, reduce recidivism, restore victims, and promote healthy families and communities.

For more information about CPOC, please go to www.cpoc.org.

Media Contact: Laura Dixon laura@cpoc.org 510-384-3020

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