To: Board of Supervisors
From: Probation
Agenda Section: Consent
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:
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Adopt Resolution proclaiming the week of July 21-27, 2024, as Pretrial Probation, and Parole Supervision Week
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RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Adopt the attached resolution
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STRATEGIC PLAN:
This action supports the following areas of your Board's Strategic Plan.
Area of Focus: Workforce & Operational Excellence
Strategic Plan Category: 3001 - Support a well-trained workforce
DISCUSSION:
Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week is recognized nationally by the American Probation and Parole Association, which was formed in 1975 by probation practitioners who recognized that the field of probation needed the advocacy and support of a national level association.
The field of Probation dates to 1841 when John Augustus, a Boston Cobbler who is also credited as the "Father of Probation" persuaded the Boston Police Court to release an adult drunkard into his custody rather than sending him to prison, which was the prevalent means of handling law violations at the time. Efforts to reform his first charge were successful, and he soon convinced the court to release other offenders to his supervision. As a member of the Washington Total Abstinence Society, Mr. Augustus had developed a belief that abusers of alcohol could be rehabilitated through understanding and kindness rather than jail sentences. Thus began an 18-year career as a volunteer probation officer. Mr. Augustus founded investigation, supervision, and intake processes and transformed many lives through his work.
Today, probation departments play various roles throughout the criminal justice system. Probation is often referred to as the "arm of the court." Probation is expected to serve as a neutral party providing judges with the information necessary to make sentencing decisions. If the offender is then sentenced to community sup...
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