From Action News Now.

REDDING, Calif. — April 6, 2026 — The Shasta County Probation Department has launch[ed] a Mobile Probation Vehicle (MPV), which will bring supervision, treatment, and assessment services directly into communities across the county.

Covering more than 3,800 square miles, Shasta County includes many rural areas far from Redding. Officials say about 31% of individuals on adult probation live outside the county’s incorporated cities, and roughly 20% are experiencing homelessness—creating barriers to consistent reporting and access to services.

The customized van includes workstations, space for virtual treatment and areas for meetings. Partnered with local providers, it offers mental health assessments, substance use referrals, treatment services, and help with housing and employment. By bringing services directly to people, the program aims to improve compliance, reduce repeat offenses and increase public safety.

The MPV is designed to reduce those barriers by delivering probation services, including check-ins, behavioral health assessments, treatment referrals, and housing and employment assistance, directly in the field and in partnership with local providers. The customized van features workstations, virtual treatment capabilities, and meeting space, and will operate on a rotating monthly schedule throughout the county. 

Officials say the goal is to improve compliance, reduce recidivism, and enhance public safety by increasing access to services in underserved areas. By bringing services directly to underserved and high-need areas, the program is expected to increase compliance with supervision terms, expand diversion opportunities, reduce recidivism, and improve public safety outcomes. The department aims to have the mobile unit in the community as much as possible, providing people with the opportunity to check in and receive services throughout the county.

…

Read the article here.