Probation officers and staff are the foundation of the profession—providing stability, guidance, and the essential link between accountability and rehabilitation. In this panel, probation chiefs will discuss why investing in the workforce is critical to public safety, particularly amid rising challenges in public safety. The conversation will also address how probation will navigate these issues and the future of the profession in California, ensuring officers are equipped to connect those they supervise with both accountability and rehabilitative services.

Moderator: Karen Pank, Executive Director, Chief Probation Officers of California

Speakers:

• Chief Vanessa Fuchs, Sonoma County Probation Department
• Chief Kirk Haynes, Fresno County Probation Department
• Chief Daniel Hernandez, Orange County Probation Department