Press Releases
CPOC to Work with Annie E Casey Foundation to Further Elevate Juvenile Justice in California
The Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) and the Annie E. Casey Foundation (Casey) have formed a partnership to help advance efforts to further transform juvenile probation in California in ways that promote positive behavior change and long-term success for young people.
CPOC Statement on Derek Chauvin Verdict
April 21, 2021 - The Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) issued the following statement from President Chief Steve Sentman, in response to the guilty verdicts in the George Floyd murder trial:
This is California Probation
Equity in Gender, Diverse Officers Focused on Collaborative Safety for All
California Probation officers are diverse and highly educated professionals with over 72% of probation officers identifying as non-white, and 51% are women, the majority have four-year degrees, and over half of probation departments have employed former system-involved individuals.
California Probation is educated and trained to help protect communities by carefully balancing justice-involved individuals’ need for accountability along with their need for the help and hope required to safely leave the justice system permanently.
CPOC Statement on Humphrey Ruling
Sacramento, CA, March 25, 2021 – The Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) issued the following statement from Executive Director Karen Pank, in response to the California Supreme Court decision in the Humphrey case:
Chief Probation Officers of California Announce Nolice Edwards to Join as Special Consultant
Edwards’ Expertise is Aligned with CPOC’s Commitment to Transformation, Rehabilitation and Sustainable Communities
Sacramento, CA, February 23, 2021 – The Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) announced today that Nolice Edwards will join as a Special Consultant to the organization. Edwards has expansive experience within the criminal justice arena and has been instrumental with reforms that have led to positive outcomes for individuals impacted by the system and for California communities.
CPOC President Statement on Governor’s Budget Proposal and DJJ Closure Date
Sacramento, CA, January 8, 2021 – The Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) President Chief Steve Sentman issued the following statement in response to Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed budget.
Press Release: Exemplary Adult and Juvenile Justice System Leaders Recognized for Contribution to their Community at Chief Probation Officers of California Ceremony
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – December 3, 2020 – Exemplary adult and juvenile justice system leaders throughout California were recognized for their community contributions with awards from the Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC). Awardees were celebrated for their dedication to the rehabilitation of adults and youth working to live independent, healthy lives away from the criminal justice system.
Governor Gavin Newsom Appoints Kings County Probation Chief Kelly Zuniga to the Board of State and Community Corrections
Sacramento, CA, August 20, 2020 – On August 17, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom announced his appointment of Kings County Chief Probation Officer Kelly Zuniga to the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC).
ICYMI: Elevate Justice Act Will Help More Youth
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT…
Chief Probation Officers of California: Elevate Justice Act Will Help All Teenagers to Receive the Supports & Services Needed for Change
Sacramento, CA – August 14, 2020 – The Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) support the Elevate Justice Act (EJA) that would raise the age of juvenile jurisdiction to 20th birthday; allowing 18 and 19 year olds the benefits of rehabilitation, mental health and counseling services.
Chief Probation Officers Statement: Regarding Out of State Juvenile Placements
Sacramento, CA, July 30, 2020 – California Probation prioritizes keeping youth in their communities first and foremost with 90% of all youth under probation’s supervision served in the community. Out of state placements primarily occur when all other options are unavailable and there are no appropriate or available short-term residential treatment programs to address the acute needs of the youth who are ordered by the court into foster care.
Probation Chiefs Honor Statewide Staff & Officers Who Keep Communities Safe in Celebration of Probation Services Week 2020
Probation Services Week Commemorates the Work of Probation Professionals
Sacramento, CA, July 20, 2020 – This week, the Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) announced this year’s annual Probation Services Week, taking place from July 19 – July 25, 2020, to honor probation professionals who work to keep communities safe. Throughout the week, Probation Departments across the state will be showcasing the work Probation does in their counties and how probation officers and probation programs are making a lasting difference in the lives of clients by using an evidence-based and research-backed approach.
Chief Probation Officers Announce Support for the Launch of BSCC’s COVID-19 Data Dashboard
Juvenile Probation Cases Remain Low
Sacramento, CA, July 16, 2020 – The Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) announced today their partnership with the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) and support for a new database being launched by the BSCC that will track reported COVID-19 cases of youth supervised and cared for in juvenile detention facilities.
Chief Probation Officers Statement: Transfer of the Division of Juvenile Justice to Counties in the State Budget
Evolution of Reform with Probation and Juvenile Justice
Sacramento, CA, June 24, 2020 – The Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) today issued a statement in response to the decisions made in the State Budget on transferring youth under the supervision of the Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) to counties. This budget has left unclear the lines of responsibility and implementation. CPOC Executive Director Karen Pank issued the following statement:
Chief Probation Officers Statement: California Probation Different Than the Nation
Rehabilitation & Reform First Approach Resulted in Reduction in Recidivism Rates
Sacramento, CA, June 18, 2020 – David Muhammad, executive director of the National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform and Vincent Schiraldi, former commissioner of New York City Probation and co-director of the Columbia Justice Lab authored an opinion editorial in the Los Angeles Times yesterday that highlighted the national challenge probation and parole are facing.
Chief Probation Officers California President Statement on Death of George Floyd
El Dorado County Chief Probation Officer and Chief Probation Officers of California’s President, Chief Brian Richart, issued the following statement regarding the tragic death of Minneapolis resident George Floyd and the nationwide response:
SPOTLIGHT: Innovation Helps Keep Probation Clients Connected During COVID-19
El Dorado County Probation Innovates to Enhance Supervision and Support Services for Clients While Keeping Communities Safe
El Dorado County Probation, like all probation departments in California, has implemented and expanded the use of telecommunications and technology to ensure that supervised youth and adults have access to the programs and services they need and to continue promoting community safety during the COVID-19 crisis.
Probation President Chief Richart’s Statement on Governor’s May Revise Budget Proposal Involving Probation
Probation is a Safety Net of the Justice System and Committed to Keeping Communities Safe
Sacramento, CA, May 14, 2020 – The Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) respond to Governor Gavin Newsom’s overall May Revise budget proposal impacting both adult and juvenile probation including the announcement to realign the Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) to county probation departments. CPOC President Chief Brian Richart issued the following statements:
Probation Officers in Riverside Deliver Essential Items to Clients in Need
Riverside County Probation Officers have been delivering essential and hard to find items to probation clients during the COVID-19 pandemic. In an effort to help in the overall community health and public safety response, the Riverside Probation Department is working with the Valley Community Pantry in Hemet, CA to help get care packages to probation clients who need them most. The care packages contain essential items, some items that are hard for anyone to locate in a store during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Report Released: SB 678 Resulted in Lower Recidivism & Improved Public Safety
Sacramento, CA, April 29, 2020 – The California Probation Resource Institute (CaPRI) announced the release of its first commissioned report by respected experts Mia Bird who is a Visiting Assistant Professor at UC Berkeley and Ryken Grattet who is a Professor of Sociology at UC Davis entitled “
Probation Chiefs Respond to Newly Released BSCC Data Showing Significant Decreases in Juvenile Detention Populations & Bookings
Juvenile Hall Population Decreased by Nearly One-Third Since February 23; Statewide Bookings Decreased by Nearly 55%
Sacramento, CA, April 27, 2020 – Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) released new data tracking the significant decrease in statewide bookings of juveniles and average daily population inside juvenile halls. Beginning February 23, 2020 through April 12, 2020, the data revealed a drop of 29.67% of the juvenile hall population and a drop of 54.56% of statewide bookings.
California Leading the Way on Reforms Recommended in the Latest Pew Research Study on National Probation and Parole Policies
California Probation has Long-Adopted Many of the Recommendations in Pew’s Latest Report with Proven Positive Results to Reduce Recidivism Rates
Sacramento, CA, April 23, 2020 – Today, The Pew Charitable Trusts released its new report entitled “Policy Reforms Can Strengthen Community Supervision” that included recommendations for states to enhance evidence-based policies. California probation has long been on the forefront having implemented many of the recommendations over the last decade.
California Probation Chiefs Statement on Protocols Dedicated to Keeping Probation Clients, Staff and the Community Safe
SACRAMENTO – For the past decade California probation has been on the front lines of innovation changing and influencing the culture and focus of community corrections. Since the onset of the COVID 19 pandemic, county probation departments have been quickly adopting best practices to protect the health and safety of our probation clients, our staff and the community.
Chief Probation Officers of California Release Media Statement in Response to Governor Newsom’s COVID-19 Announcement to Suspend Intake at CDCR and DJJ Facilities
Sacramento, Tuesday, March 24, 2020 – Today in response to Governor Gavin Newsom’s executive order to temporarily suspend intake at state prison facilities and the Division of Juvenile Justice, Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) President Brian Richart issued the following statement:
Chief Probation Officers Dedicated to Keeping Youth Under Supervision Safe During COVID-19 Pandemic
Following County and State Protocols and Taking Additional Measures to Ensure the Health and Safety for Youth and the Community
Sacramento, California, Saturday, March 21, 2020 — The safety and well-being of juvenile and adult clients, staff, and our communities is the top priority of County Probation Departments across the state. Probation Departments are vigilant and working closely with their county administrations, partners in public safety, in-house healthcare providers, County Departments of Public Health, California Health and Human Services Agency (HHS) and US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to make decisions informed by the latest science-based information.
Statement from CPOC President Chief Brian Richart Regarding COVID 19
From the President of the Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC), Chief Brian Richart:
From the President of the Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC), Chief Brian Richart:
CPOC President’s Statement on Retirement of Chief Allen Nance
Today, Chief Stephanie James, President of the Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) released the following statement in response to the announcement of San Francisco Juvenile Chief Probation Officer Allen Nance’s retirement:
Judicial Council Report Finds SB 678 Highly Effective in Increasing Evidence-Based Practices
SB 678 Passed in 2009 to Increase Evidence-based Practices in Probation
Sacramento, Calif. – November 8, 2019 – The Judicial Council of California recently found that California Probation Departments have been highly-effective in implementing evidence-based practices while protecting public safety since the implementation of Senate Bill 678. The SB 678 program helped lead to the revamp of California Probation’s practices to adopt more evidence-based, scientifically-supported approaches that have yielded considerable positive results.
California Probation Resource Institute Commissions New Study Focused on the Evolution of Juvenile Justice in California
California Probation Resource Institute Partners with Respected Academics and Experts from the University of San Diego to Examine Juvenile Justice Reforms, Probation Practices and Programs
Sacramento, Calif. – October 18, 2019 – Today, the newly formed California Probation Resource Institute (CaPRI) announced the development of a report that will examine how state law pertaining to juveniles has changed and how these changes have affected probation’s responsibilities and obligations to serve youth in the areas of prevention, intervention, detention and supervision in the juvenile justice system.
News Release: Chief Lee Seale Appointed to BSCC
Governor Newsom Appoints Probation Chief Lee Seale to Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC)
Today, Governor Gavin Newsom announced his appointment of Sacramento County Chief Probation Officer Lee Seale to the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC).
CPOC President’s Statement on Executives Transforming Probation & Parole (EXiT) Announcement
Today, Chief Stephanie James, President of the Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) released the following statement in response to the announcement of Executives Transforming Probation & Parole (EXiT):
Press Release: California’s First Probation Best Practices Research Institute Announced Today
California Probation Resource Institute Will Partner with Respected Academics and Experts to Examine Reforms, Probation Practices and Programs
Sacramento, CA, August 15, 2019 – Today, the new California Probation Resource Institute (CaPRI) launched as the first ever research institute dedicated to analyzing California probation practices, reforms and approaches. The Institute will fill the current lack of cumulative data and analysis about California probation’s approach as most reports focus on national data which does not always take into account the unique factors of California’s system.
Probation Chiefs Commend Governor Newsom and Chief Justice for Leadership in Efforts to Build a Safer and More Fair System For All
Pretrial Reform Pilot Programs Awarded Today Over $72 Million for 16 Counties; Funding aimed at implementing evidence-based reforms focused on rehabilitation & the safety of communities
Sacramento, CA, August 9, 2019 – Pretrial reforms are one step closer to becoming an integral part of the justice system today as the Judicial Council of California voted to award funding for 16 County Superior Courts for Pretrial Pilot Programs. In January 2019 the Chief Justice appointed the Pretrial Reform and Operations Workgroup to consider plans to award funding for Pretrial Services as part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed 2019-2020 budget that allocated $75 million.
Press Release
Key Findings in New California Department of Justice Report: Crime Rates are Down, and Number of Adults on Probation at a Thirty-Year Low
Sacramento, CA, July 5, 2019 – The California Attorney General Criminal Department of Justice Statistics Center released a report—Crime in California—that shows noteworthy progress has been made in California in regards to probation. The number of adult and juvenile arrest numbers in 2018 has significantly decreased and are at all-time lows. The report also points out that the overall crime rates throughout the state have decreased.
MEDIA STATEMENT
California Stands Out with Prison Revocation Reforms that Lead to Better Outcomes According to New National Report
The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center released a national report—which shows significant progress has been made in California on the number of offenders returning to prison while on probation supervision. The report points out that the State of California stands above the rest with rates lower than the nationwide average.
MEDIA STATEMENT
New PPIC Study Shows Encouraging Progress in Reduction of Recidivism Rates Study Indicates Success with California’s Historic Reforms and Realignment
Sacramento, CA, June 20, 2019 – A new PPIC report released today has reported a decline in recidivism rates since California has taken on the most significant justice system reforms in history with the implementation of prison realignment and sentencing reforms.
CPOC Statement on San Francisco Vote on Juvenile Facilities
SACRAMENTO – Today, Chief Stephanie James, President of the Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC), issued the following statement in response to the recent vote by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors:
Statement on LAO Report on Reorganization of the Division of Juvenile Justice
Following the release of the Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) report on the 2019-2020 Budget proposal of the Reorganization of the Division of Juvenile Justice, the Chief Probation Officers of California issued the following statement:
CPOC Statement on 2019-20 State Budget
SACRAMENTO – Today, Chief Stephanie James, President of the Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC), issued the following statement in response to Governor Newsom’s State Budget proposal:
California Probation Chiefs Elect New President, Executive Officers for 2019
San Joaquin County Chief Stephanie James Elected President
SACRAMENTO – The Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) announced their ratified vote to confirm the slate of Executive Officers for 2019 at their quarterly all chief meeting.
The 2019 slate of new executive officers are: President: Chief Stephanie James (San Joaquin County), Vice President: Chief Steve Sentman (Orange County), Secretary: Chief Brian Richart (El Dorado County).
Join in a celebration of probationers and a safer community
By Chief Mike Daly
From The Marin Voice
The Marin County Probation Department would like to invite you to a party celebrating public safety. We know that public safety is important to us all and we want to showcase the folks who have rehabilitated themselves and are ready to be an asset to our community, not a liability.
Inyo County Probation Receives Honors from CSAC
Inyo County’s Juvenile Services Redesign Initiative Receives Recognition & Award
From Sierra Wave Media
Inyo County Probation Department and Health & Human Services staff members are getting some well-deserved time in the spotlight as part of a state organization’s efforts to highlight the best practices of California counties.
Through a series of videos, the California Association of Counties (CSAC) is highlighting recipients of its annual Challenge Awards, including Inyo County’s Juvenile Services Redesign initiative.
Governor Brown Appoints Probation Chief John Keene to California Interstate Commission for Adult Offender Supervision
SACRAMENTO – Governor Jerry Brown announced his appointment of San Mateo County Chief Probation Officer John Keene to the California Interstate Commission for Adult Offender Supervision.
31 Counties Attend Pretrial Training in San Joaquin; Learn About Model Pretrial Program
San Joaquin County Probation Department Hosted Pretrial Training as Counties Prepare for Pretrial Reform in California
Last month, San Joaquin County Chief Probation Officer Stephanie James hosted over 130 representatives from 31 counties throughout California to provide information and a day of training on San Joaquin County’s successful Pretrial Program.
Governor Brown Signs Transitional Age Youth Pilot Program Legislation Relying on Mounting Brain Research of Treatment Options for Youthful Offenders Age 18-21
SACRAMENTO – This weekend, Governor Brown signed into law SB 1106 authored by Senator Jerry Hill (D-San Mateo), and supported by the Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC), which will expand the Transitional Age Youth pilot program passed in 2016 that allows for specific counties to operate a deferred entry of judgment pilot program for eligible defendants aged 18-21.
Governor Brown Signs Landmark CPOC Sponsored Legislation to Assist Mentally Ill Youth in the Juvenile Justice System
SACRAMENTO – Yesterday, Governor Brown signed into law AB 1214 authored by Assemblyman Mark Stone (D-Santa Cruz), and sponsored by the Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC), which will help address gaps in juvenile competency proceedings by promoting appropriate settings for youth deemed incompetent and creating clear processes and timelines for restoration of competency.
CPOC President’s Statement on Passage of SB 10 – Bail Reform
SACRAMENTO – Today, Chief Jim Salio, President of the Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC), issued the following statement in response to the Legislature passing SB 10 (Hertzberg):
Governor Brown Appoints Probation Chief Mark Varela to Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC)
SACRAMENTO – Yesterday afternoon Governor Jerry Brown announced his appointment of Ventura County Chief Probation Officer Mark Varela to the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC).
CPOC President’s Statement on California’s 2018-19 Budget
Chief Jim Salio Reacts to the Recent California Budget
SACRAMENTO – Today, Chief Jim Salio, President of the Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC), issued the following statement in response to the State Budget sent to Governor Brown:
Statement from Chief Jim Salio on Governor’s 2018-19 Budget Proposal
CPOC President Chief Jim Salio Issues Response to Governor Brown’s 2018-19 State Budget Proposal
SACRAMENTO – Today, Chief Jim Salio, President of the Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC), issued the following statement in response to Governor Brown’s State Budget Proposal:
Chief Probation Officers of California Elect New President; Executive Officers
San Luis Obispo County Probation Chief Jim Salio Voted 2018 President
Sacramento, CA — The Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) announced their ratified vote to confirm the slate of Executive Officers for 2018 at their quarterly all chief meeting.
The 2018 slate of new executive officers are: President: Chief Jim Salio (San Luis Obispo County), Vice President: Chief Stephanie James (San Joaquin County, Secretary: Chief Steve Sentman (Orange County).
News Statement from CPOC President
PPIC Releases Report: Realignment and Recidivism in California
Sacramento, CA — Today, the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) released a report, Realignment and Recidivism in California, which shows, through data provided by 12 county probation departments and the Board of Community Corrections (BSCC), that probation departments have proven effective at closely monitoring offenders from state prison in the two years immediately following the largest public safety re-structuring in California, known as realignment.
State Leaders Recognize 10-Year Milestone of Juvenile Justice Realignment
October 20, 2017
Sacramento, CA — Today, The Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) concluded a two-day conference, A Decade of Progress: Probation’s Success with Juvenile Realignment, in Sacramento. The probation Chiefs and attendees heard from Governor Jerry Brown, Attorney General Xavier Becerra, among many others highlighting the success of the last decade in California juvenile justice and the continued efforts to maintain and enhance a localized, evidence-based approach to juveniles in the justice system.
CA Probation Chiefs Announce New Logo, Website
The Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) Unveil Re-branded Logo, Website
SACRAMENTO – Today, the Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) announced the release of their rebranded association logo in conjunction with their new website (www.cpoc.org) which ensures mobile responsiveness, more intuitive design function and the latest search technology.
Report Highlights Positive Outcomes in Probation Since Realignment
PPIC releases report documenting probation supervision as a cost-effective tool in public safety amid significant reforms.
SACRAMENTO – Today, the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) released a report, California Probation in the Era of Reform, which shows, through data collection, that probation is responsible for more people in the criminal justice system than all other public safety entities combined, remains the most cost-effective sanction in the criminal justice system, and has been successful in expanding evidence based practices to reduce recidivism post realignment.
First Annual Continuum of Care Reform Conference
Concludes with Collaborative Progress to Make CCR work for Probation Involved Foster Youth
Sacramento – Today, the Chief Probation Officers of California hosted the First Annual Continuum of Care Reform Conference: Making CCR Work for Probation Foster Youth.
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week: April 2-8
Sacramento – Today, Chief Mary Butler, President of the Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC), issued the following statement honoring National Crime Victims’ Rights Week 2017. “We join our law enforcement partners and crime victim organizations throughout the state and nation in commemorating April 2-8, 2017 as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. Our mission as probation departments is to protect our communities.
Prop 57 Regulations Statement from CPOC President Chief Mary Butler
“The regulations released by CDCR today are fair and consistent with the mission of Prop 57,” said Chief Mary Butler, President of the Chief Probation Officers of California. “We are especially pleased with how well CDCR worked with us during this process and listened to our input as the leaders of rehabilitative programming in public safety. These regulations reflect what we know is most important in programming and will have the greatest positive impact on the safety of our communities.
Governor’s Budget Proposal
Sacramento – Today, Chief Mary Butler, President of the Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC), issued the following statement in response to Governor Brown’s State Budget Proposal:
Statement on Passage of Prop. 57
Sacramento – “We are thrilled the people of California have agreed that there is a better way to protect public safety and reduce recidivism” said Chief Mark Bonini, President of the Chief Probation Officers of California. “Probation Chiefs look forward to working with the Governor and CDCR on the implementation of Prop. 57 and lending our expertise in evidence based programming and rehabilitative strategies.
CPOC Announces Final Results of 2015-2016 Legislative Package
Sacramento – Today, the Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) released the following announcement outlining their successful legislative package for 2015-2016, all signed into law by Governor Brown. Among the highlights are bills that will codify best practices for room confinement in juvenile detention facilities and a pilot program in five counties that will allow 18-21 year olds to serve their sentence in juvenile halls rather than county jails.
Block bill to streamline detention for probation violators signed by governor
Sacramento – A proposal allowing probation department to detain adult probation offenders for up to 10 consecutive days without revoking probation or removing offenders from their local communities was approved today by the governor.
The streamlining measure, SB 266, was authored by state Senator Marty Block.
SB 266 allows probation departments to use “flash incarceration” to hold offenders accountable with less disruption to work, home, or treatment programs.
Leno Bill Limiting Room Confinement in Juvenile Facilities Approved by the Assembly
Sacramento – Senator Mark Leno’s (D- San Francisco) bill to limit the use of room confinement in juvenile facilities was approved by the State Assembly today and now heads to the Senate for concurrence before reaching the Governor’s desk. Senate Bill 1143 states that room confinement can only be used after less restrictive options have been tried and bans its use for the purposes of punishment, coercion, convenience or retaliation.
Probation Chiefs and Youth Advocates Partner on Legislation to Address Room Confinement in Juvenile Facilities
Sacramento – The Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) and youth advocates announced today that they have joined forces to co-sponsor landmark legislation limiting the use of room confinement for youth in California’s juvenile facilities.
CPOC Endorses Public Safety and Rehabilitation Act of 2016
Sacramento – Today, the Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) announced their support for the “Public Safety and Rehabilitation Act of 2016,” the initiative backed by Governor Jerry Brown now in signature gathering efforts for the November ballot.