The Nevada County Board of Supervisor’s proclaimed July 16th through July 22nd as this year’s annual Probation Service Week to honor probation professionals who work to keep communities safe and support the rehabilitative process for the justice-involved individuals under their supervision and care. Throughout the week, the Nevada County Probation Department will be showcasing the work Probation does throughout Nevada County to provide accountability, opportunity, and hope for justice-involved individuals -- making a true difference in the lives of people by using evidence-based rehabilitation that helps people achieve long-term success and sustainable community safety.
For decades Probation in California has led, collaborated, and defended effective policies within California’s justice systems. Probation is focused on ensuring accountability while helping justice-involved individuals transition out of the system permanently through transformative and evidence-based rehabilitation. Probation Departments are a connector in the justice system: interlacing and maximizing the resources available within the courts, local governments, law enforcement, social services, schools, non-profits and the community to reduce recidivism by carefully balancing direct human services and research-based deterrents and interventions. This approach provides the help and accountability needed to enhance safety and create hope.
As part of a small, rural county, Probation Chief Jeff Goldman believes in an “all hands on deck” approach when it comes to some situations and Probation is always quick to offer assistance for community events and fairs, warming/cooling shelters, and fire mutual aid just to name a few.
During the July 11th Nevada County Board of Supervisors meeting, the Nevada County Probation 2022 Sworn Officer of the Year, Jeff French, shared some modern-day supervision philosophy and procedures centered around evidence based practices and collaboration. He invited a staff member from local service provider, Victor Community Support Services, who spoke about how their partnership with probation and a team approach has led to more success for families over the last few years.
The Nevada County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution commemorating Probation Services Week which states, “Community corrections professionals are a true force for positive change in their communities.”
Probation offers a transformative alternative to incarceration, empowering individuals to make positive changes and embark on a journey toward a brighter future. By connecting comprehensive services and addressing the unique needs of justice-involved individuals, probation plays a vital role in fostering community safety and restoring people to help achieve long-term public safety. Our probation officers, equipped with extensive education and specialized training, possess the expertise to skillfully manage the complex needs of justice-involved individuals while upholding the utmost commitment to community well-being.
During Probation Service Week it is important to recognize probation officers and staff for their dedication to the people they work with and to our community.
