Page 6 - Work Force July-August 2024

From July 21- 27, CSEA will
join in publicly recognizing
the valuable work of probation, parole, and community supervision professionals during Pretrial, Probation and Parole Supervision Week.
Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week is a celebration that originated when American Probation and Parole Association (APPA) members initiated their request for states across the country to recognize the more than 100,000 professionals involved in community corrections, including CSEA members.
In 1999, APPA lobbied for every state to make a proclamation dedicating that one week in the month of July—later set as the third week—would be Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision (PPPS) Week.
The proclamations were simple and powerful statements each state could create in acknowledgment
and celebration of the large number of people who work to improve outcomes, both for the individual and for the public safety of our communities.
Thousands of CSEA members work in local government probation departments,
county jails and local police departments. Local government probation departments, county jails
and local police
departments. These
professionals are a
vital part of every New
York state county workforce, performing an important dual role in the public safety field. Not only do they work with the justice system
to protect the public from crime, violence and abuse, but they also
provide important support services to rehabilitate offenders.
CSEA commemorates the pretrial, probation, and parole officers who work to ensure our communities
remain safe, even when understanding the kinds of
risks they face while on the job.
Our union members who
work as probation professionals
face challenges, including increasing
workloads, understaffing, risk
of violence and tight budgets that force them
to be creative in finding solutions to ensure offenders have
the necessary job, housing and treatment supports.
Often working as advocates, and sometimes even volunteering their own time outside of work, many
officers go above and beyond to make a difference while faced with expanding caseloads and growing demands.
Through it all, they are dedicated to not only help their communities, but those who are directly served by their agencies.
“As we mark Pretrial, Probation and Parole Supervision Week, CSEA honors not only these workers, but all of our union members who work to keep their communities safe,” said CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan. “Probation professionals consistently show dedication to their work. They help offenders make more positive life choices by helping increase stability and accountability. In doing this, they keep the public safe. Every day, they perform these services and give back to our community while facing challenges. I am grateful for their contributions.”
— Claire Peretta
Wilson
SCHENECTADY — As a probation officer in Schenectady County for more than 20 years, Scott Wilson has seen just about everything, is rarely surprised and never complacent.
Wilson views probation work as a conduit to improve communities.
“Probation work is holding people accountable and helping them toward rehabilitation and there are tools and resources
we use to help,” said Wilson.
“It could be assistance with employment, housing, getting help
with substance abuse services and helping them to lead more productive lives.”
Probation officers often play an important role in offenders’ lives.
“The goal is to hopefully have this be their last event in the criminal justice system moving forward,” said Wilson. “Matching people to community resources that are in place is a way to build that bridge and provide a conduit to better outcomes.”
— Therese Assalian
6 The Work Force
July-August 2024
“Probation work is holding people accountable and helping them toward rehabilitation and there
are tools and resources we use to help.”