CLEARFIELD – The Clearfield County Commissioners proclaimed July 17 – 23 as Probation, Parole and Community Supervision Week at the request of Christine Davis, juvenile probation supervisor, at their regular meeting Tuesday.
Probation and parole officers/agents are the “front line” of the community and the backbone of the probation and parole process, which is essential to the criminal justice system, Davis said.
Probation and parole officers/agents are sworn peace officers who work primarily in the community, visiting parolees at work and at home as well as on the streets.
“I don’t think many people realize it, but they’re on call 24/7,” Commissioner Chairperson Joan Robinson-McMillen said.
She said their supervision and counseling of offenders upholds the law and safeguards the public from criminal activity during an inmate(s) transition from incarceration back into the community.
According to her, probation and parole officers/agents play many roles, such as enforcement officer, behavioral counselor, social worker or job counselor and monitor an offender’s behavior and activities. She said they ensure an offender’s compliance with all laws and conditions of probation and parole.
“They assist the offender with securing housing and employment, addressing treatment and service needs and helping the offender make a positive adjustment to life in the community,” Robinson-McMillen said.
“(They) work collaboratively with local law enforcement, treatment providers, social service agencies and a variety of other programs, groups and individuals involved . . . and are a true force for positive change in their communities.”
Davis said the Clearfield County Probation Department currently employs seven adult probation officers and six juvenile probation officers and has approximately 17 total employees.
