(50) Probation

Recommended Budget FY22/23

Department Overview

The San Benito County Probation Department protects the community; provides services to the Court; and assists clients to change criminal behavior.

Divisions

Strategic Plan Focus Areas

  • Operational Development and Excellence
  • Planning for Sustainable Growth
  • Technology
Detailed Information can be found here: Strategic Plan Overview

Staff

Recent Departmental Accomplishments

  • Case plan training held for all staff to implement case plans for adult offenders
  • Established contact standards for all staff and implemented a response matrix
  • Department Use of Force Trainers indentified, and positions filled:
    • Defensive Tactics (DTAC)
    • First Aid/ CPR
    • Baton
    • Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) - Pepper Spray
    • Taser
    • Glock/ Armorer
  • Ongoing Lexipol Policy Review/Updates
  • Implemented " Warrant Wednesday" with collaborating agencies (HPD, SO, UNET, SIU)
  • Conducted a 290 Sweep Operation in collaboration with fellow LEAs
  • AB 2699 - purchased new firearms in compliance with new legislation
  • Revamped community outreach/ engagement via social media
  • Submitted the Child Welfare Services (CWS)/Probation Disaster Plan to the California Department of Social Services in collaboration with Child Welfare for placement of youth
  • Community Corrections Partnership (CCP) approved proposals
    • Implementation of Special Intelligence Unit (SIU) Collaboration
    • Garden Project - program equipment enhancement
    • Family Matters - Supervised visitation & clinican/program facilitator feedback on parent-children interactions
    • True Narc
    • Anger management courses facilitated in the San Benito County Jail
    • Northepoint Risk/Needs assessments for incarcerated individuals
  • Reentry Services
    • Implemented Spanish reentry classes
    • Implemented Journaling class
    • Expanded programming at the new County jail facility
    • Completed Transition plans for released individuals
    • Reentry meetings with jail staff, behavioral health, etc.
  • Compliance with AB 1228 legislation in court reports for probation violations
  • Compliance with AB 1869 to reduce/ eliminate probationers fines
  • Developed a Pretrial Services Program to coincide with SB 129
  • Contracted Clinican services designated for Probation clients
  • Submitted updated System Improvement Plan (SIP) report to the California Department of Social Services (CDSS)
  • Departmental promotions
  • Completion and submission of Family Urgent Reponse (FURs) Plan to the California Department of Social Services in partnership with San Benito County Health & Human Services and San Benito County Behevorial Health
    • FURs contracted with Rebekah's Children Services

Top Departmental Concerns

  • Insufficient SB 823 funding and resources to meet demands of Juvenile Justice Realignment
  • Insufficient SB 129 funding to meet State & Court mandates for implementation of a Pretrial Services Program
  • Infrastructure - Office space & staffing accomdations
  • Revenue loss from passage of Assembly Bill (AB 1869)
  • New case law and legislation impacting the bandwidth of Probation through the imposition of unfunded mandates
  • Recruitment and staff retention
  • Outdated substandard case management system

Long Range Planning Goals (3-5 years) For Department

  • Succession planning and establishment of promotional track and training for in-house candidates to reach management and executive ranks
  • Increase in technology use to maximize efficiency
  • Establish a service network for clients to efficiently receive services directed at specific identified crimimogenic needs to mitigate the risk of recidivism
  • Formalize coordinated accountability efforts for clients
  • Further development of best practices and evidence based practices
  • Complete migration to a new case management system