Currently there are 101 bills pending in the state legislature that will, if passed, increase the work level of probation officers. Frankly, we do not understand how these bills can be proposed when funding is being cut. These bills demonstrate the growing importance and reliance on probation at every level of law enforcement and criminal justice. We support many of these bills if adequate funding is provided. However, we do not believe that probation officers can continue to protect the community or rehabilitate offenders if the proposed budget cuts are approved.
Probation officers are tired of being the target of budget cuts.
We provide the most cost-effective means of dealing with criminals and juvenile delinquents. The state can not afford to incarcerate an additional 179,208 criminals. It should not expect these people to rehabilitate themselves without adequate supervision and follow-up in the community. We ask that you support adding money to the state budget so that the known criminals who live in our communities will be adequately supervised. DrugTesting 175 armed Westchester County Probation Officers operating under the mandates of the New York State Division of Probation and Correctional Alternatives, protect the public by implementing the most advanced criminal, family and juvenile supervision programs.