One of my first tasks in LA was to contact the Probation Officer to whom my case had been transferred, Frank Gulla. Late fortyish, with a medium build and a friendly, calm personality, he was even relaxed about the rules—for example, not insisting on our "required" monthly visits after he got to know me. When I would finally get around to showing up at his office, he’d have me fill out the monthly reports that I had missed, and we’d backdate them. I don’t suppose he was that lax with guys charged with more serious crimes, but I appreciated his being so casual with me.