The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners unanimously proclaimed the week of July 18-24 as Probation, Parole and Community Supervision Week to honor the Department of Community Justice (DCJ) for its work in reducing crime.
During the proclamation, the board and members of the community recognized the work that probation, parole and community supervision professionals do to promote public safety in Multnomah County.
DCJ Assistant Director of Juvenile Services, David Koch, described the dedication of the DCJ workforce, “Our officers come from social services and/or law enforcement and have a deep commitment to helping adult and juvenile offenders turn their lives around to live productively in society, while simultaneously making them accountable for their behavior.”
Captain Kevin Modica of the Portland Police Bureau also testified before the Board to highlight the importance of ongoing collaborations between law enforcement and parole/probation officers and the recent success of these partnerships in addressing and suppressing gang violence. Captain Modica voiced his appreciation by noting, “DCJ came to the table by asking what they could do with us – not for us…It’s important that our response to gang violence not only include police officers but also adult and juvenile parole and probation officers”
DCJ will also be celebrating National Probation, Parole and Community Supervision Week by hosting a series of employee recognition luncheons for staff throughout the county. Ceremonies will include the presentation of awards for DCJ Employees of the Year, Highest Professional Standards and Meritorious Service.
The Department of Community Justice is the county agency responsible for adult probation and parole supervision, and juvenile justice services for Oregon’s largest county. DCJ employees work to manage over 9,500 adults and juveniles on informal and formal community supervision.
For more information on Probation, Parole and Community Supervision Week, and the work of the Department of Community Justice, visit the DCJ website.