Public Information Office 210 S. McDonald Street Suite 626 McKinney, Texas 75069 www.collincountytx.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 15, 2005

Collin County observes Probation, Parole & Community Supervision Week

(McKinney, TX) –During the week of July 17th through the 23rd, Collin County will join others from across the United States in recognizing the work that probation, parole and community supervision professionals do for our public safety.

Since 1841, the practice of probation and parole has played a vital role in our justice system. These professionals are a critical part of the public safety system.

“Every officer I have dealt with has been hard working, helpful, and totally professional,” says County Court-at-Law Judge Corinne Mason. “Keep up the good work and thank you for the job you do.”

These professionals exhibit care and concern for victims of crime and our communities while at the same time holding offenders accountable. One hour they may be a counselor, the next they are enforcing the rules of an offender’s supervision. Later they may be helping a single mother find daycare and later that same day, they may be helping someone find a job. They are problem solvers, crime prevention specialists, motivators, educators, facilitators and often times they are the only support system an offender may have.

“Good and effective administration of court-ordered supervision requires caring, knowledgeable and resourceful officers and staff,” says County Court-at-Law Administrative Judge John Barry. “Collin County’s judges, probationers and the community-at-large are all indebted to all of Collin County’s CSCD personnel for their excellent work.”

Community corrections professionals are to be commended for the bravery they show when making home visits to the over 4.8 million adults under community supervision to areas that most people would never enter. In Collin County alone, officers manage just under 10,000 cases. Steve Scales, an officer for 17 years and a supervisor for the past seven years, states, “I continue to be amazed and inspired by the motivation and passion officers have for their work, their strong emphasis on protecting the community, and their genuine concern for the betterment of the offender.”

“I’ve been with the department long enough to see many of my probationers complete a 10-year term. I continue to hear from many of my ‘graduates’ long after their probation has expired,” says Officer Mary Beth Ponce. “One of my probationers showed up in my office after eight years of silence to show me his eight-month old twins. He commented on how it was only because of Collin County CSCD that he was able to turn his life around and become a responsible citizen and father. In my job I witness miracles every day. What job could ever be more fulfilling?”

Members of our community are encouraged to join together during Probation, Parole & Community Supervision Week to honor those who work to make our communities a safer place to live. For additional information about Probation, Parole & Community Supervision Week, please contact Melissa Cahill, Director of the Collin County CSCD, at 972-548-4244 or visit the American Probation & Parole Association website.

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