NYC probation officers union calls for new contract talks due to high turnover and excessive caseloads.
The United Probation Officers Association (UPOA) is calling for the renegotiation of their contract in light of escalating turnover rates and overwhelming caseloads attributed to managerial decisions, as outlined in a letter sent to the city’s Office of Labor Relations. The correspondence, dated September 4, highlights a staggering 129% increase in the number of officers exiting the agency last year compared to the pre-pandemic average. Additionally, the agency has reportedly canceled three training academy classes, exacerbating the staffing crisis.
Under the leadership of Probation Commissioner Juanita Holmes, the agency has seen a dramatic rise in probation officer caseloads, with some officers now managing as many as 48 cases at once. Previously, the agency had implemented a cap of 25 cases for high-risk probationers, indicating a significant shift in workload expectations. The increasing case numbers have coincided with disciplinary measures against officers for allegedly failing to manage their caseloads, often without prior notice and frequently lacking a basis in progressive discipline.
As highlighted in the letter from UPOA attorney Daniel Doeschner, the department is experiencing an alarming 25% vacancy rate among its probation services staff. Doeschner emphasized that the department has not made substantial efforts to recruit new personnel to fill the void left by departing officers, contributing to an untenable work environment.
The situation has further deteriorated with the department’s decision to eliminate dedicated court liaison positions in Family Court. This change requires officers to travel between different court locations instead of having a stationed officer for each court. Consequently, probation officers are compelled to navigate city traffic and allocate time to handle court appearances and sift through orders related to their cases, thereby diminishing the time they can dedicate to their actual caseload.
In response to these troubling developments, probation agency spokeswoman Regina Graham assured that the organization remains steadfast in its public safety mission. She acknowledged that staff attrition mirrors broader trends across many public safety agencies, trends that have been magnified by the pandemic. Graham claimed that the department is implementing measures to keep caseloads manageable.
Holmes has faced mounting criticism regarding her management approach, most recently during a City Council meeting on July 28, where staff grievances regarding high personnel turnover and rising caseloads and redistributions were discussed. Councilwoman Sandy Nurse, who leads the Council’s Criminal Justice Committee, has called for an independent audit of the department, addressing the urgent need for a thorough evaluation amidst rising concerns over agency operations and performance.
These developments indicate significant challenges facing the probation department, which will require urgent attention and decisive action to restore stability and effectiveness in its operations. For further updates, stay tuned to Media News Source.
