New York City officials oppose the idea of transforming probation officers into law enforcement officers.

Formerly revered as a cornerstone of rehabilitation, New York City’s Probation Department is now the subject of significant controversy, particularly in light of recent proposals from Mayor Eric Adams’ administration. The suggestion to engage probation officers as crowd control agents during Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protests has drawn stern criticism from numerous stakeholders within the civil service community.

In response to this proposal, which many experts deem unsafe and inappropriate, three former probation commissioners were contacted for their input. Their reactions epitomized the widespread dismay within the field, conveying disbelief and condemnation. Dalvanie Powell, the president of the United Probation Officers Association, articulated concerns regarding this shift, labeling it as both dangerous and reckless, which could potentially contribute to a crisis situation.

Probation, which traces its origins back to 1841 with the efforts of Boston cobbler John Augustus, aimed to reduce unnecessary incarceration through a rehabilitative approach. However, the 1970s marked a period of transformation in the criminal justice system, initiated by Richard Nixon’s “War on Drugs,” which propelled the country towards mass incarceration. Under Nixon’s administration, policies were designed to target specific communities, gravely impacting incarceration rates, which exploded from 1972 to 2008, increasing eightfold.

This shift led to a perception of probation as a punitive environment, resulting in practices that mirrored incarceration rather than rehabilitation. By 2003, New York City had armed probation officers, exacerbating an already volatile atmosphere within the department. Reports suggest that during the preceding years, several staff members tragically took their own lives, highlighting the adverse conditions under which probation officers were forced to operate.

Conversely, the early 2000s ushered in a renewed focus on rehabilitative methods, with community supervision populations declining significantly as a more hopeful approach gained footing. During a previous commissioner’s tenure, the population under NYC probation dwindled from 30,000 to approximately 11,000.

Regrettably, recent appointments under Mayor Adams have resurrected a more punitive model. The appointment of Juanita Holmes, who lacks probation experience yet mandates law enforcement practices within the department, has drawn skepticism. Critics, including former officials, argue that her approach has undermined the department’s rehabilitative mission.

Currently, the discussion surrounding the involvement of probation officers in crowd control during protests raises urgent questions about the future of public safety and the efficacy of leadership within the Probation Department. With increasing rates of re-offense under Holmes’ supervision, advocates are urging for a reevaluation of policies as New York City approaches a pivotal leadership change in January. The potential implications of these proposals warrant careful consideration, as the trajectory of the Probation Department remains uncertain amidst an evolving landscape of public safety and rehabilitation efforts.

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