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Commissioner Holmes outlines improvements and changes in DOP operations
0:18:19
ยท
4 min
Commissioner Juanita Holmes describes various improvements and changes implemented in the Department of Probation (DOP) during her tenure. Key points include:
- Creation of a new dashboard for better case management
- Extension of training from 12 weeks to 5 months, producing more well-rounded probation officers
- Focus on five pillars: recidivism, employment, education, homelessness, and mental health
- Implementation of 'probation stat' for accountability and compliance
- Establishment of a risk unit for better oversight
- Updating of policies from the late 1970s and early 1980s
These changes aim to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and enhance the department's ability to manage cases and support probationers effectively.
Juanita Holmes
0:18:19
But I will speak to improvements with DOP.
0:18:21
So since my two year tenure, since I've been here, I went in naturally to make assessments.
0:18:26
My goal is obviously to streamline, make things more efficient so we can better manage our cases, but more importantly so the probation officers working have access to the information they need at the press of a button.
0:18:39
We were the systems that were in place were antiquated.
0:18:43
No real data really retrievable.
0:18:47
As a result of such, I can honestly say as we sit here today we created a dashboard that was demoed for our councilwoman and I think it's a success.
0:18:56
It's encompassed all of the information that's included in a case management system that we are requesting funding to grow out of because that system is suitable for smaller counties in New York City but not for New York City probation department.
0:19:16
Very compartmentalized, just really doesn't serve the efficiency needs that we so rightfully require.
0:19:25
So I'd like to just talk about some of the things that's been done.
0:19:28
So since I've been here, personnel has been reassessed.
0:19:32
Training has grown from, like I said, twelve weeks to five months now in the academy.
0:19:38
So anyone entering the training academy for probation now comes out well rounded, well suitable to perform any position in the Department of Probation.
0:19:49
Prior to me being assigned to probation, it was a twelve week training program and people would graduate and not everyone became a probation officer per se, meaning we have investigations, we have intakes, we have these different units that our personnel would go into and never being well rounded.
0:20:07
As it stands now, they get the full training, they come out, they also have field training with it touching every aspect of the agency.
0:20:14
Therefore, when we're dealing with attrition, we have the personnel to perform all of the functions under the umbrella of the Department of Probation.
0:20:23
But more importantly, let's talk about technology.
0:20:25
I came into an agency where I inquired what was the recidivism rate and it was very challenging.
0:20:30
Even though the way it was represented on the MMR report, it was reflected to reflect a small percentage, almost monthly.
0:20:39
If you look at the overall number and how we've modified our reporting on the MMR report, you will see a distinct difference in recidivism.
0:20:48
Recidivism is the sole purpose of why probation exists, to keep people out of the criminal justice system and that's what we aim to do.
0:20:56
But we can only do that by knowing our data.
0:21:00
And so I'm I'm very happy to say that we're focused on five pillars, recidivism, employment, education, homelessness, and mental health.
0:21:09
We have met with several agencies, DOE.
0:21:12
We've met with DHS to address these matters.
0:21:15
These numbers every Monday we are focused on the trend.
0:21:19
We have systems put in place where we're able to follow and see how we're doing.
0:21:24
We do what's called probation stat, very similar to comp stat, creates accountability and creates compliance.
0:21:30
We recently when I walked in the door put in a risk unit.
0:21:33
There was no risk unit to ensure what we expect is being inspected.
0:21:38
So that has been, put in place.
0:21:41
I must say we need more people, but at least we have a small entity that's keeping track of what is it that we're doing, how do we get better.
0:21:48
Let's speak to policy.
0:21:49
I walked in policy was from the late seventies, early eighties.
0:21:53
I can honestly say 80% of the policy which is very labor intensive has been modified or, you know, amended to reflect what it is that we're doing today.
0:22:05
I I just believe that we are evolving.
0:22:08
The men and women are hardworking men and women, trying to really just give them the respect that they deserve.
0:22:17
It's it's an agency that stayed under the radar for a long time and I truly feel didn't get the recognition for the hard work that they rightfully performed.
Amanda Farias
0:22:26
Can you talk about some of the policy changes that you've instituted that are changed?