About this site

I have been a Deputy Probation Officer in the state of California for 20 years. In that time I've had the privilege and challenge of working with adults and juveniles involved in the justice system. There isn't much that I haven't seen or heard. I've been in houses that required wading through a sea of debris, seen murdered gang members, interacted with traumatized children and family, and walked through the difficult struggles that people have had forced on them and they brought onto themselves. I've watched a hardened murderer cry like lost child when remembering their childhood and encouraged drug addicts, who have left a wake of destruction over the years, as they began to reconnect with life and those they have hurt.

Since the State of California has deemed that I'm capable of providing life advice, I figure I can set down those things I've learned and provided over the years. Very little of it is anything new, but most of the people I've worked with have never had anyone explain to them what they are capable of and can accomplish. Just like most of my probationers have never ventured more then 20 miles outside of their home area - prison transports being the exception to the rule of course - their hopes and dreams are similarly stunted. I have tried to give every one of them my best ideas, and instill in them a belief that they can be more then they are. Often it doesn't work, but sometimes it does. In the end, change is only possible if the person wants to change. All I can do is encourage it, provide hope, and point in a direction that could make a difference.

Meeting with the Probation Officer

Check-In will happen weekly on Wednesdays. These are quick tidbits to encourage and provide navigation to life. This may slip here and there, but in general if I make an appointment I keep it.

Office Visit will be at least monthly. During these I will review a longer more in-depth look at ideas and thoughts that can make a difference in life.

Face to Face meetings will happen when I'm in the area. These will be thoughts, ideas and inspirations I have as I work my way through existence. These will be more personal to me.

Home Visit are fictionalized musings inspired by people and situations I've encountered or observed over the years. The goal here is to provide a look into the world that the PO interacts with and the pain, hope, disrepair, inspiration and occasional triumph that makes the work worthwhile.

Career will be a closer look at what working with people involved in the Justice System is like. Including the challenges, and changes that are taking place. I may occasionally look at broad changes in law and practice, but sometimes my focus will likely be on California probation as that is the area I know and work within.

Members / Newsletter

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You can comment and provide feedback on articles as a subscriber. I appreciate all feedback and will respond as I can. If there are any particular areas you would like me to discuss let me know.

Contact Me

If you subscribe to the site, you can reply to the emails and I will respond as I can. I am not a lawyer or therapist, so don't ask for either legal advice or therapy. I eventually will be providing information on being a probation officer and what to expect if you are interested in the career.