Governor Corbett Proclaims 'Probation, Parole and Community Supervision Week' in Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG, Pa., July 10, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Tom Corbett has proclaimed July 15-21 as "Probation, Parole and Community Supervision Week," according to the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole.

"As a former probation officer, I am well aware of the demanding job of probation officers and parole agents to hold offenders accountable and to help them change their lives," said Parole Board Chairman Michael C. Potteiger.  "It is only fitting to take the time to recognize these dedicated public servants who protect the public as offenders leave prison and return to their community."

Pennsylvania has more than 36,000 state parolees under supervision and approximately 240,000 offenders who are on county probation under the supervision of the courts.

"This proclamation honors all employees, at the local, state and federal levels, who work with probationers and parolees to make our communities safer," said Potteiger.

For more information, visit www.pbpp.state.pa.us.

Media contact:  Sherry Tate, 717-787-6208.

Editor's Note:  The text of Governor Corbett's proclamation follows:

PROBATION, PAROLE and COMMUNITY SUPERVISION WEEK

July 15-21, 2012

WHEREAS, probation and parole officers/agents are dedicated public servants committed to protecting the safety of the public and assisting with the rehabilitation of offenders in order to reduce future victimization; and

WHEREAS, probation and parole officers/agents have many roles, from enforcement officer or behavioral counselor to social worker or job counselor, while monitoring an offender's behavior and activities, working to ensure the offender's compliance with all laws and the conditions of probation and parole, and assisting the offender with securing housing and employment, addressing treatment and service needs, and helping the offender make a positive adjustment to life in the community; and

WHEREAS, probation and parole officers/agents are sworn peace officers who work in the community, seeing parolees at home, at work and on the streets and are on call 24/7 to respond to emergencies and urgent problems; and

WHEREAS, probation and parole officers/agents work collaboratively with local law enforcement, treatment providers, social service agencies and a variety of other programs, groups and individuals involved with parolees during the transition from incarceration to the community; and

WHEREAS probation and parole officers/agents promote prevention, intervention and advocacy in the interest of public safety; and

WHEREAS, Probation, Parole and Community Supervision Week is a time to recognize and celebrate the dedicated and caring public servants who work tirelessly to make neighborhoods safer and more vibrant places to live and raise families and work to give offenders a second chance and the opportunity to become productive members of society.

THEREFORE, I, Tom Corbett, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby proclaim the week of July 15-21, 2012 as PROBATION, PAROLE and COMMUNITY SUPERVISION WEEK in Pennsylvania and encourage all citizens to honor these probation and parole officers/agents and recognize their crucial roles in the criminal justice system and their achievements toward safer communities.

TOM CORBETT, Governor

SOURCE Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole