NEW BEDFORD DISTRICT PROBATION'S OPERATION
SPOTLIGHT CELEBRATES FIVE YEARS OF
ILLUMINATING SUCCESS THIS MONTH

This month marks the fifth anniversary of "Operation Spotlight," a televised "Most Wanted List" of absconded probationers that airs on cable station, Comcast's "News 9" show every Monday at 5:45 p.m. Operation Spotlight is the brainchild of New Bedford District Court Probation Officer Dave Branco.

"We created this program to encourage the community and the Court to collaborate in generating 'heat' on convicted individuals who have absconded on their probation obligations," Branco said. "This program has indeed been a success."

During the past five years, Branco has featured three offenders each week on the five minute Operation Spotlight program. Information on the probationer's physical appearance, last known address, and offense or offenses are featured on the show. A picture, if available, is also shown.

Of the 702 probationers profiled, 550 have been caught. A total of 97 individuals have turned themselves in voluntarily after being featured on the program.

"We recently witnessed the power that is generated when the community and the court, with 'Operation Spotlight,' work together," Branco said. "After profiling a certain individual that had over sixty active warrants in the Warrant Management System, our office received a tip on her whereabouts."

He added, "Thanks to one alert and concerned viewer, this probationer was apprehended by the New Bedford District Court's Warrant Apprehension Unit along with New Bedford Police. We later learned that virtually every law enforcement agency working in the area was actively looking for this individual."

"We are very pleased with this program. Operation Spotlight is a great example of the strong partnership we have with area law enforcement agencies. Also, the support of community residents, who call in tips, have helped to make this initiative the success that it is," said New Bedford District Court Chief Probation Officer Barry Williams.