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Press Release - August 19, 2003
Office of the Commissioner of Probation
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IMMEDIATE RELEASE: |
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For
More Information, Contact: |
| August 19, 2003 |
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Coria
Holland, Director of Communications |
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617-727-5335,
ext. 258 |
SOUTHERN
BERKSHIRE DISTRICT COURT PROBATION
PASSES THE TEST
The
Southern Berkshire District Court Probation Department was
recently recertified, scoring a 91. The recertification process
is designed to ensure that Probation Officers meet the standards
of the Massachusetts Probation Service when supervising offenders
in the community. The standards focus on accountability by
probationers, public safety and rehabilitation among offenders.
A probation department qualifies for recertification when it
scores 85 percent or better. Southern Berkshire District's
recertification is effective through June 2005.
The
Southern Berkshire District Court Probation Department
has a strong partnership with local law enforcement
agencies. Probation Officers work with police at
community venues which draw both national and international
audiences to the scenic Berkshires known for its
arts community and other cultural offerings. Probation
Officers maintain a strong presence through its community
supervision efforts. The Probation Department works
closely with the Community Corrections Center in
Pittsfield, referring drug offenders for intensive
supervision in the preliminary stages of their probationary
periods.
Recertification
is generally conducted by the regional supervisors
from the Office of the Commissioner of Probation.
The supervisors randomly select a sample of case
files from each Probation Officer and rates them
based on supervision standards. These standards include
classifying a probationer's risk to the community,
compliance with judicial orders and regularly meeting
with the assigned probation officer.
"We
have a very dedicated and hardworking staff who do
a tremendous job. Our department also has strong
support for the work we do from Presiding Justice
James B. McElroy," said Acting Chief Probation Officer
Alf Barbalunga.
The
Southern Berkshire District Court Probation Department
monitors 485 probationers in the community. Alf Barbalunga
is the Acting Chief Probation Officer who manages
the probation department. Barbalunga's staff includes
two Probation Officers: Michael Duma and Clifford
Flynn; two support staff: Deborah Cooke and Lisa
Balestro; and Associate Probation Officer Brooke
Sides.
The
Massachusetts Probation Service is a department of
the Massachusetts Trial Court. There are 70 District
Court, 12 Superior Court, and 12 Probate and Family
Court probation officers throughout the Commonwealth.
Probation's Juvenile Court system includes 11 divisions
which represent every county in the state. The Office
of the Commissioner of Probation (OCP) serves as
the central administrative office for the state Probation
Service, the Office of Community Corrections and
the Trial Court Office of Community Service.
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