Press Release - December 5, 2002
Office of the Commissioner of Probation

PITTSFIELD DISTRICT COURT PROBATION OFFICERS
TARGET SCOFFLAWS IN RECENT "WARRANT ROUNDUP"

          Pittsfield District Court Probation Officers, in collaboration with the Pittsfield Police Department and the Berkshire County Sheriff’s Department, nabbed 28 offenders during a six-hour warrant sweep the group referred to as “Warrant Roundup.”

          The “Warrant Roundup” took place one early Sunday morning in late November. The group -- 34 probation officers, police officers, and sheriff’s deputies-- averaged a total of five arrests each hour. The offenders were arrested on charges that ranged from probation violations to drug offenses.

          Pittsfield Probation Officers worked with the police and sheriff’s deputies for several months to plan the sweep. More warrant sweeps are being planned.

          Probation Officer Matthew Stracuzzi served as the coordinator for the sweep. Stracuzzi compiled and verified a comprehensive warrant list and worked closely with the other law enforcement agencies that participated in the sweep. Pittsfield Probation Officers Donald Wright Jr., Brian Alarie, and John Lander also participated in the sweep.

          “Warrant Roundup is a great example of Probation’s strong partnership with local law enforcement and with our combined resources, we will be successful in maintaining and enhancing public safety in the community,” said Pittsfield District Court Chief Probation Officer David M. McNeice.

          The Massachusetts Probation Service is a department of the Massachusetts Trial Court. There are 12 Superior Court, 70 District Court and 12 Probate and Family Court probation offices 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 Massachusetts Probation Service, the state Probation Service.