HIGH SCHOOL SUPERBOWL GAMES 2009

MARK SIXTH ANNIVERSARY OF PROBATION/MIAA PARTNERSHIP

The recent High School Superbowl games at Gillette Stadium marked the sixth anniversary of the PEACE Partnership Community Probation Initiative, a historic alliance between the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) and the Massachusetts Probation Service, which was formed to help stem violence and target troublemakers at high school Superbowl games throughout the state.

Through this effort, formally named Probation Enhancing Athletic Climate Excellence (PEACE) Partnership Community Probation Initiative, Probation Officers from across the state maintain a presence at each of the Superbowl games where they keep an eye out for court-involved individuals. Dressed in fluorescent vests marked with the words PROBATION, Probation Officers also serve as an ever present reminder to offenders to be on their best behavior. Probation Officers have an intimate knowledge of the offender and his or her social and family history. They also have the authority to bring an offender before the court and to ultimately send probationers to jail based on their recommendation to the judge.

“This partnership underscores our commitment to the community and public safety. We are in the community day and night. The presence of a Probation Officer at these events serves as a deterrent to potentially violent behavior,” said Commissioner John J. O’Brien.

As part of the Partnership, Probation Officers serve as integral members of a tournament safety team that include site supervisors, school administrators, teachers, stadium security personnel and local police. The Superbowl games are the highlight of the local football season.

Over the years, Probation Officers have been instrumental in preventing the high tension and discourse between opposing teams from turning into all-out brawls. They have come to the aid of spectators and worked closely with local police to maintain public safety.

“Safety and security are paramount to the shared commitment of this association and the Probation Service. This Partnership has fostered the positive climate and culture that must be identified with education-based athletics. On behalf of our student athletes and their school communities that benefit from this partnership, I extend our sincere gratitude to Commissioner O'Brien and his outstanding men and women,” said Richard Neal, MIAA Executive Director.

Since the launching of the PEACE Partnership, approximately 350 Probation Officers from across the state--who on their own personal time during nights and weekends--have maintained a presence at nearly 500 games, according to Steve Fratalia, one of the architects of the initiative. The activities of the Partnership have expanded since 2004. Probation Officers can now be found at high school basketball championship games as well as hockey tournaments.

Fratalia, Director of Resource Management at the Office of the Commissioner of Probation, and Norfolk County Juvenile Court Chief Probation Officer Thomas Mitchell, Fratalia’s founding partner, said they are pleased with the progress of the PEACE Partnership.

“This partnership has really grown and become a very efficient strategy,” said Fratalia. “It is evident that a visible Probation presence is a deterrent to unruly behavior.”

The Massachusetts Probation Service is a department of the Massachusetts Trial Court. There are 12 Superior Court, 62 District Court, eight Boston Municipal Court, and 12 Probate and Family Court probation departments throughout the Commonwealth. Probation’s Juvenile Court System includes 11 divisions which represent every county in the state. There are more than 20 Community Corrections Centers throughout the state.

The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association is a private, non-profit association organized by its member schools to regulate, coordinate and promote athletic programs for high school students.

MIAA billboard message lauds Commissioner of Probation John J. O'Brien and the men and women of the Massachusetts Probation Service for their participation at the 2009 High School Superbowl games at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro. The billboard message appeared during the Everett High School vs. Xaverian High School game.

Probation Officers at basketball championship.

Probation Officers at hockey game.

Probation Officers at football game.