Press Release  Probation Commissioner Appoints Four New Chief Probation Officers

Boston, MA — Commissioner of Probation Edward J. Dolan has appointed four new Chief Probation Officers who will manage day to day operations at Plymouth Probate & Family, Plymouth Juvenile, Cambridge District and Springfield District courts.

Richard Giaquinto, Chief Probation Officer at the Plymouth Probate & Family Court, began his new job a week ago. Plymouth Juvenile Chief Probation Officer Joseph Mark Abber also started his new role in October. Cambridge District Chief Probation Officer Damon Banks was named to his new position in September and Terence O’Neil, Springfield District Court Chief, has been on the job since July.

“The four new chiefs all possess the talent, commitment, and drive needed to pursue the dual mission of the Massachusetts Probation Service (MPS) which is to maintain the safety of our communities while guiding those individuals in our care and custody toward a better path in life,” said Probation Commissioner Dolan.

Giaquinto, formerly Assistant Chief Probation Officer at Plymouth Probate & Family Court, began his career as a probation officer at the court in 1993. He was promoted to assistant chief in 2013. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Bridgewater State University and a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Northeastern University.

Abber served as Assistant Chief at Plymouth Juvenile Court prior to his appointment as Chief. He began his career at Barnstable Juvenile Court as a Probation Officer in 1996 and in 2005 was promoted to Assistant Chief at Plymouth Juvenile Court. Abber holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology with a concentration in criminology from Bridgewater State University.

Banks, former Assistant Chief at Chelsea District Court, joined the Probation Service as a Probation Officer at Somerville District Court in 2001. In July 2016, he was named Assistant Chief Probation Officer at Chelsea District Court and in September was appointed Cambridge District Court Chief. Banks holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and a Master’s degree in Social Work both from Salem State College.

O’Neil began his career in Probation at Springfield District Court as a Probation Officer in 2001. He was promoted to Assistant Chief at the court in 2006. O’Neil was named chief in July. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Western New England College.

There are 12 divisions of the Probate & Family Court, 12 divisions of the Juvenile Court, and 62 District Courts across the Commonwealth. The Massachusetts Probation Service’s mission is to increase community safety, reduce recidivism, contribute to the fair and equitable administration of justice, support victims and survivors, and assist individuals and families in achieving long term positive change.

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