[Music]
[The Massachusetts Probation Service seal and Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week logo appear on screen.]
[Commissioner Ifill sits in his office.]
Commissioner Ifill: Hello, I'm Pamerson Ifill, Commissioner of Probation for the state of Massachusetts, where the concept for probation was first introduced 186 years ago by John Augustus, also known as the Father of Probation.
[Drawing of John Augustus.]
It is Pretrial Probation and Parole Supervision Week 2026. This year's theme is Connected for Change: Building Bridges and Supervision.
The Massachusetts Probation Service, also known as the MPS, is a second chance agency.
[Photo of a probation employee speaking with a probationer outside.]
We meet our clients where they're at, and we work diligently to connect them with important resources to help them succeed and improve their lives.
[Photo of a group probation employees in probation vests. Photo of a woman with a diploma in a cap and gown at a Community Justice Support Center.]
MPS does this in the 18 statewide Community Justice Support Centers, where individuals who would otherwise be incarcerated, receive counseling and job and educational training.
[Photo of clients speaking at a podium.]
Our Victim Services Unit help crime victims and survivors navigate the judicial system.
[Photo of the Victim Services Unit and Commissioner Ifill at the State House.]
Our MPS Pretrial Services Division alert court users of upcoming hearings through our text messaging system. It helps enroll the uninsured in MassHealth, and supports newer diversion court users and those with autism spectrum disorder interact with court personnel through the Massachusetts Trial Court Blue Card Initiative, and more.
[Photo of the MPS Pretrial Service Division team behind a booth at an event.]
Our Community Service Programs helps beautify and clean our neighborhoods, roads, and shorelines, as well as assist at local food pantries.
[Photo of Community Service Program clients cleaning up a beach.]
The Electronic Monitoring Program, which celebrated its 25th anniversary, keeps track of individuals and communities across the state.
[Photo of electronic monitoring equipment and manual. Photo of 25th anniversary cake, banner and balloons.]
Our MPS Interstate Compact Unit works with law enforcement and human service agencies to manage supervision of clients who move to Massachusetts or out of state. This unit has also successfully collaborated with affiliate agencies to return juveniles who have been involved in human trafficking.
In addition to our supervision efforts, we provide housing and sober beds, as well as host food, clothing, and supply drives to meet the basic needs of struggling clients.
[Photo of apartment buildings. Photo of items gathered on a table for a supply drive. Photo of MPS employees in front of a table full of bags for clients.]
Our probation personnel throughout the Commonwealth demonstrate their care and commitment to the community and the courts through MPS supervision efforts 365 days a year. We are proud to celebrate our work. It's a huge impact and the enduring legacy of John Augustus.Thank you.
[Music]
[The Massachusetts Probation Service seal and Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week logo appear on screen.]