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• October 6, 2009

  DPCA has provided local governments with guidance in implementing a 2009 law change affecting local conditional release.  The new law allows any interested jurisdiction to establish a local conditional release commission to determine whether certain eligible inmates may be released early from local jails and be placed under the supervision of its local probation department. DPCA has new statutory oversight authority with respect to commission operations. State Director Robert Maccarone has recently disseminated a comprehensive memorandum to all County Executives and Probation Directors/Commissioners to better assist them with certain legal, procedural, and technical questions concerning local conditional release. The Application and Release Order forms are available on the Probation Service Suite of eJusticeNY.

  
  October 5, 2009

  State Director's Memorandum #2009-6 on Access to the PSI Repository on the Intigrated Justice Portal. The full User Guide is posted in the Probation Services Suite of eJusticeNY.

  
  October 1, 2009

  New OASAS Criminal Justice Consent Form and Required Cover Document have been developed for use by probation and correctional alternative agencies. Please visit the Probation Services Suite of eJusticeNY for an MS Word version of this form. Consent Instructions and other details are included in the State Director's Memorandum #2009-5.

  September 24, 2009

  DPCA issued its first Model Victims Policy for Probation Departments in New York State.   The Model Policy incorporates the recommendations of the Statewide Workgroup comprised of probation professionals, crime victims and victims services, the courts, treatment services and other state agencies that met over a two-year period to develop practical guidance for probation practitioners in developing comprehensive and consistent department policies in serving victims of crime. 

  September 16, 2009

  2008 Annual Statistical Reports for all Alternatives to Incarceration (ATI) – ATI programs continue to provide critical services to New York State's criminal justice system by providing effective programs that reduce unnecessary reliance on incarceration and reduce recidivism while assisting offenders change their behaviors to lead law-abiding lives.  2008 Annual Statistical Reports are available for Community Service Programs, Pretrial Services Programs, Specialized Drug and Alcohol Service Programs and TASC Program Model, and DBA Programs.

   

   

  September 1, 2009

  DPCA has submitted a Notice of Proposed Rule Making with respect to DPCA’s Graduated Sanctions and Violations of Probation (9 NYCRR, Repeal of Part 352 and Addition of New Part 352).  The Notice will be published in the State Register on September 16, 2009.  There will be a forty five day official public comment period.  Any comments as to this rule addition should be furnished in writing no later than Monday, November 2, 2009 to DPCA Counsel Linda Valenti at 80 Wolf Road, Suite 501, Albany, New York 12205 or via email to Linda.Valenti@dpca.state.ny.us. 

  August 27, 2009

  DPCA is pleased to release the New York State Probation Sex Offender Management Practitioner Guidance. Probation Supervision is the sentence most frequently imposed by Courts for persons convicted of sex offenses. This comprehensive resource document reflects the most current research on sex offender management and summarizes probation practices throughout New York State. It was developed with the assistance of probation professionals and it is intended to define how persons convicted of sex offenses can best be managed to ensure community safety. This practical guidance defines best practice, but recognizes the variation in resources available in our diverse communities.

  August 13, 2009

  State Director Robert Maccarone recognized Cattaraugus County Probation Officer Nila M. McIntyre with the Outstanding Service by a Probation Officer Award. Additionally, Steuben County Probation Supervisor Cheryl Crocker and Steuben County Department of Social Services (DSS) Supervisors Joanne Woodard and Jason McLoud have been selected to receive the Outstanding Collaboration Between Probation and Social Services Award. Please see press release for additional details.
  
  

   

  Pictured above left: Mark Pisano, Vice-President NYSPOA; Joe Rinaldi, President NYSPOA; Gerry Zimmerman, Cattaraugus County Probation Director; Nila McIntyre, Cattaraugus County Probation Officer; and Robert Maccarone, State Director DPCA.  Pictured above right: Jason McLoud and Joanne Woodard, Steuben County DSS Supervisors; Frank Justice, Steuben County Probation Director; Cheryl Crocker, Steuben County Probation Supervisor; and Robert Maccarone, State Director DPCA.

  J uly 23, 2009

  Governor David A. Paterson proclamation commemorating July 19-25, 2009 as Probation, Parole, and Community Supervision Week – July 9, 2009

  • State Director Memorandum on 2009 Probation, Parole, and Community Supervision Week – July 20, 2009
  • NYS DPCA and Division of Parole Press Release – July 19, 2009

  July 24, 2009

  PVRC RFP Questions & Answers

  June 25, 2009

  NEW - Probation Violation Residential Centers in New York State RFP
  DPCA has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Probation Violation Residential Centers in New York State for the operation of regional Probation Violation Residential Centers (PVRCs) to assist probation departments in stabilizing convicted felony drug offenders sentenced to probation who are engaging in noncompliant behaviors that have, or will likely result in the filing of a violation of probation and the possible commitment to state prison. The probation violation centers will be residential with the provision of drug treatment services through licensed treatment providers. They will also include the appropriate evidenced-based interventions to improve the offender’s compliance and response to community supervision, while providing for public safety. The PVRCs will provide for substance abuse treatment while offering a graduated sanction and diversion from state prison for appropriate convicted felony drug offenders sentenced to probation. Proposals must be received by Monday, August 31, 2009. RFP Attachments in MS Word format.

  June 25, 2009

  E-YASI Issue #10

  June 3, 2009

  Ignition Interlock Vendors by Brand and Location

  Mar. 26, 2009

  Probationer Felony Re-Arrest Rates Following Sentence - The final ten-year (1998-2007) Annual Arrest Cohort Study for Probationers in New York State. Probationer recidivism, defined as felony re-arrests, continues to decline for 12 (12.4%), 24 (20.1%) and 36 (25.7%) months.  This is evidenced in all categories, including re-arrests for Violent Felony Offenses, Drug Offenses and Other Felony Offenses.  As is our usual practice, recidivism data is provided for individual counties as well as statewide, New York City and Non-New York City Areas.

   

  Mar. 23, 2009

  2009 Probationer Employment Chart: State Director Cover Memo

   

  Mar. 23, 2009

  Responding to the Needs of Justice-Involved Combat Veterans with Service-Related Trauma and Mental Health Conditions. This report by the National GAINS Center offers strategies for working with justice-involved combat veterans and especially for individuals who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

  Mar. 2009

  DPCA E-YASI March 2009

  Mar. 1, 2009

  DPCA Awards Grants to Seven ATI/Reentry Programs – DPCA received a total of 40 proposals in response to its Request for Proposals for Alternatives to Incarceration/Reentry Programs and will fund the top seven scoring programs. These innovative programs will provide services to persons in the criminal justice system who are chemically dependent as well as those who are suffering from mental illness. The programs provide expanded job training and placement, transitional housing, case management services and help connect qualified individuals to mentoring. The seven programs to receive funding are the Center for Community Alternatives - Onondaga County; the Cattaraugus County Department of Probation; the Center for Employment Opportunities – Westchester County; Fortune Society; EAC TASC – Bronx and Kings Counties; and CASES – Center for Alternative Sentencing and Employment Services, Inc. – NYC. The programs received grants of up to $200,000 and will commence services March 1, 2009.

  Jan. 2009

  Research Bulletin: The Use of the Polygraph in Sex Offender Management – DPCA is pleased to release the third in a series of research bulletins intended to provide probation professionals with the most current information on issues related to sex offender management. Memo related to use of the polygraph in Sex Offender Management.

  Dec. 2008

  Governor Paterson Signs Bill Strengthening Probation Laws – Governor Paterson signed into law DPCA Departmental #226 (A.11721/S.8128-A)--measures that will dramatically strengthen probation in New York State. “This legislation provides departments with the necessary tools to make certain that alleged violations are addressed swiftly. We will achieve greater offender accountability and better protect victims and our communities”, said the Governor. This new law will facilitate prompt judicial review of probation requests for declarations of delinquency and the issuance of warrants, provide for the timely commencement of probation violation hearings, and ensure that all probation warrants are promptly entered into the State’s electronic criminal justice network. The new law is effective November 1, 2009.

  Dec. 16, 2008

  Governor Paterson Releases Budget – Governor Paterson on Dec. 16 submitted a 2009-2010 budget five weeks ahead of the constitutional deadline, with the aim of immediately addressing the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. The budget keeps general fund spending growth flat, streamlines state government, and increases some fees and closes tax loopholes.

  Oct. 2008

  DPCA State Director Robert Maccarone welcomed New York’s 58 Probation Directors to the Fifth Annual Probation Directors Symposium held October 29-31, 2008 in Queensbury, New York. The State Director presented this year’s “A Shared Vision - Safer Communities and a Safer New York State” and informed Probation Directors that New York State had become the  fourth safest state and the safest of all large states in the nation.  The Shared Vision included an overview of probation’s progress in implementing skill-based training for new probation officers, based on an award-winning and certified curriculum that was accredited by the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA) earlier this year.  The Shared Vision also recounted probation’s progress in implementing standardized risk and need actuarial assessment instruments for all juvenile and adult probationers as well the development of Caseload Explorer - a fully automated probation case management system for probation departments.  Included in the presentation, was an update on the development of the new Fundamentals of Community Corrections Curriculum, the status of the probationer/offender employment initiative—the Offender Workforce Development Specialist (OWDS) Program and DPCA Rule Changes and new laws that strengthen the authority of probation officers in New York State.

• Mar. 2009 - DPCA is seeking nominations for “2009 State Director’s Award for Outstanding Service by a Probation Officer” and "2009 State Director’s Award for Outstanding Probation/DSS Collaboration” These honors will be awarded during the 2009 NYS Probation Officers Association (NYSPOA) Conference to be held in Albany at The Crowne Plaza on August 12-14, 2009. Please help us recognize outstanding work by submitting nominations before Friday April 17, 2009. Details of this year’s conference can be found at www.nyspoa.com.
• IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING ATI/REENTRY RFP - Notice to RFP Responders: The RFP released on September 10th, 2008 stated that the awardees would be contacted on or about October 27th, 2008. Due to the large number of proposals received by DPCA, final determinations regarding selected proposals will not be made until on or about November 17, 2008. All respondents will be notified in writing either way. Thank you.
• DPCA Announces Availability of Funding for Alternative to Incarceration (ATI) Programs for Jail/Prison Diversion and/or Reentry in New York State. DPCA has announced the availability of $1,952,000 to fund service providers from across the state that provide ATI and/or reentry services programs for felony charged and/or convicted offenders. This Request for Proposals (RFP) is seeking applications to fund the following program/services types up to $200,000 each: Programs serving the felony jail or prison-bound population, and/or Programs which increase the effectiveness of existing ATI programs as an alternative to jail or prison for felony charged and/or convicted offenders and/or Programs designed to assist this population returning to the communities from prison or jail. Service providers in New York City may be granted 50% of the total $1,952,000 (up to $200,000 per program) based on evaluation of RFP submission. The remaining monies available will be distributed to service providers outside of NYC subject to evaluation of RFP submission. - Posted September 10, 2008
  • ATI RFP Questions and Answers - Posted Sept 24, 2008
• Forms used in ATI RFP referenced above provided in Word Document format
• 2008 Probation Priorities in New York State - State Director Robert Maccarone welcomed Probation Directors and Deputy Directors from across New York State to the Fourth Annual Probation Directors’ Symposium held October 24-26, 2007 held in Saratoga, New York. This year’s Symposium addressed the challenges of implementing organizational change, the value of empirical data and how it can be used to shape policy as well as the value role of actuarial risk and need assessment instruments.
• Probation implementing critical new DNA Legislation - The 57 counties and the City of New York Probation Departments are implementing the new DNA legislation enacted into law on June 23, 2006.  Persons convicted of any felony defined in the Penal Law, or an attempt thereof where the attempt is a felony, as well as persons convicted of 34 specified misdemeanor offenses contained in the Penal Law, are required to provide a DNA specimen for the State DNA Databank. The new requirement applies not only to offenders convicted and sentenced for one of the newly designated offenses after the effective date, but also to offenders under sentence on the effective date.
• Probationer DNA Samples Linked to 14 Homicides - To date, DNA samples taken from 26,756 probationers have been linked to 221 crimes and or offenders, including 14 homicides. DPCA sent out Letters of Agreement to local probation departments totaling $1 million in state aid to expedite the collection of DNA samples owed by 26,562 probationers currently on supervision. State Director Robert Maccarone advised probation directors, "We now have a very effective DNA law and the funding to assist departments.  Probation is well-positioned to collect DNA samples, reduce crime and prevent further victimization in our communities";.
• DPCA 2006 Probation Officer of the Year Award presented to Dutchess County Probation Officer -The State Director's Award for Outstanding Service by a Probation Officer was presented to Roger N. Roush (Norm), of the Dutchess County Office of Probation and Community Corrections. This award is presented annually as part of the New York State Probation Officer's Association (POA) Conference. In presenting the award, DPCA recognizes the exceptional service, dedication and professionalism performed by a probation officer who has significantly contributed to the field of community corrections and strengthened its role within the criminal justice and/or juvenile justice system. Officer Roush has been a probation officer with the Dutchess County Office of Probation and Community Corrections since September 1989. Congratulations Officer Roush! Read more.
• Re-released Information Regarding Voting Rights of Probationers - DPCA re-released a cover memorandum dated October 25, 1989 and a NYS Board of Elections Formal Opinion #6 dated August 15, 1983, concerning the voting rights of probationers.
  • Cover Memo - October 25, 1989
  • NYS Board of Elections
• Fully automated case management system (PROBER-Web) to be used in 16 more probation departments - The NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) has received applications from 16 probation departments to receive federal Local Law Enforcement Block Grant (LLEBG) Funds for the implementation of the PROBER-Web Probation Case Management System. Two departments have already implemented the PROBER-Web System. The PROBER-Access based system is currently used by 20 departments which are anticipated to transition to PROBER-Web. The PROBER system follows probation functionality from Family Court Intake and Criminal Court Pre-Trial through Investigation, Supervision and Restitution. Local probation departments using the software are provided a comprehensive automated information system that also enables them to meet their reporting requirements to the courts, the state, etc. The LLEBG dollars for PROBER Phase II will be used to support the one-time costs for a site license, documentation and supplemental software, installation and training of the PROBER-Web version. It also includes one year of maintenance. PROBER-Web makes use of browser and web-based technologies to create a more user-friendly environment and software support efficiencies. In all, 41 counties are anticipated to be operating the PROBER-Web System.
• DPCA implements the Pathways to Employment Initiative, in cooperation with the NYS Department of Labor and the National Institute of Corrections (NIC).  Employment is recognized as increasing success for individuals under criminal justice supervision and reducing recidivism.  It is one of the community ties that can make the difference for these individuals and their families in participating in the economies of their communities.  DPCA trains probation officers and community correction professionals across New York State in the national model Offender Workforce Development Specialist (OWDS) Curriculum and has worked to make offender employment rates a measurable outcome for all of its funded probation and community corrections programs.
• DPCA has submitted a Notice of Proposed Rule Making with respect to DPCA’s Preliminary Procedure for PINS Probation Intake (9 NYCRR, Repeal Part 357, add new Part 357 and amend Part 354) to the Department of State.
  • Summary of the Proposed Rule Text
  • Proposed Rule
• State Director Robert M. Maccarone testimony delivered to the Members of the NYS Commission on Sentencing Reform at a public hearing held in Albany on November 15, 2007.  Attached to the testimony and made part of the public record:
  • Letter to the Commission Chair Denise O’Donnell on August 28, 2007
  • Report Cover and Executive Summary
  • Report and Recommendations of the Subcommittee on Supervision in the Community
  • 2006 Probation Staffing and Caseload Survey Detailed Report
  • Psychometric Report for the DPCA COMPAS Pilot
  • COMPAS Reclassification Scale Validation Study – June 11, 2007
• Ignition Interlock Vendors and Installers in NYS – Updated July 31, 2008
• Probation Strategies to Reduce Youth Violence - Address by State Director Robert M. Maccarone at the DCJS "Reducing Youth Violence" Conference in Albany on February 6, 2008.
• Long-Term Validation of the Youth Assessment and Screening Instrument (YASI) in New York State Juvenile Probation – Submitted by ORBIS Partners to DPCA (November 2007)
• Probation Staffing & Caseload Survey 2006: Detailed Report - August 7, 2007
• Research Bulletin: Clinical and Structured Assessment of Sex Offenders - August 2007

• DPCA provides testimony on July 19, 2007 - DPCA gave testimony at a public hearing conducted by the NYS Assembly Committees on Social Services, Corrections and Housing. Invited guests were asked to provide testimony on the barriers faced by formerly incarcerated individuals in the areas of employment and housing.
• State Director of Probation and Correctional Alternatives Presents 2007 Probation Officer of the Year Awards at NYS Probation Officers Association Conference

• Research Bulletin: Sex Offender Population, Recidivism and Actuarial Assessment - May 2007

• DPCA is seeking nominations for “2008 State Director’s Award for Outstanding Service by a Probation Officer” and "2008 State Director’s Award for Outstanding Probation/DSS Collaboration” These honors will be awarded during the 2008 NYS Probation Officers Association (NYSPOA) Conference to be held in Albany at The Crowne Plaza on August 13-15, 2008. Details of this year’s conference can be found at www.nyspoa.com.
• DPCA issues Request for Proposals (RFP) for the operation of pilot regional Probation Violation Residential Centers (PVRC). Deadline for submission is  Wednesday, November 14, 2007 at 4:00pm.  - Questions and Answers regarding Probation Violation Residential Centers (PVRC) RPF - Request for Proposals - Probation Violation Residential Centers - Cover Note from State Director listing critical dates
• DPCA issues Request for Proposals for Juvenile Risk Intervention Services Coordination (J-RISC) - Deadline for submission to DPCA is no later than 4 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, July 24, 2007. - Cover Memo from State Director - Critical Dates Memo - UPDATED 6/6/07 - RFP Questions and Answers
• 2007 Probation Priorities in New York State - State Director Robert M. Maccarone addresses Probation Directors and Deputy Directors from across New York State at the 3rd Annual Statewide Symposium for Probation Directors and Deputy Directors held on October 25-27, 2006 in Clifton Park, New York. (more)
• Probation Departments use new tools in addressing youth violence - See Sunday, June 10, 2007 Albany Times Union article.
• DATED - February 16, 2006 - (Albany, NY) - New York State Director of Criminal Justice Chauncey G. Parker administered the Oath of Office to Robert M. Maccarone, who was confirmed by the NYS State Senate to serve as Governor Pataki's State Director of the NYS Division of Probation and Correctional Alternatives (DPCA). Mr. Maccarone has been serving as Acting State Director of DPCA since November 2005. See Details.
• RFP for Supervision and Treatment of Specialized Offender Populations in New York City released for rebid on May 1, 2007. Annual funds are up to $150,000 to provide additional targeted services in one or more of Kings, Queens, Richmond, and/or New York Counties for individuals with serious mental illness who are involved with the criminal court on a felony charge and are at risk of incarceration.
• Statewide Recidivism Data Reported by County as of January 2007 - Posted April 2007
• DPCA Issues Sex Offender Management Survey Report - Results and Recommendations - This is an important document for probation and NYS as it provides valuable information on current practice, resources, and challenges. Cover Memo - Dated March 2007 Sex Offender Management Survey  
• DPCA issues a Request for Proposals for three to four programs supported by TANF funding.  Eligible program participants will have incomes that fall below 200 percent of the federally established poverty level. Targeted program services include job preparation, employment, and retention and family reunification and parenting skills. Deadline for submission is 4 P.M. Eastern Daylight Savings Time, Wednesday, May 23, 2007. Questions and Answers regarding the TANF for Community Corrections Programs RFP - Questions (restated for clarity as necessary) and DPCA responses.
• DNA sample submissions for the period March 6, 2006 to February 7, 2007 by County and the City of New York Probation Departments - 3/20/2007
• NYS Pretrial Release Services Standards - Dated March 2007
• Statewide Probation Statistics for Year 2006-Criminal - Probation Cases Closed in NYS             - County Probation Department Totals     - Statewide Rearrests - Statewide Sentenced to Probation Totals - Under Probation Supervision as of 12/31/06  Additional description of iPRS Management Reports provided above.
• Statewide Probation Recidivism/Re-arrests Continue to Decline in New York State. Go to Statewide Probation Recidivism/Re-arrests chart
• Probation Directors Attend Executive Leadership Training Program - The Executive Leadership Training Program was held on October 24th and 25th, 2006 in Clifton Park, New York.
• Employment Helps to Lower Recidivism Rates - Knowing the importance of employment in lowering recidivism and creating safer communities, the NYS Division of Probation and Correctional Alternatives (DPCA) has made a firm commitment to address employment issues facing ex-offenders. On December 6th, 2006, State Director Robert M. Maccarone presented in a panel discussion at the National HIRE Network's Second Annual NYS Reentry and Employment Policy Conference in NYC entitled, "NYS, Reentry and Employment: A Current Snapshot and Recommendations for the Future."
• Probation Automation Project Moves Forward - During the past summer, 14 probation departments received Local Law Enforcement Block Grants (LLEBG) from the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) to purchase use of the Prober-Web/Caseload Explorer Case Management software.
• New York COMPAS Adult Risk and Needs Assessment Instrument - Beta testing and training commences in four counties - An internet-based WebEx orientation presentation was held on September 12th for representatives of the four probation departments involved in the beta testing of the new instrument. What is COMPAS? - New York's Adult Risk and Needs Assessment

• The Future of Probation in New York State: A Shared Vision - State Director Robert Maccarone welcomed nearly 250 probation officers to the 12th Annual NYS Probation Officers Association Summer Conference, held at the Crowne Plaza in Albany, August 2nd through 4th.

• DNA Samples collected by probation officers result in 194 "hits" - an increase of 32 "hits" since September of this year when the Acting State Director announced the 100-day strategy to eliminate the DNA sample collection backlog. Since July of 2004, probation officers have collected nearly 7,000 DNA samples from probationers, resulting in 194 "hits". The average defendant identified through DNA sample-matching has 12 prior criminal convictions. The power of DNA, in its capacity to solve crimes and reduce victimization is unparalleled.
• Updated - PINS and Detention Reform - Effective 4/1/05 New statutory provisions which change the Statewide approach to youth who are at risk of becoming a Person In Need of Supervision (PINS) and their families became effective April 1, 2005. The new provisions require diversion services to be provided to all youth at risk of becoming a PINS and their families and discourage the use of detention for PINS youth. "Frequently Asked Questions" for PINS and Detention Reform. View a list of county lead agencies for PINS Diversion to facilitate communication and learning between counties and to make this information readily available to other stakeholders or potential users of a county's PINS diversion services. OJJDP Model Programs - The OJJDP Model Programs Guide is a user-friendly, online portal to scientifically tested and proven programs that address a range of issues across the juvenile justice spectrum including PINS. Developed as a tool to support the Title V Community Prevention Grants Program, the Guide has been recently expanded. The Guide now profiles more than 175 prevention and intervention programs and helps communities identify those that best suit their needs. Users can search the Guide's database by program category, target population, risk and protective factors, effectiveness rating, and other parameters. Juvenile justice practitioners are encouraged to take advantage of this helpful resource. Visit NYS Office of Children and Family Services' website for additional information.
• DPCA Seeks Qualified Training Instructors/Consultants to teach various Probation and Correctional Alternatives Training Courses. (Request for Proposals)
• Proclamations and Testimonials for Probation and Alternatives

• REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS - Supervision and Treatment of Specialized Offender Populations/New York City (NYC) - DPCA is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the operation of one to two specialized programs to provide additional targeted services to temporarily homeless, primarily Spanish speaking and/or mentally ill NYC offenders that are at risk of reincarceration.  Contracts for a total of up to $350,000 per year for five years will be awarded. Deadline for submissions is August 15, 2005, 4:00 pm Eastern Daylight time. "Frequently Asked Questions"- Answers to questions received regarding the Supervision and Treatment of Special Offender Populations in New York City RFP.
• INVITATION FOR BIDS NO. 05-03 for hotel and facilities to to hold STATEWIDE SYMPOSIUM FOR DIRECTORS in Capital District on OCTOBER 26 - 28, 2005 (Invitation for Bids)

• REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS - Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Project for Community Corrections Programs - Awards totaling up to $3.7 million may be made under this RFP for programs that address one of the four federally established purposes for this funding working with eligible individuals under the supervision of criminal justice. Deadline for Submission is June 13, 2005 "Questions and Answers" for RFP for TANF Project for Community Corrections Programs.
• Probation's Impact on Crime through Collaboration, Experience and Innovation was the theme of the Statewide Symposium for Directors and Deputy Directors hosted by DPCA and held in Saratoga Springs on November 15 and 16, 2004. Saratoga County Administrator David A. Wickerham welcomes probation professionals. (David Wickerham Remarks)
• DWI Symposium - Probation Management of the Repeat DWI Offender. DPCA State Director Fasoldt and NYS Motor Vehicles Commissioner Raymond Martinez attend one-day Symposium for Probation Department professionals and STOP-DWI Coordinators in Rochester on November 8th. (Raymond Martinez Remarks) New DWI legislation and current NYS Department of Motor Vehicles Re-licensing Policies and Regulations were addressed and both Fasoldt and Martinez recognized the work of probation officers and STOP-DWI coordinators. (DWI Symposium Agenda)
• DPCA hosts Juvenile Justice Institute on School-Based Probation (SBP) in Albany on October 20-22, 2004. (Introduction from State Director) In New York State, many probation departments have long histories of partnering with schools for in-school youth involved with probation. Probation officers, school officials and school resource officers worked with national experts to develop a school-based probation (SBP) plan or enhance their existing SBP. (SBP Agenda)
• DPCA releases new computer-based specialized DWI supervision course for probation officers and a computer-based instruction tool designed to be used by DWI offenders.
• Identifying the signs of mental illness training - DPCA provides a new computer-based learning tool to be used by community corrections professionals.
• Directory of Alternatives to Incarceration for Defendants and Offenders with Mental Illness.
• The NYS Department of Labor (DOL) and DPCA are partners in a new initiative directed at providing tools needed by unemployed probationers in securing gainful employment.
• July 22, 2004 - DPCA provides Interstate Training on New Compact for Directors and Interstate Liaisons. Full Details on new Interstate Rule.
• May 3, 2004 - Mandated Reporter Training for Law Enforcement - A Mandated Reporter Training for Law Enforcement was broadcast to local DSS downlink sites across the state on Monday, May 3 rd.  Probation officers from Orange, Dutchess, Westchester, and Albany counties were interviewed. Their comments on their mandated reporter experiences and those of other law enforcement personnel were taped and included in the broadcast.   
• March 31, 2004 - Advancing the Effectiveness of Community Corrections Through Science Statewide Teleconference - March 31, 2004 - Probation and community corrections professionals from across New York State participate in statewide teleconference and are welcomed by Chauncey G. Parker, NYS Director Criminal Justice and Commissioner of the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services and State Director Sara Tullar Fasoldt. Panel members include presidents of probation and community corrections professional organizations and Dr. Faye Taxman, President of the University of Maryland.
• Welcome from Commissioner Parker (pdf)
• Graduated Sanctions: Stepping Into Accountable Systems And Offenders (pdf)
• Supervision: Exploring the Dimensions of Effectiveness (pdf)
• June 2004 - New York State Launches Operation IMPACT Mission in Newburgh - Operation Impact continues fight against crime across the state; Orange County's program launched in June 2004 - 77 arrests so far.  Probation Departments across the state will contribute to success of Operation Impact sites - toward making New York State the safest state in the nation. (View Press Release)
• July 13, 2004 - Local, state and federal law enforcement officials to launch full-scale Operation Impact in Albany County. In Albany, the task force is coordinated by the District Attorney and the City of Albany Police Department, and consists of among others, Albany County Department of Probation; New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services; New York State Division of Parole; New York State Police; US Attorney's Office; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Bureau of Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE); United States Marshals Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Albany County received $241,116 from the State for IMPACT. Albany County is the fifth county statewide to launch Operation IMPACT, which has brought community groups and law enforcement officials together to help reduce crime in cities around the state.
• June 29, 2004 - Dutchess County launches first full-scale Operation IMPACT (Integrated Municipal Police Anti-Crime Teams) in the City of Poughkeepsie. Operation IMPACT in Poughkeepsie began with an intensive warrant sweep involving the local law enforcement agencies, as well as specialized units of the New York State Police, Dutchess County Probation, New York State Parole and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The operation resulted in 92 arrests, including arrests of numerous violent felons and criminals with multiple outstanding warrants. Dutchess County Director of Probation Mary Ellen Still said, "The Dutchess County Office of Probation and Community Corrections believes it is vital to work in collaboration with other law enforcement and criminal justice agencies to promote public safety. Operation Impact will contribute to a safer community."
• April 5, 2004 - "Operation Impact" mission in Rochester Launched - The Monroe County Department of Probation and Community Corrections is the first of 15 local probation departments to take part in the Governor's Operation IMPACT (Integrated Municipal Police Anti-Crime Teams).  IMPACT is a strategically targeted plan for 15 counties in the State that account for 80 percent of crime outside of New York City.  IMPACT addresses illegal guns, gangs, and drug crimes through coordinated and aggressive problem-solving among federal, state, and local law enforcement.  Also, $7.1 million in State funding is being distributed to support IMPACT task forces in each county. Probation departments located within the 15 county jurisdictions will work jointly with police in communities doing "ride-alongs", stepping up efforts to serve warrants, and conducting home visits.
• Director's Award - The State Director's 2004 Award for Outstanding Service by a Probation Officer is presented in recognition of exceptional service, dedication and professionalism performed by a probation officer which has significantly contributed to the field of community corrections and strengthened its role within the criminal justice and/or juvenile justice system. Deadline for receipt of nomination is July 2, 2004. Contact your local probation department for more information.   
• May 2004 - REPEAT DWI OFFENDERS ARE SUBJECT OF NEW TRAINING - The Symposium, Probation Management of the Repeat DWI Offender, was held on June 4th in Warren County and nearly 170 representatives including 30 probation departments, STOP-DWI Coordinators, the NYS Governor's Traffic Safety Committee, NYS Department of Motor Vehicles, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) attended. The topics addressed at the Symposium were Probation and Traffic Safety, new DWI legislation, current NYS DMV Re-licensing Policies and Regulations, and the DWI offender's experience with Drug Courts. DPCA also provided an introductory demonstration on the two instruction courses, one of which was created for probation officers who supervise the repeat DWI offender and the other, a training developed for the DWI offender.  Copies of each CD were provided to attendees and have recently been distributed to all probation departments.