Akron, Ohio – The Summit County Common Pleas Court will recognize and celebrate the work of its Pretrial and Probation Officers, Supervisors and related professionals this week.

During the week of July 21 through July 27, 2019, people across the United States and Canada will join together to recognize the work that probation,  parole, and community supervision professionals do for our public safety.

Today in America, there are over 5 million adults on community supervision and most of these individuals are monitored by pretrial, probation, and parole officers. The Summit County Adult Probation Department alone monitors almost 4,000 offenders annually. Monitoring includes frequent meetings, home contacts, drug testing, making sure the offender attends counseling sessions and helping offenders to find suitable housing and employment.

“As professionals, our Pretrial and Probation employees are a critical part of the public safety system, providing integral services throughout the judicial process to citizens’ of Summit County to make our communities safer and provide an improved quality of life,” stated Administrative Judge Amy Corrigall Jones.

Nationwide budget shortfalls mean that community corrections professionals must be creative in finding solutions to make sure those they supervise have the support needed to find jobs, housing, and treatment. By collaborating with court and community leaders, many officers are making a difference in helping offenders get out of the cycle of crime.

Kerri Defibaugh, Director of Offender Services for Summit County, has encouraged her staff to rise up to the challenges of supervising the offenders  of today. “Since becoming Director of Offender Services, I have challenged my pretrial and probation employees to work unabated to improve the lives and futures of victims and offenders,” stated Defibaugh. “I am extremely honored and humbled to lead and work side by side with such a resourceful, dedicated and intelligent group of professionals,” concluded Defibaugh.

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Contact:

Susan Sweeney, Esq.
Assistant Court Executive Officer
330.643.7840
ssweeney@cpcourt.summitoh.net