Probation Commission

History

The Probation Commission originally the Probation Committee, was created in 1903 and is one of the County's oldest official bodies. Established to meet the Welfare and Institutions Code requirements for a Probation Committe in each county witht the population in excess of 6,000,000 in lieu of a county juvenile justice commission, it consisted of not less than seven members designated as "Officers of the County" and authorized to be called "Commissioners" in official correspondence and in the conduct of official business.

Under provisions of State law (Section 240 of the Code), the Commission is mandatory and, consequently, has a relatively permanent status in county government.

On February 23, 1960, by Board order, the Committee was increased from nine to ten members.

In April, 1987, at the request of the County Board of Supervisors, the Legislature amended the Welfare and Institutions Code to change the title of the Probation Commission. In July, this action was signed into law by the Governor as part of AB 1287.

On September 7, 1999 by order of the Board, the Commission was increased from ten to fifteen members.

Structure

The Probation Commission consists of fifteen members, serving four-year terms. Three Appointments are granted each of the five County Supervisors, thereby reflecting the diversity of the community. So structured, the Commissioners bring expertise from the private sector to the oversight and evaluation of policies and operations of the Los Angeles County Probation Department, and to those budgetary priorities and legislative proposals brought before the Board of Supervisors which impact the criminal justice system.

Functions

The Probation Commission functions through public meetings to review Probation programs, periodic inspections of facilities, interviews with administrators and key personnel, and develops recommendations to the appropriate County Departments. It also issues an Annual Report to the Board of Supervisors.

In its capacity as liaison for the public, it encourages interaction between community representatives the County courts, the Board of Supervisors, and those minors and adults under the jurisdiction of the Probation Department.

Primary Focus

Given the enormity of its task, the Probation Commission has elected to focus primarily upon the young wards in County juvenile probation institutions. Toward that end, it encourages the Probation Department to promote health, education, vocational training and aftercare programs in an effort to impact the antisocial behavior of minors and redirect them into a mainstream of the community where they can become productive members of society.

Legal Authority

The Los Angeles County Probation Commission was established pursuant to Section 240 et seq., and, by reference, to other applicable provisions of the Welfare and Institution Code, and by Article IV, Section 14, of the Los Angeles Charter. The Commission shall also have such authority as otherwise provided by statute and ordinance, and/or resolution established by the Board of Supervisors. The Commission is authorized to act in an advisory capacity to the Chief Probation Officer and charged by statute to inspect County juvenile probation institutions.

Meetings

Regular meetings of the Probation Commission are held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month and are open to the public. Unless there is a prior announcement, the Commission convenes in Room 739, in the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration. Individual Commissioners may be contacted through the Probation Department Headquarters, (562) 940-2635 (Contact person: Cindy Cheng) or the Board of Supervisors.

Applications are accepted by each Supervisor for vacancies on the Probation Commission. Individuals who are interested, may request copies of "Guidelines for Commissioners" from the Probation Commission before submitting resumes to the Supervisors in their District.

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