Job Fair for Justice Involved Individuals in June 2018 Probation Joins Forces to Reduce Crime and Violence The Violence Reduction Network (VRN) pilot program started in 2015 when the Department of Justice selected Compton as one of ten U.S. cities that would work closely with the federal government to reduce chronic violence in their communities. It offered technical resources, training, and the ability for the Department of Justice and local County agencies to work together to address 12 key focus areas, including gang violence and prevention, human trafficking, mental illness, homelessness, at-risk youth, and trust-building in the community. The results of the Violence Reduction Network speak for its success. Since its implementation, the City of Compton has seen double-digit declines in gang-related shootings and homicides, an overall decrease in chronic violence, over 4,000 arrests/indictments, 636 illegal firearms taken off the streets, 80 pounds of explosives seized, plus 647 pounds of illegal narcotics and 18 pounds of Fentanyl confiscated. Although the pilot program ended in summer 2018, its success has led leaders to consider continuing the program into 2019. “The Probation Department was grateful to be part of this multi-agency effort and we were able to make a significant difference in the community by sharing resources and working closely together.” — Los Angeles County Probation Department Director Frank Adams Video Conference Pilot for Post-Release Community Supervision (PRCS) Inmates – On March 14, 2018, the Probation Department began a Pre-Release Video Conferencing (PRVC) pilot program with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) to use Skype as a means to communicate with PRCS inmates in prison. PRVC will afford Probation the opportunity to bridge any gaps between the transition from prison to the community. The PRVC Interview is structured to allow Probation staff to gather additional information to facilitate a stable and successful reentry into the community upon their release from prison. The primary targets for this program are inmates who are medically fragile, suffer from mental illness, those who are deemed by CDCR as Enhanced Outpatient Program participants, those who will be homeless upon release, and selected higher need individuals referred by CDCR staff. During the 20-25 minute interview, Probation staff provide a general overview of the PRCS Program in Los Angeles County, including conditions of probation, services available to PRCS clients, and answer any questions the inmate may have. Community Outreach – The Bureau is highly involved in probation reform and strategic planning which includes countywide stakeholders. The outreach activities include collaborations with Chaffey College with the Providing Individuals New Thinking Opportunities (PINTO) Program, the Healing Hearts Program which restores hope for those affected by homicide, and job development services at Hacienda La Puente Adult School. The Bureau is also an active participant in the Back-to-School Giveaway and Kids Shoe and Clothes Drive in the Antelope Valley. L.A. County Probation Department | 2018 Annual Report 55 54 L.A. County Probation Department | 2018 Annual Report