Adult Probation employees recognized

WOOSTER − The Wayne County Common Pleas Adult Probation Department was recognized for its dedicated service during National Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week.

The department was one of four in Ohio to receive the recognition from the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA), Micro-Distributing, Ohio Chief Probation Officer's Association, and Wayne County commissioners, who issued a proclamation.

The annual event takes place during the week of July 16-22, and it is a time to engage the public, policymakers and legislators in recognizing the work community corrections professionals provide that helps keep communities safe.

“(These) professionals uphold the law with dignity while recognizing the right of the public to be safeguarded from criminal activity,” Commissioner Sue Smail said. “We are very proud of the work that this team does on behalf of Wayne County, and they certainly deserve this recognition.”

Community corrections professionals oversee people convicted of a crime and have the legal authority to enforce sanctions, including probation and parole. They also help drive significant, positive changes by providing the appropriate supervision and services to those convicted, according to a news release.

Monitoring people under supervision may take the form of home contact, drug testing, ensuring the offender attends counseling, and helping them find suitable housing and employment.

Probation Department workers must wear many hats

The Wayne County office is composed of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Chief Probation Officer Cheryl Gerwig said her employees must wear many hats daily as they carry out their responsibilities.

“I would like to thank my staff for their many years of dedicated service to the department and to community corrections in general,” she said. “Between our staff of 10, we have a total of 132 years of service with the adult probation department. I am very fortunate, and it is an honor to work with them. This team is considered leaders in the field of community corrections.”

Community corrections professionals help drive significant, positive changes in the lives of individuals they supervise by providing the appropriate supervision and service to the right person at the right time. Monitoring individuals on parole may take the form of home contact, drug testing, ensuring the offender attends counseling sessions, and helping offenders find suitable housing and employment.

Dan Starcher is the Public Communications coordinator for the Wayne County government.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Probation department recognized by numerous organizations.