The Ventura County Probation Agency is charged by the courts with the direct supervision of approximately 15,500 adult offenders and 2,500 juvenile offenders on probation, as well as performing two mandated functions: the preparation of sentencing reports for the courts and the operation of the Juvenile Facilities. To accomplish this mission, a highly-trained corps of armed deputy probation officers supervise the most serious offenders via close community monitoring, including GPS tracking and frequent field contacts. Approximately 350 additional officers supervise low and moderate-risk probationers in the community and prepare sentencing reports for the courts, recommending appropriate sanctions including incarceration, counseling, or a combination of treatment services.
As the field of corrections has evolved, so have the needs of our offenders and the community. To service these needs, we have introduced scientific, evidence-based programming to our supervision model, including individual and family counseling, job training and readiness, anger management, risk and need assessments, and substance abuse intervention in an effort to maximize a probationer’s successful transition back to the community. If these services prove unsuccessful and incarceration is warranted, the agency operates and provides programming at two detention facilities in the county: the Juvenile Facilities in Oxnard, and the Work Furlough facility in Camarillo.
In addition to our sworn staff, we employ a dedicated group of approximately 80 non-sworn support personnel to assist with a myriad of critical functions, including: budget review and monitoring; supply requisitions; payroll processing; grant compliance; computer maintenance; kitchen and laundry services; and administrative support. Sixty volunteers dedicate their free time offering classes to offenders in GED tutoring, job readiness, chess, art, science, computer repair, landscaping, silk screening, music, theater, and sports.