Press Release

RICHMOND — Probation and parole officers are in our communities every day working hard to make Virginia a safer place to live. Their dedication to public safety will be honored this week, which is recognized as Probation and Parole Officers’ Week in the Commonwealth.

Probation and parole officers’ work is challenging, difficult, and sometimes dangerous. P&P officers supervise and assist adult offenders, helping parolees reintegrate into the community as productive citizens and probationers remain law-abiding, while authorizing the arrest of those who violate the terms of their supervision.

"P&P officers have chosen a truly rewarding but also challenging profession which often does not receive the recognition it deserves," said Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) Director Harold Clarke. "From answering calls in the middle of the night to helping an offender find a ride to an appointment, our P&P officers work hard to guide offenders on a path of successful living outside the correctional system."

Throughout the week of July 13–19, the VADOC is recognizing and honoring Virginia's probation and parole officers. P&P officers utilize evidence-based practices to provide guidance, education, and rehabilitation while maintaining regular contact with defendants and offenders, supervising their behavior, ensuring adherence to mandated conditions including court appearances, and assuring offenders’ prompt arrest for non-compliance.

Governor Terry McAuliffe recently announced that Virginia’s re-incarceration rate has dropped to 22.8 percent, the state’s lowest on record. This is proof positive that probation and parole officers are a vital part of public safety in the Commonwealth.

The VADOC operates 43 probation and parole districts employing more than 700 officers who supervise more than 57,000 offenders.

More information on the VADOC can be found at www.vadoc.virginia.gov.