Press Release

RICHMOND — Probation and parole officers work quietly behind the scenes in our communities, playing a critical role every day in Virginia’s public safety efforts. 

The Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) celebrates their unique contribution during Probation and Parole Officers’ Week, July 17 to 23.

Probation and parole (P&P) officers encourage and guide former offenders as they reenter their communities. P&P officers also work hand-in-hand with a wide swath of the law enforcement community to maintain contact with and monitor returning citizens.

“We are in the business of public safety and helping people make better choices,” said VADOC Director Harold Clarke.  “Probation and parole officers help returning citizens focus on rehabilitation and returning successfully to their communities. In this way, the officers build long-term public safety.”

One indicator of VADOC’s success is the recidivism rate of its returning citizens; at 23 percent, it is one of the lowest in the nation.

“We owe our probation and parole officers a debt of gratitude. They strive always to improve, utilizing research to employ evidence-based practices.  Their excellent work and their professionalism have helped us become a model corrections agency and helped make Virginia a national leader,” Clarke said.

Virginia employs approximately 620 P&P officers and approximately 145 senior P&P officers who supervise more than 60,300 offenders in 43 state probation and parole districts throughout the Commonwealth.

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