Press Release
The Virginia Department of Corrections Recognizes Its Probation and Parole Officers
July 21, 2019
RICHMOND — This week the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) is celebrating the efforts of its probation and parole officers, men and women who foster the safety of all Virginians by supervising, supporting and promoting the reentry of offenders.
Earlier this year, Governor Ralph Northam proclaimed July 21-27, 2019, as Pretrial, Probation and Parole Supervision Week in the Commonwealth.
Probation and parole officers utilize evidence-based practices and cutting-edge training to facilitate positive change among offenders. The assistance, guidance and encouragement of these officers help offenders return successfully to their communities as productive citizens.
“Probation and parole officers do much more than simply monitor offenders. They help offenders to be better and thus promote both lasting public safety and healing for the offenders and their communities,” said Director Harold Clarke.
A big part of any P&P officer’s job involves working collaboratively with other members of the criminal justice system; that includes representatives of the court system, jails, local law enforcement, a variety of service providers and other stakeholders.
The outstanding efforts of Virginia's probation and parole officers have helped VADOC maintain the lowest recidivism rate in the nation for the third consecutive year.