Tulare County Probation Department

This week, July 21st to July 27th, is Probation Services Week, honoring the work of Probation professionals locally and across the state. Recognized by the California Penal Code, as the linchpin of the criminal justice system, Probation serves the courts, victims, and provides tailored services, offering alternatives to incarceration, and addressing the unique needs of local communities.

“Probation professionals play a crucial role in enhancing community safety through personalized supervision and rehabilitative programs.” Chief Kelly Vernon said. “From the Juvenile Detention Facility to our Probation Officers working in the community, our staff are equipped to navigate trauma, undergo challenging circumstances, and address the complex needs of the individuals in our care.”


Chief Probation Officers of California

It is with great sadness we share the passing of Patrick (Pat) James Aldrich, a Tulare County Probation legend. Always clad in cowboy boots, Pat will long be remembered by his colleagues and loved ones for his humor, and charisma. He was not only a coworker, but a friend and mentor to many. Pat will be deeply missed.

Pat began his career as a Tulare County Reserve Deputy Sheriff for 2 years and thereafter had a 36-year career with the Tulare County Probation Department. While with our department, he rose to the position of Division Manager and oversaw the Juvenile Detention Facility. He was among the first Probation Officers in Tulare County to carry a firearm, and was the department’s first range master.

Pat established the Adult Assessment and Treatment Unit in response to SB678 and the 2011 Public Safety Realignment Unit in response to AB109. He was also responsible for supervising the building of the current Juvenile Detention Facility as well as the complete remodel of an existing county-owned property located on Center Street, which became the Probation Office in 2012. Pat retired as a Division Manager in early 2012. After his retirement from Tulare County Probation, he returned briefly to assist during a leadership transition serving as Interim Assistant Chief Probation Officer from December 2013 to May 2014.

Along with being a trailblazer in our department, Pat was well-known for his athletic abilities and excelled in the men’s pole vault. Before joining the Probation workforce, Pat was training for the 1980 Olympic Trials, however the U.S. boycott of the Olympics prevented his participation. Pat’s return to Visalia marked the start of his 38-year career in public service.

Throughout his time with our department, Pat was admired and respected by all. His obituary states, “A more honest man you will never meet.” Thank you Pat, for your years of dedicated service to Tulare County Probation and our community.

Congratulations and welcome to the Probation family! On Tuesday, Chief Kelly M. Vernon swore in the following new hires:

- Jeymi Pavon, Probation Correctional Officer
- Diandra Rivera, Probation Correctional Officer
- Azleen Carrasco, Probation Correctional Officer
- Jasmine Zambrano, Probation Correctional Officer
- Marisca Banuelos, Probation Correctional Officer

Today the Tulare County Board of Supervisors proclaimed July 21 to July 27, 2024, as Probation Services Week, honoring the work Probation professionals do to provide accountability, opportunity, and hope for justice-involved individuals.

During today's Board of Supervisors meeting, Chief Kelly Vernon accepted the proclamation, stating, “Our highly skilled and trained workforce is among the most experienced and dedicated professionals in the criminal justice system. Being grounded in evidence-based strategies proven to rehabilitate individuals and change behaviors, we continue to provide an absolutely crucial and often unseen, component of safety to our communities."

The dedicated professionals of the Tulare County Probation Department exemplify Probation’s commitment to public safety and transforming the lives of justice-involved individuals. Their impact ensures that Tulare County remains a safer place for all Californians to thrive.

County of Tulare Chief Probation Officers of California

Institution Supervisors at the Juvenile Detention Facility have been highlighting and recognizing staff for their contributions to the Department and willingness to go above and beyond their duties. Each month, staff have the chance to nominate their peers for recognition, then supervisors select at least one person to highlight.

Here are the individuals who have been recognized over the past few months:

- Detention Services Officer, Narze Ramirez
- Transport Officer, Jimmy Martinez
- Deputy Probation Officer III, Manuel Morales
- Probation Correctional Officer, Alysa Perez
- Detention Services Officer, Leo Perez

Tulare County Probation Officers and Supervisors spent yesterday morning utilizing a Force Options Simulator where they engaged in scenario-based exercises via a single screen simulator. The training helps provide officers with the skills to make the most effective choices through a variety of immersive training scenarios. These scenarios are recorded, then debriefed and analyzed to further enhance the tactical expertise of officers.

Juvenile Detention Facility staff received specialized training for the new Tek84 Intercept body scanner. The device, which is a high-resolution digital x-ray machine, is used to assist staff with detection and prevention of any illegal contraband from entering the facility. In less than four seconds, the device can identify both metallic and nonmetallic threats, including drugs, cellphones, and objects concealed under clothing or within body cavities.

Congratulations and welcome to the team! Deputy Chief Probation Officer Mike Santos swore in the following:
• Xiclali Lopez, Deputy Probation Officer

Probation Collections Investigator, Jinnie Areias, achieved a significant milestone by securing $320,000 in a victim restitution transaction. This accomplishment underscores Tulare County Probation’s commitment to upholding justice and supporting victims through the pursuit of victim restitution. A victim's right to a criminal restitution order stems from Article I, section 28, of the California Constitution. Jinnie has not only upheld this crucial mandate but has also excelled in serving as a liaison between the District Attorney’s Office, victims, and clients.

We thank you Jinnie for all your hard work and dedication to our department!

Tulare County Office of Education hosted its annual Court and Community School Commencement to honor this year’s graduates at the Juvenile Detention Facility. Families, Court School Staff, Tulare County Probation staff and other support staff were in attendance as five graduates received their high school diploma.

During the ceremony, students expressed their deep gratitude to the teachers and Probation staff who offered guidance, support, and encouragement. A student who spoke said, “graduating is something I once thought was out of reach, but today, I am fully thankful and am full of pride for this accomplishment. This achievement is proof of what hard work, perseverance, and guidance can do for somebody. It represents something that no one can ever take away from me, and it marks a new beginning in my life.”

On behalf of Tulare County Probation and Chief Probation Officer Kelly Vernon, we’re incredibly proud of the five graduates who received their diploma today. Congratulations to all!

Congratulations to the Tulare County Deputy Probation Officers who completed their CORE training. At our recent ceremony, Assistant Chief Jose Gonzalez gave some words of wisdom to our graduating class and addressed family members as their loved ones embark on the next phase of their career.

Throughout CORE the group covered various topics including, the criminal justice system and process, defensive tactics and restraint techniques, professionalism and ethics, supervision, cultural awareness, and more. We are thrilled to see these individuals use the knowledge and skill sets they learned in CORE to further enhance their careers in Probation.

Congratulations to the following individuals:
- Eugenio Avila
- Erika Becerra
- Joshua Blair
- Valeria Chavez
- Christopher Marsh
- Jesus Martinez
- Rosanna Meza
- Maiquel Renovato
- Jennifer Robles
- Maria Tomas
- Ruby Uriostegui
- Ashley Vargas
- Jessica Vazquez
- Ruby Vences-Hernandez
- Briza Villalba Lopez

Members of Tulare County Probation’s management team attended the Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) Statewide Conference in Anaheim, California. The conference aimed to foster innovation, promote growth, and empower probation professionals committed to excellence. Our team attended sessions covering groundbreaking probation practices, effective supervision techniques, mentorship, innovations in reentry, wellness strategies, victim services, and more. Additionally, we participated in the , joining over 100 other attendees for a group wellness activity.

Huge thanks to Chief Probation Officers of California for hosting a wonderful conference!

Juneteenth is an annual celebration marking the emancipation of all enslaved people in the United States. In observance of Juneteenth, our offices will be closed on Wednesday, June 19th. We will reopen on June 20th.

Tulare County Probation is looking for diverse and dedicated public safety professionals to join our team!

We are hiring for the following positions:
• Probation Collections Investigator I (Closes 6/29)
• Probation Correctional Officer I (Continuous)
• Probation Correctional Officer II (Continuous)
• Probation Officer II (Continuous)

Apply Now: https://jointularecoprobation.org/

Happy Father's Day to the dedicated dads of the Tulare County Probation Department. Your dedication, compassion, and commitment to justice is an inspiration to all. Here's to you on your special day!

Congratulations and welcome to the team! Chief Kelly M. Vernon swore in the following new hires and promotions.
- Luis Ruvalcaba, Probation Correctional Officer
- Sophia Renteria, Human Resources Administration Aide
- Ismael Alcantar, Account Clerk (not pictured)

Introducing our newly selected Range Masters! Congratulations to Deputy Probation Officers, Humberto Valero Jr., Denise Pimentel, Ellie Martin, Destiny Garcia (not pictured), and Christopher Nanamura (not pictured). These individuals will lead our Range Training for sworn staff in armed positions.

This weekend we pay tribute to the brave men and women who gave their lives while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. We are all forever grateful for their sacrifices. Tulare County Probation will be closed on Monday, May 27, in observance of Memorial Day.

Our recently hired Deputy Probation Officers completed their CORE Training. In the last five weeks, these officers completed scenario-based activities and classroom instruction to help them succeed in their roles. Congratulations to the following staff:

- Deputy Probation Officer, Jorge Rivera
- Deputy Probation Officer, Claudia Campbell

Congratulations and welcome to the team! Assistant Chief Jose Gonzalez swore in the following new hires and a transfer:

Karen Beltran – Probation Correctional Officer
Alicia Corona – Probation Correctional Officer
Sarah Brassfield – Human Resources Administration Aide (transfer)

Tulare County Probation Veterans Court Officers attended the ribbon cutting celebration to commemorate the opening of the Veteran’s Affairs new Community-Based Outpatient Clinic in Visalia. The clinic marks a new era of primary healthcare and specialty health services for current and future Veterans in the South Valley.

National Police Week is held May 12-18 and Tulare County Probation staff are paying homage to those who gave their lives in the line of duty by wearing black mourning bands across their badges.

Congratulations and welcome to the team! Earlier this week, Assistant Chief Jose Gonzalez swore in the following new hires and promotions:

- Jordyn Espinal, Probation Correctional Officer
- Jose Navarro, Probation Correctional Officer
- Aliza Tarin, Probation Correctional Officer
- Aurora Medina, Laundry Tech
- Ryan Martinez, Deputy Probation Officer (promotion)
- Rosalinda Ruiz, Deputy Probation Officer (promotion)
- Angel Ibarra, Deputy Probation Officer (promotion)
- Briza Villalba Lopez, Deputy Probation Officer (promotion)
- Jose Calderon, Supervising Probation Officer (promotion)
- Ryan Smith, Supervising Probation Officer (promotion)
- Ronald Vasquez, Supervising Probation Officer (promotion)

Staff from the Tulare County Probation Department attended the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office Peace Officer Memorial held this morning. Our department supports the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office and community in paying respects to those who lost their lives in the line of duty. We honor all fallen law enforcement officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Over the weekend, Tulare County Probation Officers along with agencies from the Tulare County Gang Task Force provided assistance to the Dinuba Police Department as they maintained safety and connected with community members at the Dinuba Raisin Day Festival.

Thank you to the agencies below for keeping our residents safe during this fun-filled weekend of carnival rides, delicious food, and local vendors. Thank you to all our law enforcement officers who attended and assisted with this weekend’s detail.

- Lindsay Police Department
- Tulare County District Attorney’s Office
- Tulare County Sheriff’s Office
- Porterville Police Department
- Tulare County Probation
- Exeter Police Department
- Tulare Police Department
- Visalia Police Department

Happy Cinco de Mayo weekend! Tulare County Probation Department encourages the public to celebrate Cinco de Mayo responsibly. Think before you drink and drive. Drunk driving remains one of the biggest threats to the community and public safety on our roadways. Arrange to get home safely by designating a sober driver or utilize a ride-sharing service such as Uber or Lyft.

Tulare County Probation Officers and Supervisors recently completed a Taser Training where they underwent scenario-based exercises to safely and effectively utilize tasers. The recently issued tasers will provide officers in our field supervision units with a less lethal alternative to fi****ms, while protecting officer safety and minimizing the risk of physical injury.