Tulare County Probation Department, Visalia, CA Videos

We Are Tulare County Probation
Throughout the week of Probation Services Week, we are recognizing and celebrating the work of our staff. The dedicated professionals of the Tulare County Probation Department exemplify Probation’s commitment to public safety and transforming the lives of justice-involved individuals. We’re focused on preventing crime by changing criminal thinking and collaborating closely with our justice partners to foster both opportunity and accountability. Using evidence-based tools, we offer alternatives to incarceration while ensuring community safety. Together, we strive to identify needs, reduce recidivism, and achieve positive outcomes. Join us in recognizing their outstanding efforts!

Over the weekend, Tulare County Probation Department assisted Woodlake Police Department with crowd control and community safety at the Woodlake July 3rd Blast. This family-friendly event, organized by the Kiwanis of Woodlake and the City of Woodlake, is complete with games, food, entertainment, and an amazing firework display at no cost to the spectators. With thousands in attendance, it was a pleasure engaging with attendees along with supporting Woodlake Police Department and local agencies to ensure the safety of residents at last weekend’s event.

Tulare County Probation Department participated in the 2024 Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics of Northern California. Our team ran 2.5 miles, escorting the Special Olympics torch, the “Flame of Hope”, on its journey to the 2024 Special Olympics Northern California Summer Games. This was the first time our department took part in the Torch Run and we look forward to supporting the Special Olympics community for years to come!

Drug Court Success Story - Janelle Carter
Since 1991, Drug Court Programs in California have helped participants successfully rehabilitate through a collaborative justice model. Janelle Carter is living proof of how Drug Court’s community partnerships can lead to positive outcomes and a newfound outlook on life. Watch her inspiring story of how she overcame over a decade of drug use and her journey to recovery. "As I was serious about changing my life, Drug Court gave me the opportunity to receive help while going through the worst of my recovery, knowing that my recovery is a lifelong process. It's not only recovering from being on drugs; it's also recovering from what caused you to look for an escape through drugs in the first place," - Janelle Carter

On behalf of the Tulare County Probation Department, we’d like to wish Probation Correctional Officer III, Shirley Lira a wonderful retirement and recognize her for over 25 years of service at our juvenile facilities. Officer Lira was hired on as a Probation Correctional Officer I in 1999 and is known as the “OG,” by youth and staff alike. Throughout the years she has been recognized by her peers as a team player, role model, and someone who often goes the extra mile. Her ability to counsel youth, admirable work ethic, and love for garlic will be remembered by all at the Juvenile Detention Facility. Farewell Officer Lira!

Meet Tyson! Tyson was released from state prison and placed on the Post Release Community Supervision Unit where he worked with Probation Officer Day to develop a case plan toward rehabilitation. Prior to his incarceration, he was addicted to narcotics and was homeless for eight years. After release from state prison, Tyson returned to the streets; however, this time he was determined to make a difference in his life. He has been able to obtain stable housing in a new apartment, be free from the use of narcotics, and hopes to give back by assisting with clean up of the homeless encampment in Tulare. He has a fresh start and is ambitious to continue in his rehabilitative efforts. As an incentive for his progress, Tulare County Probation provided Tyson with a new bike to help him with job searching and transportation.

This week is National Correctional Officers Week and at Tulare County Probation Department we are forever grateful for the hard work and dedication of our staff at our Juvenile Detention Facility. Our Officers and support staff go above and beyond to serve as positive role models for the youth in our care. They ensure educational, physical, and medical requirements are met, while also providing targeted interventions to further personal growth. Thank you to all of our Correctional staff for their dedicated service and commitment to public service!

Officer Cooke’s Retirement
After 29 years with Tulare County Probation Department, Deputy Probation Officer William Cooke is retiring! Officer Cooke started his career with the department in March of 1995 as a Group Supervisor, now called Probation Correctional Officer. In May of 1998, he was promoted to Deputy Probation Officer and thereafter Deputy Probation Officer II and III. Cooke has worked in a variety of units including the Team Supervision Unit, Placement Unit, Electronic Monitoring Unit, S.A.F.E. Unit, and as of recently the Professional Standards Unit. He has extensive experience supervising adults and youth while also working with community-based organizations, and justice partners to ensure victim safety. Cooke’s vast knowledge, positive spirit, and understanding of Probation Services have been instrumental to our department. He’s well-known among his colleagues for being an expert in domestic violence. Throughout the years he’s used his experience to support and mentor his peers while displaying integrity, professionalism, and a strong work ethic. His passion and dedication to the department does not go unnoticed. Cooke will not only be missed for his many contributions, but also his quick-witted humor, cheerful personality, and love for Mountain Dew. Thank you for your long-standing service!

Congrats and welcome to the Probation family! Chief Kelly M. Vernon swore in Deputy Probation Officers Antonio Sanchez (Promoted from PCO) and Eugenio Avila.

Together we are making spirits bright at our local Christmas Parades! Check out some highlights from the Porterville Children’s Parade. 🎄

At Tulare County Probation there’s a lot to be thankful for. As a department, we wish you and your loved ones a Happy Thanksgiving and a joyous holiday season! 🍁🦃

Probation Success Story
Michelle Escamilla’s story is one of perseverance and triumph. Similar to many Veterans she struggled with depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), however, with therapy and specialized treatment programs through the Veterans Court Program she is ready to have a fresh start. Escamilla successfully completed the Veterans Court Program and was presented with a plaque and challenge coin for her hard work and dedication over the last 18 months. Tulare County Probation is among numerous agencies who work collaboratively in the Veterans Court Program along with Tulare County Courts, the Veterans Center, the Veterans Counseling Clinic, the District Attorney’s Office, and many other community partners. The program is designed to promote self-sufficiency and get Veterans back into their community as productive and responsible citizens.

Tulare County Probation hosted our annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive with the Central California Blood Center. Thank you to all our Probation staff who donated blood and a special thank you to our partners at Connections for supporting the cause! Together we are, “special people doing special things.” The Central California Blood Center provides blood and services to patients who receive care at over 20 hospitals and their network of facilities in Fresno, Tulare, Madera, Kings, and Mariposa Counties. 5,000 to 6,000 pints of blood must be collected per month to meet the needs of patients in our Central Valley community. Donate blood at any local Donor Center: https://www.donateblood.org/donor-center-hours/ (https://www.donateblood.org/donor-center-hours/)

Nesvy Davalos just completed her Internship with Tulare County Probation. She’s happy to share some of her highlights and learning opportunities while working with the Booking Intake and Release (BIR) Unit.

Great shots don't just happen, they're the result of hours of hard work and dedication. 🎯

Over the weekend, Tulare County Probation Department assisted local law enforcement with crowd control and security at the Tulare County Fair. This was a multi-agency effort, led by the Tulare Police Department with assistance from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office and Tulare County District Attorney’s Office. Thank you to all of our Officers who helped keep the fair safe for our community!

We are hiring! Apply now for Deputy Probation Officer. The deadline to apply is 8/29. Apply Now: https://jointularecoprobation.org

Professional Standards
The Professional Standards Unit is responsible for the hiring process, including written testing, interviews, comprehensive background investigation, Computerized Voice Stress Analysis (CVSA), and other examinations pursuant to state guidelines for Peace Officers. Check out their accomplishments last fiscal year!

Congratulations to our recent new hires and promotions. The following staff were sworn in by Chief Kelly M. Vernon: Alejandro Alejandrez - Probation Correctional Officer Michael Diaz - Training Officer Jeremy Jones - Training Officer (promoting from Background Investigator) Orali Quiroz-Santos - Deputy Probation Officer (promoting from Probation Correctional Officer) Elizabeth Zavala - Administrative Aide Mercedes Aguayo - Cook Gloria Marquez - Office Assistant

The Tulare County Probation Department provides supervision services for adult offenders designed to protect the community, enhance the quality of life, and serve the Court. Check out our Field Officer Units!