STATE OF NEW YORK 
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER 
Proclamation

Whereas, community corrections is an essential part of our state and local criminal and juvenile justice system in New York State, with annual supervision of over one hundred forty thousand probationers and over forty thousand parolees, as well as correctional alternative programs servicing thousands of individuals; and

Whereas, probation, parole, and other community corrections professionals collectively conduct over one hundred fifty thousand investigations for criminal and family courts and parole authorities to assist the judiciary, other releasing authorities, and public officials in decision-making and in identifying community-based program services in order to avoid the unnecessary use of detention, incarceration and placement consistent with public safety; and

Whereas, probation and parole officers are peace officers and public officers who routinely risk their lives promoting community safety and holding offenders accountable through monitoring and enforcing conditions of release and by working collaboratively with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to investigate and combat crime through field intelligence and joint initiatives; and

Whereas, community corrections professionals are dedicated to assist at-risk youth and adult offenders lead law abiding lives and are instrumental in achieving successful reintegration of offenders into society by promoting prevention, intervention and advocacy and working in partnership with community agencies to help these individuals further their education, obtain and maintain employment along with suitable housing, and locate and complete drug or alcohol treatment and counseling services, and through supervision, guidance and role modeling, they help effect a change in individual behavior and reduce re-arrest and recidivism rates; and

Whereas, probation and parole officers regularly undertake extensive measures to assist victims of crime and prevent victimization through collection of DNA samples to solve crimes, securing compliance with the Sex Offender Registration Act, enforcing orders of protection, and by otherwise holding offenders accountable and safeguarding victims and their families; and

Whereas, community corrections professionals further provide other vital services, support, and protection to victims, by assuring that their voices are heard within the justice system, their needs and concerns are addressed, and that restitution is collected and disbursed in a timely manner, and we join to recognize these dedicated professionals who are champions of community justice as they collectively represent a formidable force of change and deserve our utmost appreciation for their significant role and contributions to keeping New York the safest large state in the country;

Now, Therefore, I, David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby proclaim July 19-25, 2009 as

PROBATION, PAROLE AND COMMUNITY SUPERVISION WEEK

in the Empire State.

G i v e n under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State at the Capitol in the City of Albany this ninth day of July in the year two thousand nine.

David A. Paterson
Governor