School Essay: Interview with a Probation Supervisor

Interview with a Probation Supervisor

Leslie K. Penny

Module 4 Course Project Part 1

Chancellor University

Interview with a Probation Supervisor

            The Niagara County Court system is a busy one here in Western New York.  A midst the hustle and bustle I was able to pull one Probation Supervisor aside and conduct the assigned interview.  William Collins was very open to assisting a fellow probation enthusiasts such as myself and willingly took the time to answer my questions.  Questions posed included his name, position, length of time he has been in probation, what his responsibilities are, what he likes most about his job, what he likes least, what he would change about the current justice system where he works and lastly any observations I have about the interview. 
            William Collins is the Probation Supervisor for the Golden Triangle Bldg located on Main St. in Lockport, New York.  The Niagara County Probation Department is an agency of county government with "services that include the preparation of pre-sentence investigations and reports for the criminal courts and the supervision of criminals sentenced to probation" (Niagara County Probation Department).  This service also provides investigation and supervision functions for criminals released from jail by the Local Conditional Release Commission (Niagara County Probation Department). 

            Mr. Collins explained that he has been in his current position as probation supervisor since 2011but has been employed with Niagara County Probation since November of 2002 (Collins, 2013).  He was promoted from the Sex Offender Unit to Supervisor after working five years in that position (Collins, 2013).  While in the Sex Offender Unit, he worked with the Niagara County Sheriff's Office along with the New York State Parole and Niagara County Probation that formed a task force that made regularly unannounced home visits to verify the status of sex offenders and reportable information (Sex Offender Management). 

            Mr. Collins responsibilities encompass being second in charge of the entire department he works for as well as supervisor for the Lockport Office (Collins, 2013).  He manages and supervises officers in criminal caseloads in Eastern Niagara County and ensures that documentation requested from court is received in a timely manner (Collins, 2013).  Mr. Collins also monitors general and specific caseloads to ensure officers are monitoring cases appropriately (Collins, 2013).  What I found interesting is that he is responsible for monitoring the Interlock Device program for conditional discharge cases for Leandra's Law legislation (Collins, 2013).

            Leandra's Law is named after Leandra Rosado who, at the age of 11, was killed in October 2009 as a passenger in a vehicle where the driver was intoxicated (Leandra's law, 2012).  The drunk driver took the lives of 8 people that day, four were children, when she decided to drive drunk (Leandra's law, 2012).  Leandra's father grouped up with MADD, Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg and the Governor to help pass Leandra's law, a legislation on child endangerment and ignition interlocks (Leandra's law, 2012).  Because of the passing of Leandra's law, the crime of drunk driving with a child in the car has been elevated to a class E felony that is punishable up to 4 years in prison, if the child is injured, 7years in prison and if the child is killed, 15 years in prison (Leandra's law, 2012).  Leandra's Law "also mandates ignition interlocks for the cars of all convicted DWI offenders for a minimum of 6 months" (Leandra's law, 2012).

            Mr. Collins expressed what he liked the most about his job is having the ability to make decisions for the betterment of the department and the community (Collins, 2013).  Having to deal with personalities within the department that run contrary to the mission of the department is the main thing he likes the least (Collins, 2013).  Which we can all understand that frustration.  Everyone wants those under them to do as they are supposed to, to maintain the rhythm and flow of the workplace.  And, especially in the criminal justice system, one has to follow the rules and mission statement or cases can be compromised. 

            When asked what he would change about the current justice system where he works, he replied with "the courts system" (Collins, 2013).  Upon asking for him to elaborate, Mr. Collins explained that he did not like the lack of celerity in accountability which he has found over his career to be an issues in some courts (Collins, 2013).  He also expressed his opinion that officers should have to pass through an academy like police officers do in departments because many situations require physical force and/or deadly physical force situations where that training is needed (Collins, 2013).  I would have to agree.  He provided a very valid reasonable idea. 

            When asked if there was anything he would like to add at the end of our interview he provided me with some tips.  Mr. Collins explained to me that the job is in fact rather arduous and time consuming.  He made it a point to say that being a probation officer is not for the indolent who merely wants to collect a paycheck.  He expressed his feelings of fulfillment and accomplishment but made it clear this is not a job for the week at heart. 

            To conclude, I felt the interview went great.  I got the opportunity to see more into the world of probation that I have been working so hard to get in to.  The interview was a fantastic learning tool and that provided the opportunity to step out of our comfort zones and apply ourselves in a formal speaking situation.  Mr. Collins was very helpful agreeing to go through with the interview with me during his busy schedule.  I was very appreciative for his assistance with this assignment. 

Works Cited

Collins, W. (2013, May 29). Probation Supervisor. (L. Penny, Interviewer)

Leandra's law. (2012). Retrieved May 31, 2013, from Madd: http://www.madd.org/local-offices/ny/long-island/legislation/leandras-law.html

Niagara County Probation Department. (n.d.). Retrieved 05 2013, 31, from NYS DCJS: http://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/opca/niagara.htm

Sex Offender Management. (n.d.). Retrieved May 31, 2013, from Niagara County Sheriff's Office : http://www.niagarasheriff.com/sexoffendermanagement.aspx