The Webb County Commissioners Court has proclaimed July 25-29 all week Probation, Parole and Community Supervision Week. Students and alumni of local high schools attended the celebration.
Allison Martinez, director of the Webb and Zapata County Community and Correctional Supervision Department, said this was her first week as a probation officer after 10 months in her position. During her presentation, Martinez was joined by members of the department, many of whom proudly represented their high school and showcased the department made from locals.
“During these 10 months, I have seen how hard our department works to truly rehabilitate anyone who comes into our office, and in doing so, therefore, help the community and protect not only the community as a whole, but the family members of every individual who walks into our office,” she said. “Giving them a real second chance.”
The CSCD was established in 1980 with a single certified probation officer and, according to its website, now consists of two local offices in Laredo and another in Zapata with a total staff of 51, including 26 certified probation officers offering professional supervision services to approximately 3,000 offenders. sentenced to community supervision by local courts.
These professionals continue to supervise adult and juvenile offenders in the community. They work alongside community organizations to provide rehabilitation and victim services.
The Department’s vision continues to honor its commitment to protect the community by reducing recidivism and helping offenders eliminate their criminal thinking and behavior.
“The Webb County Community and Correctional Supervision Department is committed to protecting the public and serving our community,” reads their mission statement. “CSCD, in collaboration with the Webb County Court System and community partners, provides services that empower offenders to change their lives and ultimately hold them accountable for their actions.”
Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina congratulated the members and reminded the officers of the opportunity they have in their careers. Commissioners echoed the praise and congratulations for probation officers and their contributions to the community.
“Each of you will have the opportunity to change a life, a state of mind, a heart; you never know. It just takes one,” Tijerina said. “Just this one. This one word, that one; you never know what will make someone click and move someone in a different direction.
This year marks the 23rd anniversary of the celebration which began in 1999 and recognizes the more than 100,000 people involved in community corrections. According to the American Probation and Parole Association, the #PPPSWeek 2022 campaign will celebrate the work community corrections professionals do and demonstrate in Restoring Trust, Creating Hope.