CSEA honors workers during Probation, Parole and Community Supervision Week

ALBANY, NY (07/15/2011)(readMedia)-- CSEA President Danny Donohue today recognized union members across the state working in probation services by declaring July 17 - 23 "Probation, Parole and Community Supervision Week."

"On behalf of the 300,000 CSEA members who work in every kind of job in every part of the state, I am pleased to recognize our 2,500 members who work as probation professionals," Donohue said. "Probation, Parole and Community Supervision Week is meant to honor a segment of the work force that deserves great respect."

Probation professionals are a vital part of every New York state county work force and play an important duel role in the public safety field. Not only do they work with the justice system to protect the public against crime, violence and abuse, but they also aid in prevention, helping rehabilitate law offenders to rejoin society in a positive way.

Unfortunately, as with all public safety work, these professionals often put their own well being at risk in effort to keep people and their communities safe. CSEA recognizes the high level of commitment and the special dedication these workers have to the public they serve.

Donohue said crime rates have increased in recent years due to the poor economy, causing an increase in the number of cases probation professionals must handle to keep the public secure. "When the economy is at its worst is when the public needs government services the most," he said.

"I urge one and all across the state to join with me and thank the men and women who work in probation," Donohue said. "Their dedication to their jobs and to the public makes our communities safer for all of us."

CSEA is New York state's leading union, representing employees of the state and its counties, towns, villages, school districts, library systems, authorities and public benefit corporations. Together with a growing population of private sector members and retirees, CSEA is the largest affiliate of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), which is one of the largest affiliates of the AFL-CIO.

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