State lawmakers experience the life of a Bronx parole officer

BRONX, NY (11/12/2013)(readMedia)-- Parole officers represented by the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) are giving state Sen. Gustavo Rivera and Assembly Member-elect Victor Pichardo, today and tomorrow, an in-depth look at the work they accomplish to keep communities safe and help parolees transition back into society.

Accompanied by PEF Vice President Wayne Spence and PEF Executive Board Member Victor "Tony" Perez, both parole officers, Rivera and Pichardo are meeting with other POs and parolees at the Bronx Parole Office at 82 Lincoln Avenue to observe the morning briefing and hear about the services POs provide.

PEF President Susan M. Kent said, "We are very pleased Sen. Rivera and Assembly Member-elect Pichardo are taking the time to shadow our members and directly see the important work parole officers do, sometimes under the most difficult of circumstances. We are particularly concerned the state is now using a risk assessment tool via a computer program called COMPAS. It involves little to no input from the parole officers. Parolees are then supervised at unacceptable ratios, up to 160 parolees to one parole officer.

"We've seen repeatedly how this can result in violent criminals being released back into our communities without adequate supervision, resulting in community members being victimized again.

"Equally important, parole officers are exposed to dangers inherent with this line of work. Injured parole officers are not being compensated at parity with other law enforcement officers. A bill presently in the state Assembly and Senate could close that gap," Kent said.

"We hope to give Sen. Rivera and Assembly Member-elect Pichardo a deeper understanding of the division of parole so they can share these insights with other lawmakers and develop more policy to protect the public and provide more services to those who need them," Spence said.

"Our legislators have experienced a behind-the scenes look at what parole officers do such as planning and monitoring the re-entry process of parolees. They have seen first-hand how parole officers are constantly making referrals on everything from finding a place for parolees to live and helping them find employment. Parole officers conduct substance abuse programs, anger management, vocational and educational programs. They decide which parolees merit more privileges, and the ones who need to be removed from the community through incarceration or other alternatives. The legislators have seen the heart of what we do," Perez said.

"This was an eye-opening experience. Parole officers are dedicated individuals who are challenged every day with trying to help parolees become productive members of society, while trying to maintain the safety of neighborhood residents. On the other side, parolees face obstacles on a daily basis that make them feel like they have no choice but to reoffend. I believe this experience allowed me to see both sides of the situation, which I believe will help me be a more effective legislator. We cannot be a part of the solution, if we do not understand every aspect of the process," Rivera said.

"The role of a parole officer encompasses many varied responsibilities. This opportunity has allowed me to witness just how valuable their work is to the community," Pichardo added.

PEF represents 800 parole officers and senior parole officers, and 98 work in the Bronx.

For more information, contact Jane Briggs at jbriggs@pef.org.