Powell links low pay to staffing crisis and urges collective bargaining protections

That is essential.

We are here to partner with them, especially for our clients, to help our clients succeed.

We're asking for them to expand alternatives to incarceration programs, both for family court as well as the youth part, for creating programs with science-backed methodologies.

We're also asking for a change in their culture and for that change in culture to filter down to the practices that are happening in court every day.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Use the mic, please.

Good morning, Honorable Chair Brooks Powers and distinguished members of the City Council Criminal Justice Committee.

My name is Dalvney Powell, President of the United Probation Office Association.

I have with me Vice President Gail Seeley, who's also a court liaison supervisor in the Bronx for adult services.

Secretary of the Union James Green is also a CLO for family court and family court services, and he also works the evening intake on the weekends.

Weekend arraignment.

For decades, New York City probation officers have been underpaid relative to their responsibilities as peace officers.

We supervise justice-involved individuals throughout the five boroughs by conducting home and community visits, enforcing court orders, responding to violations and crises, preparing reports to help judges make critical decisions.

This work has specific goals helping to reduce recidivism and help our clients lead more productive lives.

Despite the role that we play in reducing incarceration, our compensation has failed to reflect the risk and demands of our public safety work.

This inequity is a racial and gender justice issue.