San Joaquin County Probation Officers Association

Note: We have Plan I with Non-Scope Coverage

January 2012 – Message from the President

Welcome to the SJCPOA website,

The year 2012 brings with it the continued implementation of the Department’s realignment
plan, as a result of last year’s passage of Assembly Bill 109 (AB 109) – realignment of
supervision services from the state to local agencies. The passage of AB 109 specifically affects
us as the state transfers the supervision responsibilities for offenders previously sentenced to
state prison on specified charges, and for those being sentenced to serve their time locally post
October 1, 2011 in lieu of being sent to prison on a number of designated offenses. As we move
deeper into the budget year, it will be interesting to see if the state legislature and the governor
live up to their commitments to continue funding for realignment. Without it, it will be doomed
to failure; or at the very least hamstrung from a lack of resources. What is needed is a guaranteed
funding source. Let’s hope that arrives sooner rather than later.

In the midst of year 1 - AB 109 implementation, we’ll also be in the middle of contract
negotiations with the County. It shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone that we’ll see proposals
to reduce the County’s share of costs; which will include changes to our medical and retirement
to name just two. Based on recent contracts that were ratified by other bargaining units in the
county, it is likely that the County will look to single employees to start paying for the
employees’ portion of the healthcare premium, up to 20%; which has traditionally been paid by
the County. Additionally, the County is likely to target savings from the employees’ retirement
COLA cost share at an additional 4.395%; effectively doubling what safety employees currently
contribute.

Lastly, 2012 will provide us another opportunity to give back to those in need within our
communities and to educate the public about our role as probation officers. Last year, we were
able to give back to the future of our community, donating backpacks and school supplies to over
140 kindergarten and first grade children from Nightingale Elementary School in Stockton.
Pictures of the event can be found here: http://www.sjcpoa.org/backtoschool11.html. We plan to
do the same thing in 2012, by selecting a school within the county to receive our donation of
much needed school materials. We are continually looking for opportunities to partner with those
in the community. If you have ideas or suggestions, please contact the SJCPOA Board.

Be safe and stand committed.
Paul Brennan
SJCPOA President