2013 - Sherburne County Minnesota

SHERBURNE COUNTY
PROBATION DEPARTMENT
2013
Annual Report
Table of Contents
Introduction .................................................................................................................. 1
Mission Statement ....................................................................................................... 2
Statutory Authority ....................................................................................................... 3
County Profile .............................................................................................................. 4
Sherburne County Commissioner Districts................................................................... 5
Organizational Chart .................................................................................................... 6
Organizational Structure .............................................................................................. 7
Director ........................................................................................................................ 7
Support Unit................................................................................................................. 7
Court Unit .................................................................................................................... 7
Adult Unit ..................................................................................................................... 8
Juvenile Unit .............................................................................................................. 10
Department Programs / Services ............................................................................... 13
Intern / Volunteer Opportunities ................................................................................. 18
Financial .................................................................................................................... 19
Budget ....................................................................................................................... 21
Probation Out–of–Home Placement (OHP) Costs...................................................... 22
Evidence Based Principles and Outcome Measures .................................................. 23
Professional Enhancement ........................................................................................ 26
SHERBURNE COUNTY PROBATION DEPARTMENT
Serving the Tenth Judicial District and Sherburne County
13880 Business Center Drive N.W.
Elk River, MN 55330-1692
763-765-4550 or 1-800-438-0574
Fax: 763-765-4555
www.co.sherburne.mn.us/probation
May 9, 2014
I am pleased to present to you our 2013 Sherburne County Probation Department Annual
Report. I want to specifically acknowledge the late Honorable Robert Varco for his unwavering
support of the Probation Department and his desire that we always “strive for excellence”.
We continue to adhere to our mission; by focusing our energy and resources on offenders with
the highest assessed risk/need, we enhance public safety and facilitate offender change
through evidence based and restorative practices.
Our 2013 initiatives included implementing both Driving With Care (DWC) Level I and II,
incorporating the domestic violence Lethality Assessments with our pre-trial bail evaluations,
instituting an in-house drug and alcohol testing program which includes both Probation and
HHS, and implemented an on-line fee payment and program registration option for adult and
juvenile offenders. The department also implemented a juvenile reentry program, and a juvenile
diversion payable program.
I want to congratulate and welcome Honorable Walter Kaminsky, Steve Taylor, Administrator;
Mary Jo Cobb Director of Health and Human Services and thank all of our Sherburne County
criminal justice partners who remain committed to communication, coordination and
collaboration: Honorable Sheridan Hawley, Honorable Thomas Hayes, Honorable Mary Yunker,
Sherburne County Board of Commissioners, Joel Brott, Sheriff; Kathleen Heaney, County
Attorney; Pat Kuka, Court Administrator; Sherburne County Criminal Justice Committee,
Sherburne County Safe Schools, department supervisors and all the Sherburne County
Probation Department staff, volunteers and interns.
Sincerely,
J. Hancuch, Director
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SHERBURNE COUNTY
PROBATION DEPARTMENT
MISSION STATEMENT
To Enhance Public Safety and Facilitate Offender Change
Through Evidence Based and Restorative Practices
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Statutory Authority
244.19 Probation officers.
Subdivision 1. Appointment; All counties shall provide adult misdemeanant and juvenile probation
services to district courts in one of the following ways:
(1) the court, with the approval of the county boards, may appoint one or more salaried county probation
officers to serve during the pleasure of the court;
Subdivision 2. Sufficiency of services. Probation services shall be sufficient in amount to meet the
needs of the district court in each county. County probation officers serving district courts in all counties of not
more than 200,000 population shall also, pursuant to subdivision 3, provide probation and parole services to
wards of the commissioner of corrections resident in their counties.
All probation officers appointed for any district court or community corrections agency shall be selected
from a list of eligible candidates who have minimally qualified according to the same or equivalent examining
procedures as used by the commissioner of employee relations to certify eligibles to the commissioner of
corrections in appointing parole agents, and the department of employee relations shall furnish the names of
such candidates on request.
Subdivision 3. Powers and duties. All county probation officers serving a district court shall act under
the orders of the court in reference to any person committed to their care by the court, and in the performance of
their duties shall have the general powers of a peace officer; and it shall be their duty to make such
investigations with regard to any person as may be required by the court before, during, or after the trial or
hearing, and to furnish to the court such information and assistance as may be required; to take charge of any
person before, during or after trial or hearing when so directed by the court, and to keep such records and to
make such reports to the court as the court may order.
All county probation officers serving a district court shall, in addition, provide probation and parole
services to wards of the commissioner of corrections resident in the counties they serve, and shall act under the
orders of said commissioner of corrections in reference to any ward committed to their care by the
commissioner of corrections.
All probation officers serving a district court shall, under the direction of the authority having power to
appoint them, initiate programs for the welfare of persons coming within the jurisdiction of the court to prevent
delinquency and crime and to rehabilitate within the community persons who come within the jurisdiction of the
court and are properly subject to efforts to accomplish prevention and rehabilitation.
They shall, under the direction of the court, cooperate with all law enforcement agencies, schools, child
welfare agencies of a public or private character, and other groups concerned with the prevention of crime and
delinquency and the rehabilitation of persons convicted of crime and delinquency.
All probation officers serving a district court shall make monthly and annual reports to the commissioner
of corrections, on forms furnished by the commissioner, containing such information on number of cases cited to
the juvenile division of district court, offenses, adjudications, dispositions, and related matters as may be
required by the commissioner of corrections.
Subdivision 5.
Compensation. The county commissioners of any county of not more than 200,000
population shall, when requested to do so by the juvenile judge, provide probation officers with suitable offices,
and may provide equipment, and secretarial help needed to render the required services.
Subdivision 6. Reimbursement of counties. In order to reimburse the counties for the cost which they
assume under this section of providing probation and parole services to wards of the commissioner of
corrections and to aid the counties in achieving the purposes of this section, the commissioner of corrections
shall annually, from funds appropriated for that purpose, pay 50 % of the costs of probation officers' salaries to
all counties of not more than 200,000 population. Salary costs include fringe benefits, but only to the extent that
fringe benefits do not exceed those provided for state civil service employees. Costs shall not be reimbursed
unless county probation officers are paid salaries commensurate with the salaries paid to comparable positions
in the classified service of the state civil service.
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2013 Sherburne County Profile
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432.92 square miles
Estimated population 90,158.
204.4 persons per square mile
3rd fastest growing county in the State
Persons under 5 years, 7.1%
Persons under 18 years, 28.1%
Persons 65 years and over, 9.2%
High school graduate or higher 92%
Bachelor’s degree or higher 24.4%
Veterans 6,170
Approximately 29,968 households
Average 2.89 persons per household
$72,041 median household income - ranked 5th in the State
8.0% of the persons are below the poverty line
4.7% unemployment rate
Offenders Supervised by Area
300
258
250
200
194
187
150
Juvenile
Adult
113
111
100
88
50
49
42
43
34
30
15
13
0
Becker
Big Lake
4 Lake
Clear
Elk River
Princeton
St. Cloud
Zimmerman
The above graph illustrates offenders under supervision on 12/31/2013. Offenders supervised by the
Probation Department living outside Sherburne County are not represented.
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SHERBURNE COUNTY PROBATION DEPARTMENT
ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
County Board of Commissioners
10th Judicial District Court
John Riebel District 3 - Chair
Felix Schmiesing, District 4 – Vice Chair
Bruce Anderson District 1
Rachel Leonard, District 5
Ewald Petersen, District 2
Honorable Sheridan Hawley
Honorable Thomas D. Hayes
Honorable Walter Kaminsky
Honorable Mary Yunker
J. Hancuch, Director
Jennifer Zuchowski,
Bobbie Shafer,
Corey Mabis,
Office Manager
Support Unit
Supervisor
Court and Juvenile Unit
Supervisor
Adult Unit
Rachel Gates
Office Assistant I
Chris Lawver
Office Assistant I
Denita Palmer
Office Assistant I
Drug/Alcohol Testing
Technician
Tedi Peterson
Office Assistant I
Jennifer Baker
Probation Officer
Elk River Area
Tarah Bechthold
Probation Officer
Investigations
Bob LaCroix
Drug/Alcohol Testing
Technician
Teresa Becker
Career Officer
Becker/
Princeton/Zimmerman
Areas
Kathleen Poslusny
Probation Officer
Investigations
Christopher Maas
Probation Officer
Administrative/Low
Joe Seminari
Probation Officer
Investigations
Vicki Netjes
Probation Officer
Pretrial
Dan Bradley
Probation Officer
Big Lake/
St. Cloud Areas
Brent Schmidt
Probation Officer
Medium Supervision
Mary Massmann
Career Officer
Diversion/JPO
Cheryl Turck
Probation Officer
Administrative/Low
Katie Zarns
Career Officer
Conditional Release/
High/ISP
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Organizational Structure
The Probation Department is structured into four units reporting to three supervisors: support unit,
court unit, adult unit and juvenile unit. Each unit has a supervisor that works closely with staff and
reports to the director.
Director – J. Hancuch
The director of the Probation Department is an exempt executive management position appointed by
the Tenth Judicial District Court and works under the general direction of the 10th Judicial District
Sherburne County Court Judges, Sherburne County and Sherburne County Board of Commissioners.
The primary purpose of this position is to plan, administer, organize, manage and direct all activities of
the Sherburne County Probation Department. Duties include, but are not limited to, administering,
planning, budgeting, organizing, managing personnel, developing programs, delegating work,
developing and implementing goals, coordinating plans, seeking funding, providing public relations,
conducting research based projects and performing additional duties as necessary.
Support Unit – Jennifer Zuchowski, Office Manager
The support unit provides assistance to the adult, court and juvenile units within the probation
department, as well as to the director. They are the first point of contact for the public and record
statistical data through the use of the Court Services Tracking System (CSTS). In addition, the
support unit performs accounting and administrative functions for the department.
Jennifer has direct reports of Rachel Gates, Chris Lawver, Denita Palmer, and Tedi Peterson. Denita,
Rachel, and Tedi all joined our department in 2013. The primary duties of the support unit include
providing receptionist duties, assisting with educational classes provided by the department, collecting
offender fees, processing departmental invoices, ordering and maintaining records, assisting in the
preparation of financial reports, providing inventory management, providing support services for all
department staff, and maintaining CSTS; our management information system.
Court Unit – Bobbie Shafer, Supervisor
The objective of the court unit is to provide the Court with assessments/reports that are thorough,
concise and accurate and with sentencing recommendations that are consistent with evidence based
practices. The unit is also responsible for completing restitution studies, and meeting with offenders
post-sentence to complete the probation intake process. During the probation intake process,
probation expectations are reviewed, the offender’s supervision level is assigned, and resources are
provided to the offender based on their court ordered conditions.
Resources provided to offenders by the court unit may include, but are not limited to: community work
service/adult work crew, mental health services, alcohol/drug education, chemical dependency
treatment, sex offender treatment, parenting classes, individual counseling, anger management
programming, domestic abuse programming, driver improvement classes, impact/awareness panels,
and/or cognitive restructuring programming.
Assessments/Reports
Joe Seminari, Tarah Bechthold, and Kathleen Poslusny are responsible for completing court ordered
assessments/reports on misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor and felony-reduced offenses. A Chemical
Use Assessment (CUA) is completed on all alcohol/drug related offenses; a Domestic Abuse
Assessment (DAA) on all domestic related offenses, and a Pre-Sentence Investigation (PSI) on all
other offenses. To complete the report, in addition to a legal history record check, the probation
officer conducts interviews with the defendant, victim(s) (when applicable), and collateral persons to
obtain necessary background information.
The Level of Service/Case Management Inventory (LS/CMI), a validated risk/needs assessment, is
completed with defendants pleading guilty to a gross misdemeanor level offense and/or any level of
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an assault/domestic assault. The risk/needs assessment may be completed with defendants pleading
guilty to other offenses at officer discretion. The LS/CMI assists officers in determining the offender’s
risk to re-offend and in assigning an appropriate supervision level. The LS/CMI also helps officers
match offenders with appropriate services/resources based on their criminogenic needs, and assists
the adult unit officers in their supervision and case planning.
On all domestic related offenses, the Domestic Violence Inventory-Short Form (DVI-SF), a risk/needs
assessment specifically designed for domestic violence, is completed. The DVI-SF evaluates
violence potential, assesses control issues, quantifies substance abuse and measures stress coping
abilities.
Based on the information gathered, the probation officer makes recommendations for sanctions,
evaluations, and/or programming to assist the Court in issuing an appropriate, evidence based
disposition.
The following chart reflects the number of assessments/reports completed by type 2009-2013.
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Chemical Use
Assessments (CUA)
436
338
342
407
304
Domestic Abuse
Assessments (DAA)
103
111
111
108
104
Pre-sentence
Investigations (PSI)
187
65
36
45
51
Total:
726
514
489
560
459
Adult Unit – Corey Mabis, Supervisor
The adult unit supervises pretrial misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor and felony defendants with court
ordered release conditions and adult offenders convicted of misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor
offenses. The goal of the adult unit is to adhere to the department’s mission by enhancing public
safety while providing support and services to offenders in an effort to facilitate positive change.
Additionally, the adult unit completes bail evaluations on defendants pursuant to M.S. 629.74 in
addition to all felony level offenses, monitors compliance with court ordered conditions, completes
post-sentence restitution studies, drug and alcohol testing, makes appropriate referrals to community
based programs, and provides court coverage as necessary. Probation officers utilize collateral
contacts/information and other resources available in the community to assist in the supervision of
offenders.
Offender supervision levels are determined by the LS/CMI and are assigned to one of the following
supervision levels: High, Medium, or Low. A reassessment is completed within the first six months
and annually thereafter.
Brent Schmidt is a LS/CMI Trainer. This allows Brent to provide ongoing trainings and boosters to
officers in our department as well as be a resource to others around the State. Brent has been and
continues to provide quality assurance for all LS/CMI’s completed in the department.
The adult unit utilizes Carey Guides in the supervision of offenders. The Carey Guides include 33
handbooks to help probation officers use evidenced based tools with their medium and high risk
offenders to facilitate behavior change and ultimately reduce recidivism. To make positive changes
offenders must understand the personal and environmental factors that led them to their offending
behavior.
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Level of Service/Case Management Inventory – LS/CMI
Adult Contact Standards for Supervision
LS/CMI Score
Supervision Level
Required Contact
30+
High
Minimum of bi-monthly face-to-face contact
20-29
Medium
Minimum of one face-to-face contact per month
0-19
Low
Minimal contact as necessary
Pre-Screen Score
0-2
Low
Minimal contact as necessary
High Supervision (LS/CMI Score of 30+)
The high supervision caseload is supervised by Katie Zarns. Offenders are required to have bimonthly contact with their probation officer. These contacts may occur at the probation department,
the offender’s home, employment or in the community and may take place during non-traditional
hours including nights, weekends and holidays. These offenders are supervised in an effort to
enhance public safety, while attempting to facilitate offender change. Case plans are completed with
offenders on this caseload.
Medium Supervision (LS/CMI score of 20-29)
The medium supervision caseload is supervised by Brent Schmidt. Offenders are required to have
monthly face-to-face contact with their probation officer. These contacts may occur at the probation
department, the offender’s home, employment or in the community and may take place during nontraditional hours including nights, weekends and holidays. These offenders are supervised in an effort
to enhance public safety, while attempting to facilitate offender change. Case plans are completed
with offenders on this caseload.
Transfer Out (LS/CMI score of 20+)
The transfer out caseload is monitored by Corey Mabis, Adult Supervisor. This caseload consists of
offenders who reside outside of Sherburne County and/or the State of Minnesota. The supervisor
coordinates violations and discharge reports while working closely with the receiving counties and
states.
Minimum/Low Supervision (LS/CMI score of 0-19)
The Probation Reporting Center (PRC) caseload is monitored by Chris Maas and Cheryl Turck. Once
offenders have completed all conditions of their probation, they may be eligible for discharge or
transfer to the administrative caseload. The administrative caseload consists of low level offenders
who have completed all special conditions of probation. Annual criminal history checks are performed
on all offenders on administrative probation until discharge or expiration of their probation.
Pretrial Services
Vicki Netjes provides court ordered pretrial supervision of defendants charged with misdemeanor,
gross misdemeanor and felony level offenses. Supervision may include random drug and alcohol
testing, and various monitoring services.
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Bail evaluations are completed on defendants per Minnesota Statute 629.74 as well as all defendants
charged with felony offenses. The probation officer reviews the jail roster daily to determine which
defendants in custody will require a bail evaluation. The probation officer conducts an interview with
the defendant, researches their legal history and contacts the victim(s) when applicable, so the Court
and counsel receive concise, up-to-date information to determine release conditions.
In collaboration with the Sherburne County Attorney’s office, Elk River City prosecutor, Rivers of
Hope/Anna Marie’s, and local law enforcement, the domestic violence lethality assessment was
instituted. The Probation Department attaches the domestic violence lethality assessment(s)
completed by law enforcement as a supplement to the bail evaluation.
The following chart reflects the number of bail evaluations completed.
Bail Evaluations
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
313
325
376
319
347
Adult Offenders
2500
2321
1599
2137
2000
2085
1978
1935
2044
1916
1765
1640
1500
Offenders
Cases
1000
500
0
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
On 12/31/13, there were 1,916 adult offenders totaling 2,044 cases on some form of supervision in
the department; a decrease of 62 offenders and 93 cases from 2012.
Juvenile Unit – Bobbie Shafer, Supervisor
The juvenile unit provides supervision of juveniles pending disposition with court ordered, pretrial
release conditions, juveniles referred for diversion or juveniles placed on probation or parole for
offenses ranging from petty-misdemeanor to Extended Juvenile Jurisdiction (EJJ). With the exception
of pretrial supervision, and those under supervision for diversion or petty-level offenses, the Youth
Level of Service/Case Management Inventory 2.0 (YLS/CMI 2.0), a validated risk/needs assessment
tool, is completed on every juvenile to determine their risk to re-offend and level of supervision. The
YLS/CMI 2.0 also assists probation officers in matching juveniles with appropriate services/resources
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based on their criminogenic needs. In addition to the YLS/CMI 2.0, most juveniles are administered
the Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument (MAYSI-2), a validated mental health screening tool.
The mental health screening is completed pursuant to Minnesota Statute and is a brief questionnaire
to detect potential mental health problems. Research shows that early identification and intervention
improves the quality of life for children and their families with reduced cost of services.
Jennifer Baker is the department’s certified YLS/CMI 2.0 Trainer. This allows Jennifer to provide
ongoing trainings and boosters to officers within the department as well as be a resource to others
around the State. Additionally, Jennifer continues to provide quality assurance for all YLS/CMI’s
completed in the department.
Mary Massmann supervises petty-level and traffic offenders and handles all diversions. The
remaining three probation officers supervise delinquent offenders based on the school they attend:
Jennifer Baker, Elk River area; Teresa Becker, Becker/Zimmerman/Princeton area; and Dan Bradley,
Big Lake/St. Cloud area. Services include completing reports for the Court, providing court coverage
as needed, completing restitution studies, random drug and alcohol testing, monitoring compliance
with court ordered conditions, and referral and facilitation of research-based programs. The typical
length of supervision for most juvenile offenders is six months.
The juvenile unit utilizes a variety of community-based resources to address the juvenile’s risk and
needs while under supervision. These resources include, but are not limited to, community work
service/juvenile work crew, anger management, cognitive restructuring, independent living, theft
prevention, drug/alcohol education, defensive driving, impact panels, social skills, and various
chemical dependency and mental health services. When community-based services are not
appropriate, or do not meet the juvenile’s needs, an out-of-home placement may be considered. Outof-home placement options vary in length, and range from non-secure foster care to a secure juvenile
correctional facility.
The juvenile unit utilizes Carey Guides in the supervision of medium and high risk juvenile offenders.
The Carey Guides include 33 handbooks, which assist officers in teaching juveniles the skills they
need to facilitate behavior change and reduce recidivism.
Youth Level of Service/Case Management Inventory (YLS/CMI 2.0)
Juvenile Contact Standards for Supervision
YLS/CMI Score
Supervision
Level
Required Contact
35-42
Maximum
Minimum of weekly face-to-face
contact
23-34
High
Minimum of semi-monthly faceto-face contact
13-22
Medium
Minimum of one face-to-face
contact per month
0-12
Low
Minimal contact as necessary
Pre-Screen Score 0-2
Low
Minimal contact as necessary
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Safe Schools
Safe Schools is a collaborative effort between the school district, various Sherburne County
Departments and city/community agencies. Through Safe Schools we have been able to improve
communication, expand our resources and partnerships, and establish a greater support network for
the schools and the community.
In August 2013, Sherburne County Probation hosted the sixth annual county-wide Safe Schools
gathering, which included updates regarding the Sherburne County Substance Abuse Coalition, Elk
River area Mental Health Summit, and collateral consequences initiative. Additionally, Sherburne
County Health and Human Services presented on educational neglect, and Cindy Lovelette,
EmpoweringU, presented on stress, anxiety and depression.
Juvenile Offenders
450
400
407
402
350
300
383
315
308
281
271
250
253
235
221
200
Offenders
Cases
150
100
50
0
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
The above numbers reflect the juveniles who were referred for diversion and/or were under probation
supervision on December 31, 2013.
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Department Programs/Services
AA Orientation Program – Adult
The AA Orientation Program is a one hour, eight week program offered four times per year. Sessions
are facilitated by local AA volunteers. The cost of the program is $25.00 per participant and an AA Big
Book is offered to those who complete the program.
The goals of the program are:
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To provide positive exposure to the concepts of AA.
To provide a means of transition to AA for the offender.
In 2013, 30 adults successfully completed the program.
Alive at 25 Defensive Driving Class
The three-hour Alive at 25 Program is facilitated by Jennifer Baker, Probation Officer and certified
trainer. The cost of the program is $75.00 per participant and it is held six times per year. The focus
is to teach attendees to take responsibility for their behavior in driving situations and to adopt safer
driving practices. Although many young drivers will attend this program because they incurred a
traffic violation, the course is beneficial for all young drivers. The program is designed to be an early
intervention program to prevent future traffic violations, collisions and/or fatalities. The National
Safety Council developed all materials for this program.
The goals of the program are:
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To help young drivers RECOGNIZE that licensed drivers between the ages of 16-24 are more
likely than anyone else to be hurt or killed in a motor vehicle crash.
To GIVE young drivers an opportunity to discuss why they are at such high risk in a motor
vehicle.
To DESCRIBE the consequences of making poor judgments or taking unnecessary risks in a
motor vehicle.
To help young drivers IDENTIFY actions they can take to keep control when they are a driver
or a passenger in a motor vehicle.
In 2013, 47 juveniles and young adults successfully completed the program.
Cognitive Restructuring Program
Evidence based research shows that the most effective intervention in reducing re-offense for
offenders is a cognitive/behavioral intervention, as opposed to punishment techniques,
psychodynamic therapy, or surveillance.
The Sherburne County Probation Department contracts with Doug Bosacker and Nate Parker to
facilitate both an adult and juvenile cognitive restructuring program. The two-hour, 10-week program,
is offered throughout the year. The cost of the adult program is $150.00 and the juvenile program is
$75.00 per participant.
The goals of the program are:
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To assist offenders in building and restructuring cognitive skills.
To empower offenders to alter their approach to life by adjusting their thinking, values,
relationships and goals.
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Community Policing Program
The Community Policing Program is a collaborative effort that includes all Sherburne County law
enforcement agencies and the local Minnesota Department of Corrections agents. Through secure
access on our department’s website (www.co.sherburne.mn.us/probation) each local Sherburne
County law enforcement agency can access and view all offenders residing in their city that have
been placed on high supervision, are in the Intensive Supervision Program (ISP), or are on pretrial
conditional release supervision. This site also lists all offenders with active probation violation
warrants by the city of their last residence and includes detailed offender information.
The information on the website is updated by Brent Schmidt and Katie Zarns, Probation Officers, and
includes: the offender’s name, date of birth, current address, and photo, conditions of supervision and
contact information for the offender’s supervising probation/parole officer.
The purpose of the program is to familiarize law enforcement with the high risk offenders residing in
their community, and any restrictions they may have (such as no use/possession of alcohol, current
no contact orders, etc.) as well as make them aware of any active warrants. We encourage law
enforcement to contact us at the numbers provided anytime they have questions regarding an
offender, so that we may collaborate to enhance public safety.
Through our department’s efforts and utilization of the Community Policing Program 29 warrant cases
were resolved between January 1st, 2013 and December 31st, 2013.
Day Reporting
Day Reporting may be utilized by probation officers in order to enhance supervision and increase
offender accountability. Day Reporting requires the offender to report to the Probation Department as
directed by the probation officer. Reasons that an offender may be required to day report include:
submitting to a urinalysis/breath test; updating status of employment, school or residence; and/or
providing verification of program completion.
Diversion Payable Program – Juvenile
The Diversion Payable Program was implemented in May 2013, and provides tobacco and curfew
violators an alternative to the court and promotes evidence based and restorative justice practices. All
juveniles in the program are referred by the County Attorney’s Office. The juvenile is assessed a fee
based on their history of tobacco and/or curfew offenses, and are given 30 days to pay. All fees
collected through the Diversion Payable Program are credited to the probation department’s juvenile
restitution account and distributed through the Restitution Reimbursement Program.
Between May and December 2013, there were 85 juveniles referred to the program. Of those 85, 62
(73%) paid and were diverted from court successfully; and 23 were referred to court due to nonpayment or per the juvenile’s/family’s request. In 2013, $2675 was collected and credited to the
Restitution Reimbursement Program account as a result of this program.
Diversion Program - Juvenile
Juvenile diversion is facilitated and supervised by Mary Massmann, Career Officer. The Juvenile
Diversion Program is offered to juveniles facing charges for first time, low-level offenses. All juveniles
in the program are referred by the County Attorney’s Office. Successful completion of the diversion
program allows the juvenile to avoid prosecution, the formal court process, and a legal record.
Diverting low risk juveniles from the formal court process can improve outcomes and reduce costs
while holding youth accountable. The requirements of a diversion may include: an education program,
restitution, community work service, apology letter, evaluation(s) and/or counseling.
In 2013, 114 juveniles were referred to the program. Of those 114, 86 (75%) successfully completed
the program requirements and were diverted from court; 26 were referred to court due to noncompliance or per the juvenile’s/family’s request; and two are still pending.
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Of the 86 who were successfully diverted from court in 2013, 76 (88%) have not had any further nontraffic related offenses, and of the 112 diverted from court in 2012, 100 (89%) have not had any
further non-traffic related offenses.
Driving With Care - Adult
The Driving With Care program is an educational program for DWI offenders. Driving With Care
Level I focuses on the first time offender and is six weeks, totaling 12 hours. Driving With Care
Level II is for repeat DWI offenders and is a 12 week, 24 hour program. Both programs take a
cognitive behavioral approach by assisting offenders with identifying patterns of misuse and abuse,
defining relapse and recidivism, identifying high risk situations, determining emotional triggers and
enhancing their communication skills.
In 2013, 38 offenders completed the Level I program and 34 completed the Level II program.
Drug Education Program - Juvenile
The two-hour Drug Education Program is facilitated by educator, Troy Shafer.
program is $50.00 per participant and is offered throughout the year.
The cost of the
The program objectives are:
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To provide youth with information about tobacco, alcohol, marijuana and other mood-altering
chemicals.
To inform youth of the myths, misconceptions and facts about mood-altering chemicals.
To educate youth on the health risks and consequences of using mood-altering chemicals.
To teach youth ways to handle the temptation and peer pressure associated with moodaltering chemicals.
In 2013, 72 juveniles successfully completed the program.
Drug/Alcohol Testing
In 2013 1,218 adult and juvenile offenders were court ordered to submit to random drug/alcohol
testing as a condition of supervision. Alcohol and drug testing may be conducted by probation officers
in the community, at the probation department, or through the department’s drug testing hotline.
Historically the department contracted with outside vendors to provide the hotline testing service. On
January 1, 2013, the department implemented an in-house drug/alcohol testing program, which is
staffed by drug/alcohol testing technicians, Bob LaCroix and Denita Palmer. The new initiative
includes the department testing HHS clients and demonstrates re-engineering work processes and
services that have not only improved efficiency but reduced county expenses and increased revenue.
Intensive Supervision Program (ISP) - Adult
The court ordered program complies with MN Statute 169A.74 and provides supervision of gross
misdemeanor, DWI offenders who have been convicted of three or more DWI offenses within ten
years.
Probation Officer Katie Zarns provides supervision of all ISP offenders. ISP is a four phase program
with a continuum of supervision based on the offender’s compliance. In addition to all court ordered
special conditions, offenders must comply with a curfew, complete the 12 week Driving With CareLevel II program, and if court ordered are required to complete 30 days of remote electronic alcohol
monitoring per year.
In 2013, 26 offenders were under court order to participate in the Intensive Supervision Program.
15
Juvenile Re-Entry Program
The Juvenile Re-Entry Program was implemented in January 2013, and is an evidence based
practice, providing a continuity of care with additional community supports and supervision as the
juvenile transitions from out-of-home placement back to their community. The program consists of
four phases and is recommended by the probation officer and court ordered for juveniles who will be
in out-of-home placement for longer than 90 days.
In 2013, there were three juveniles court ordered to the program, two of which have had no further law
violations or placement re-entry.
Electronic Monitoring Services
Probation Officer Vicki Netjes supervises and monitors court ordered adult and juvenile offenders
through the use of Home Electronic Monitoring (HEM), Remote Electronic Alcohol Monitoring (REAM)
and Global Positioning Satellite (GPS). The department maintains a 24/7/365 on-call procedure
whereby a Sherburne County probation officer is notified immediately of any alleged violation(s).
Violations that may result in the issuance of an apprehension and detention order must be discussed
with a department supervisor and approved by the director.
The Probation Department is a recipient of the Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) Remote
Electronic Alcohol Monitoring (REAM) Grant. If the court determines an offender qualifies for a Public
Defender they are eligible for a subsidy from REAM Grant funds. If it is determined the offender is
indigent and does not have the ability to pay for remote electronic alcohol monitoring, the department
provides a REAM subsidy up to 100% of the monitoring cost. Offenders who are not REAM Grant
eligible pay the entire cost of the monitor. Remote electronic alcohol monitoring enables offenders to
be released from custody, while ensuring diligent monitoring of their sobriety.
In 2013, the department provided electronic monitoring services to 119 adults and juveniles.
In 2013, the average blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of offenders sentenced in Sherburne County
was .15 compared to the National average of .17. BAC levels ranged from .08 to .34.
On-line Department Fugitive List
The department places a priority on attempting to locate offenders with outstanding warrants and has
a fugitive link at http://www.co.sherburne.mn.us/probation/openWarrants/index.php?alpha=a which is
updated through the department’s Court Services Tracking System (CSTS).
The site lists all offenders with an active probation violation warrant, their present offense, photo and a
full physical description. The site has proven to be very effective in apprehending fugitives.
Pretrial Conditional Release Supervision Program – Adult
The Pretrial Conditional Release Program provides intensive supervision of high risk pretrial
defendants residing in Sherburne County. This program aligns with our mission in that it enhances
public safety, and it is unique in that most counties in the State do not provide formal pretrial
supervision programs.
Defendants placed on conditional release supervision are required to sign a conditional release
agreement outlining the program expectations. Defendants are also required to maintain weekly
contact with their probation officer. Contacts occur during non-traditional hours, including nights and
weekends, at the defendant’s residence, place of employment and the probation department’s day
reporting center.
In 2013, Pretrial Conditional Release Supervision services were provided to 37 defendants; 28 of
which completed the program in 2013. The remaining defendants were either referred back to court
or are still in the program.
16
Restorative Conferencing Program
In March 2014, the department implemented the Restorative Conferencing Program. A restorative
conference is a face-to-face meeting between the victim(s), the offender(s), individual(s) who support
them and others who have been affected by the criminal offense. This meeting seeks to identify,
repair, and prevent harm, based on restorative justice values including meaningful accountability. The
goal of this program is to attempt to provide a resolution and closure for all parties involved. Tara
Bechthold will be the coordinating this program.
Theft Prevention Program - Juvenile
The 90 minute Theft Prevention Program is facilitated by Probation Officers, Jennifer Baker and
Teresa Becker. The cost of the program is $50.00 per participant and is offered throughout the year.
The goals of the program are:




To provide youth with facts about theft.
To explain the affects theft has on society.
To educate youth on the consequences of theft.
To teach youth ways to handle the temptation to steal.
In 2013, 49 juveniles successfully completed the program.
17
Intern/Volunteer Program
The Probation Department offers a formal intern and volunteer program for qualified applicants. All
applicants must complete a Sherburne County application on the county’s website
(http://agency.governmentjobs.com/sherburne/default.cfm) and an oral interview, pass a legal history
check, complete training/orientation and abide by all Sherburne County and probation department
policies and procedures.
Interns
The Probation Department offers opportunities for college students interested in pursuing a career in
corrections. Our goal is to offer an individualized learning experience to assist students achieve their
academic goals. This opportunity is available to junior/senior students that are pursuing a criminal
justice major or related field, who are enrolled in a college or university that offers course credits for
internships. Students must complete a minimum of 400 hours.
In 2013, the department had three interns who completed a total of 670 hours.
Volunteers
Volunteers are an essential and valuable resource to the Probation Department. The majority of
volunteers are college graduates seeking opportunities to gain additional skills and knowledge in the
field of Corrections.
In 2013, department volunteers completed 649 hours.
18
Financial
The Sherburne County Probation Department continues to work towards reducing the levy amounts
for Sherburne County taxpayers. Per M.S. 244.19 the State of Minnesota is supposed to reimburse
the County 50% of probation officer salaries and fringe benefits. Unfortunately, the County has not
received full 50% reimbursement since 1996; however, the correctional fees offset the lack of
reimbursement.
Per M.S. 244.18, the Sherburne County Probation Department does charge fees to defray the cost of
providing correctional services. Per Subd. 4, the director may waive payment of the fee if the
supervising probation officer determines that the offender does not have the ability to pay the fee, the
prospects for payment are poor, or there are extenuating circumstances justifying waiver of the fee.
The department may allow the offender to perform community work service or work crew in lieu of
paying their fees.
In that correctional fees are not court ordered, failure to pay fees or complete community work service
and/or work crew in lieu of fees does not constitute a violation of the offender’s probation. When
offenders fail to pay their correctional fees, or complete community work service and/or work crew in
lieu of the fees, the unpaid fees are referred to the State of Minnesota for Revenue Recapture. In
2013, the department collected $246,824.50 in correctional fees; $33,941.35 of which was collected
through Revenue Recapture. The department has an outstanding fee balance of $628,184.10.
In 2013, adult offenders completed 666.25 hours of community work service and 163 hours of work
crew, totaling $8,292.50, in lieu of paying assessed probation fees. In 2013, juvenile offenders
completed 1122 hours of community work service and 553.50 hours of work crew, totaling
$16,755.00, in lieu of paying assessed probation fees.
Correctional Fees Collected for Service
$400,000
$350,000
$300,000
$251,972.00
$250,000
$246,824.50
$207,278.00
$196,035.35
$189,467.04
2011
2012
$200,000
$150,000
$100,000
2009
2010
19
2013
Local Correctional Fee Schedule per M.S. 244.18
ADULT SUPERVISION Supervision Fees are assessed annually based on offender’s
level of supervision as determined by their LS/CMI or YLS/CMI Scores
High
Medium
Low
Administrative
Transfer Out (Any Level)
$200
$150
$100
$ 75
$100
JUVENILE SUPERVISION
High
Medium
Low
Administrative (Traffic and Petty Offenses)
Transfer Out (Any Level)
$100
$ 75
$ 50
$ 30
$ 30
ELECTRONIC MONITORING
Non-Refundable Monitor Service Fee
Home Electronic Monitoring (HEM)
Home Electronic Monitoring (HEM) Cell
Alcohol Monitoring & Home Electronic Monitoring (HEM)
Alcohol Monitoring & Home Electronic Monitoring (HEM) Cell
Alcohol Monitoring
Alcohol Monitoring Cell
Curfew Calls
GPS
$30/$50
$15/day
$20/day
$20/day
$25/day
$15/day
$20/day
$ 5/day
$20/day
ALCOHOL/DRUG AND OTHER COLLECTION/TESTING
DNA Swab
PBT
Urine Test (5/10/12 Panel)
Confirmation – Initial Screen
Confirmation – Subsequent Screen
ETG
K2 Dip Stick
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
PROGRAM FEES
AA Orientation
Adult Cognitive Restructuring Program
Alive at 25
Driving With Care Level I
Driving With Care Level II
Drug Education Program
Intensive Supervision Program (Includes Driving With Care Level II)
Juvenile Cognitive Restructuring Program
Juvenile Diversion
Pretrial Conditional Release Supervision
Theft Awareness
$ 25
$150
$ 75
$175
$300
$ 50
$450
$ 75
$ 30
$120
$ 50
ASSESSMENT FEES
Chemical Use Assessment
Domestic Abuse Assessment
Pre-Sentence Investigation
Restitution Study (No Assessment)
$100
$100
$100
$ 25
MISC. FEES
Copies (100 or Fewer Copies)
Interpreters – If we arrange an interpreter for a meeting, assessment, etc. and the
defendant/offender cancels within 24hrs of the meeting and/or no shows, they will be
charged for all costs associated with the interpreter for that visit.
Research/Data Request Copies
20
10
5
15
25
15
30
15
25¢/page
$11.42/hour*based on salary table
Budget
2013 Department Revenue & Expenditures
Revenue
MN Caseload Reduction Grant
MN DOC Reimbursement Grant
MN R.E.A.M. Grant
Chemical Use Assessment Fees
Domestic Abuse Assessment Fees
Miscellaneous Fees / Program Fees
Pre-Sentence Investigation Fees
Restitution Study
Supervision Fees
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
68,290.23
358,577.00
7,013.75
22,092.99
4,680.40
120,439.11
2,236.60
430.00
89,054.74
Expenditures
Cafeteria Plan
FICA
Medicare
Overtime
PERA
Salaries (Permanent / Full-time)
Salaries (Part-time)
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
197,355.79
72,615.00
17,004.21
81,444.09
1,131,537.50
5,669.85
Conference / Meeting Expense
Dues / Membership
Education / Training
Equipment (Less than $5,000)
Juvenile Restitution
Miscellaneous / Other Charges
Other Travel Expense
Professional / Technical Services
Postage
Publication Expense
Reimbursed Meal Expense
Software & Licenses
Supplies
Telephone Expenditures
Travel
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
2,227.01
2,605.00
2,710.41
5,849.20
2,650.91
1,954.87
23.00
73,274.74
3,385.96
374.73
22,574.24
4,882.34
8,962.56
Revenue:
Expenditures:
Net:
$
$
672,814.82
1,637,101.41
-$964,286.59
* If the County had received full 50% reimbursement for probation officer salaries and fringe benefits
as required under M.S. 244.19, subd 6; the department's net would have been -$709,751. It should be
noted that the County has not received full 50% reimbursement since 1996 resulting in $1,463,619 in
lack of reimbursement.
21
Probation Out-of-Home Placement (OHP) Costs
The Probation Department has continued to be very successful in reducing and stabilizing our
department’s OHP expenses. The Probation Department’s 2013 OHP expenses were $2,650 under
budget and $93,134 under budget for detention, for total of $95,784 in budget savings.
The Probation Department’s OHP expenses are included in Health and Human Services overall
budget. The Probation Department provides input regarding projected probation OHP costs to which
Health and Human Services is the fiscal host.
Per M.S. 260.B157 Subd. 3, the Probation Department and Health and Human Services have an
established and formalized juvenile screening team. The purpose of the screening team is to ensure
both departments conduct screenings and case plans for all juvenile probation offenders who may be
placed out of the home for more than 30 days for treatment of an emotional disturbance,
developmental disability, or chemical dependency in a residential treatment facility.
The Probation Department works very closely with Health and Human Services to attempt to reduce
overall OHP costs while continuing to provide protection to the community and provide appropriate
evidence based community-based services/referrals to youth at risk.
The Probation Department continues to utilize PlacementProgress.com, which assists probation
officers and management in tracking a juvenile’s progress in placement. The program allows
probation officers to monitor, in real time, the juvenile’s progress toward their individualized treatment
goals. PlacementProgress.com enhances communication between placement facilities and probation
officers with the goal of shortening the length of stay and improving the overall outcomes for children
in out-of-home placement.
OHP Costs
$600,000
$500,000
$462,021.00
$444,606.00
$479,350.00
$366,909.00
$400,000
$333,453.00
$300,000
$313,052.00
$200,000
$204,487.00
OHP
$265,293.00
Detention
$181,866.00
$197,059.00
$100,000
$0
2009
2010
2011
2012
22
2013
Evidence Based Principles and Outcome Measures
As previously noted, evidence based practices have been shown through research to reduce
recidivism and are a primary tenet of the department’s mission. Examples include: validated
risk/needs assessment tools, dynamic case planning, restorative justice, cognitive behavioral
programming, workload standards, transition aftercare services and outcome measures. Evidence
based practices are services that should be matched with offender risk/needs, be gender specific and
culturally appropriate in order to maximize their effectiveness.
Minnesota’s statewide probation outcomes effort began in 1997, and in February of that year the first
Correctional Outcome Measures Report was completed. The report was not legislatively required;
rather, it was initiated by various correctional agencies in response to the need for uniform outcome
measures. Agencies involved include the Department of Corrections (DOC), the Minnesota
Association of County Probation Officers (MACPO), the Minnesota Corrections Association (MCA),
and the Minnesota Association of Community Corrections Act Counties (MACCAC). This group
identified four measures that were designed to meet the following correctional objectives:
1. Offenders will be law abiding;
2. Victims will be financially restored;
3. Offenders who are court ordered to perform certain obligations will abide by the court order;
4. Agencies will assist offenders with change
Goal
Outcome
Indicator
Phases
1. Ensuring Community Safety
Offenders remain
law abiding
% of offenders who
are not adjudicated
or convicted of a new
M/GM/F offense
% of offenders who are
not adjudicated or
convicted of a new
M/GM/F offense while
under supervision
2. Restoration of Victim
Victims receive
court ordered
restitution
% of offenders that
paid their restitution
by the expiration of
their probation
None
% paid
3. Restoration of Community
The community
receives restorative
offender services
Number of adult and
juvenile CSW and
WC hours completed
per year
None
Dollar value of
services completed
4. Development of Offender
Competencies and Assisting in
Offender Change
Offenders are
gainfully employed
and or enrolled in an
educational program
# of offenders that
are employed and or
in educational
programs
Offenders have
reduced risk and/or
needs
% of assessed
offenders who show
reduction in risk/
needs assessment
as measured by
LS/CMI or YLS/CMI
23
% of assessed
offenders who show
reduction in risk level
and/or needs at last
LS/CMI or YLS/CMI
assessment
Ensuring Community Safety
Of the juvenile offenders on probation in 2013, 99% were not adjudicated of a new misdemeanor,
gross misdemeanor or felony offense while under supervision.
Of the adult offenders on probation in 2013, 99% were not convicted of a new misdemeanor, gross
misdemeanor or felony offense while under supervision.
Restoration of Victim
The American Probation and Parole Association (APPA) states “Probation and parole professionals
have important obligations for implementing victims’ rights and providing services to crime victims.
Further, there are important benefits to both crime victims and community corrections when these
obligations are met. When victims are considered “clients” of community corrections agencies, they
are more likely to be kept informed and involved and to receive information about and access to
community- and system-based services that can help them in the aftermath of a crime. In return,
crime victims often are able to share useful information that can be critical to the effective
management and community supervision of their perpetrators.”
Between 2012 and 2013, the total amount of restitution ordered for supervised, adult offenders was
$194,720.00. The total amount of restitution payments received between 2012 and 2013 was
$119,304.00 (61.3%), leaving an outstanding balance of $75,416.00. All unpaid adult restitution is
referred to collections through court administration.
Between 2012 and 2013, the total amount of restitution ordered for supervised, juvenile offenders was
$61,750.00. The total amount of restitution payments received between 2012 and 2013 was
$41,321.00 (66.9%), leaving an outstanding balance of $14,931. All unpaid juvenile restitution is
referred to revenue recapture through the probation department.
The department maintains a Juvenile Restitution Reimbursement Program which allows juvenile
offenders the option to complete community service work/juvenile work crew as a means to restore
the victim. Through the collection of correctional fees, the department budgets $3,000 annually to be
utilized for juvenile offenders who are court ordered to pay restitution. In addition to the funds
allocated by the department, all monies collected through the Diversion Payable Program are credited
to this account. Juveniles may complete community service work/juvenile work crew as recommended
and coordinated by their assigned probation officer and approved by the juvenile unit supervisor. The
juvenile earns $10.00 per hour, and the amount earned is credited toward their restitution obligation.
Restoration of Community
Sherburne County has a work crew program facilitated by the Sheriff’s Department. The Probation
Department also utilizes community sites/resources for offender community work service.
In 2013, 3,803 adult work crew hours were completed through the Sheriff’s Department; and an
additional 4,872 adult community work service hours were completed for a dollar value of $86,750.00.
In 2013, 2,071 juvenile work crew hours were completed through the Sheriff’s Department; and an
additional 2,648 juvenile community work service hours were completed for a dollar value of
$47,190.00.
In 2014, the scheduling and monitoring of community work service and work crew will be managed by
the Sheriff’s Department.
24
Development of Offender Competencies and Assisting in Offender Change
The department supervises offenders by their risk and needs and research indicates offenders who
are gainfully employed or are enrolled in an educational program have reduced risk and/or needs.
Of the adult offenders under supervision on December 31, 2013, who reported their education and
employment status, 88% had a high school diploma/GED or higher and 77% were employed.
Of the juvenile offenders under supervision on December 31, 2013, who reported their education and
employment status, 95% were enrolled in some form of education and 39% were employed.
25
Professional Enhancement
Safety Committee
Staff safety continues to be the focus of the Probation Department. In 2013, the committee organized
defensive tactics training with the Elk River Police Department and oleoresin capsicum (OC) training
with the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Department. In collaboration with the Sherburne County Health
and Human Services Department, the Probation Department participated in safety scenario training,
focusing on office and field safety.
The Sherburne County Probation Department enhanced office safety by relocating the existing
Emergency Response Buttons (ERB) to each of the interview rooms. ERB’s send immediate
notification to the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Department that assistance is needed, increasing
response time in case of an emergency.
The Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office provided three MOTOROLA XTS 2500 radios to increase
probation officer safety when conducting offender visits in the community.
The department encourages staff to be involved and participate in professional enhancement
activities. Professional enhancement provides staff the opportunity for ongoing professional and
personal growth, and is a benefit to the entire department. The department is represented on the
following:
Anoka County Non-secure Program Advisory
Committee
BRIDGES Education Committee
Children’s Justice Initiative
Children’s Mental Health Collaborative
Collateral Consequences Committee
Committee on Corrections
Community Services Advisory Committee
County Attorney/LE Committee
CPO Directors Committee
Crisis Response Team
CSTS Enhancement Committee
CSTS Probation Violation Committee
CSTS Standards Committee
CSTS Users Group
East Central Regional Juvenile Center Advisory
Board
East Central Regional Juvenile Center Operations
Subcommittee
Elk River School District Crisis Response Team
Evidence Based Practices Forum
Evidence Based Practices Policy Team
Juvenile Justice Coalition Workgroup
Juvenile Policy Advisory Group
MACPO Communication Committee
MACPO Training and Education Committee
Metro Supervisors Group
Minnesota Association of Pre-Trial Services
Agencies
Minnesota DWI Task Force
Minnesota Restorative Justice Services Coalition
Minnesota School of Business Advisory Committee
Multi-County Juvenile Probation Group
Regional Clerical Discussion Group
Safe Roads Coalition
Safe Schools – Becker, Big Lake, Elk River, and
Zimmerman
Sherburne County Adult Mental Health Local Advisory
Council
Sherburne County Health and Wellness
Sherburne County Jail Treatment Committee
Sherburne County Out-of-Home Placement Screening
Team
Sherburne County Probation Department Safety
Committee
Sherburne County Safe Child Council
Sherburne County Safety Committee
Sherburne County Substance Use Prevention Committee
Sherburne County Technology Steering Committee
Sherburne County United Way
Sherburne County Vending Committee
Sherburne County Web Committee
Statewide Recidivism Reduction Core Planning Team
Student Attendance Review Board (SARB)
26

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