By 1812Blockhouse
On July 23, the Richland County Board of Commissioners convened for a meeting which covered essential topics, including a proclamation for probation and parole supervision as well as a notable initiative for veteran services.
Recognition of Community Corrections Professionals
The meeting began with the introduction of Judge Brent Robinson, J.J. Bittinger from probation, and their team. Commissioner Banks presented a proclamation honoring the dedicated professionals in community corrections. This proclamation was in observance of Pre-trial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week, recognizing the critical role these professionals play in upholding the law and supporting offender rehabilitation.
Achievements in Probation and Parole Supervision
Supervisor Dave Myers, along with probation officers Jason Hoover, KATU, Isaiah Morales, Melissa Harrison, and Lindsey Hobbs, highlighted their department’s accomplishments and ongoing challenges. They reported supervising over 1,000 offenders, including a record number of participants in drug courts, which are vital for rehabilitation.
“We had over 69,000 contacts last year, including more than 10,000 home visits,” said Myers. “These interactions are crucial for monitoring progress and ensuring compliance.”
Angie Lindsay, Chief Probation Officer, elaborated on the shift towards a more rehabilitative approach in probation:
“We’ve moved away from a ‘tail them, nail them, jail them’ mindset to focusing on providing offenders with the tools they need to succeed,” Lindsay explained.
The probation department’s efforts have resulted in a success rate of over 70%, with many offenders successfully reintegrating into society. The team also highlighted the importance of their partnerships with local agencies and community resources in achieving these outcomes.
Addressing the Challenges
JJ Bittinger emphasized the evolving landscape of community corrections, driven by changes in state policies aimed at reducing prison populations. This shift has increased the demand for community resources and local funding, placing additional responsibilities on probation officers.
“We’re supervising more people than ever before,” Bittinger stated. “It’s all about getting people back on their feet and becoming productive members of society.”
The probation team also discussed their use of technology, such as GPS tracking systems, to enhance supervision and ensure continuity in monitoring offenders transitioning between municipal and common pleas courts.
Veteran Services Initiative: A New Columbarium for Mansfield Cemetery
Following the probation discussion, the meeting shifted focus to a proposal from the Richland County Veteran Services Commission. Its Executive Director as well as a representative from Mansfield Cemetery, and other board members presented their plan for a new columbarium to accommodate the increasing preference for cremation among veterans.
The group detailed the proposal, explaining how the columbarium would maximize the use of available land. The project involves installing columbaria units that can hold up to 3,000 cremation burials in the same space as 104 traditional graves.
“This project will allow us to extend the life of the burial grounds for years to come,” Pam Bautz of Mansfield Cemetery said. “It’s a smart use of the land and provides a dignified resting place for our veterans.”
The commissioners unanimously approved the transfer of $260,362 from the sinking fund to the burial fund for the project. This approval ensures that the necessary infrastructure, including concrete foundations and walkways, will be in place to support the columbarium units.
Community Support and Future Plans
The initiative received praise from the commissioners, who emphasized the importance of honoring veterans and providing them with appropriate burial options. The project is set to begin in the coming weeks, with completion expected before the winter.
“This is a significant step in ensuring our veterans are honored appropriately,” Commissioner Mears commented. “We look forward to the project’s completion and the positive impact it will have on our community.”
