🔴 LIVE: Hearing on the Organizational Strategy of the Department of Probation

The New York City Council Criminal Justice Committee held a hearing on the Department of Probation’s organizational strategy on October 27, 2026. Commissioner Sharon Goodwin described efforts to reduce vacancies, rebalance caseloads by risk level, restore court liaison functions, and rebuild community partnerships. The department reported 171 vacancies, including 134 in the probation officer title series, and expects additional academy graduates and classes in 2027. Council members and the probation officers’ union identified compensation and retention as continuing concerns; the union cited a probation officer top salary of about $81,000 and urged further pay improvements. The department also said it had paid long-overdue and lapsed contracts with service providers, but the hearing did not identify specific contract awards, vendor selections, or procurement approvals.

Discussion also covered community-based programs and service capacity. Members cited more than $5 million in prior cuts to programs serving at-risk young people, including Impact, Next Steps, and Arches; the department said it is reassessing program availability and working with community organizations, while a council member requested information to inform upcoming budget discussions. The committee discussed proposed Intro. 1104, which would require notices explaining the legal process and protections for young people at probation intake; the department supports its intent and said implementation could be feasible within 90 days after operational details are aligned. No spending vote or procurement action was taken.