The Franklin County Adult Probation Department was established by the Court of Common Pleas in 1945. Since that time, the department has been dedicated to serving all citizens of Franklin County. The department strives to meet the ever-changing needs of the Court, the victims of crime, the offenders and the public. What began as a staff of three has now grown to over a hundred.

The most obvious task of the Adult Probation Department is the effective supervision of more than five thousand adult offenders. A highly trained team of Probation Officers, under the experienced direction of a Management Team, conduct office visits, home visits, work visits and community visits as the primary means of supervision. Officers also work closely with numerous agencies throughout the community to ensure that offenders are given the resources to meet their needs and to ensure that the conditions imposed by the Court are being addressed. For those offenders who are not in compliance with their probation, officers may recommend additional sanctions. Probation Officers assist the Court by completing summaries and recommendations, as well as being present in Court when offenders are sentenced.

The Probation Department does more than monitor offenders, it is a joint effort among many to provide quality services. In 1991, the Pre-Trial Services Unit was created. This hard working team completes background checks on all defendants with a pending case in the Municipal and Common Pleas Courts in Franklin County. Those offenders that are released on a reporting bond are supervised by Pre-Trial Services. Further assistance was provided to the Probation Department in 1995, with the addition of an on-site Urinalysis Laboratory. Two lab technicians monitor and test thousands of samples each year. The Probation Department also benefits from a superior support staff. This knowledgeable group assists in financial services and clerical duties.

In conclusion, the Franklin County Adult Probation Department is proud of its past and is looking toward its future. Through hard work, innovation and cooperation, the department will continue to provide the services that are important to so many.