SPECIALIZED OFFICERS

Chemical Dependency Officers
A large segment of the offender population has significant issues with drug and alcohol abuse. In response, the Franklin County Adult Probation Department has developed specialized caseloads to work with the most severe of that population. Presently, there are four chemical dependency officers that supervise those offenders that are at a high risk to re-offend due to their substance abuse issues. Each officer receives special training in chemical dependency abuse and is required to pursue State Certification as a Chemical Dependency Counselor. The Chemical Dependency Officers work closely with area treatment agencies to determine an appropriate coarse of treatment for each offender to aid in maintaining sobriety and gaining compliance with their probation.

Mental Health Officers
Specialized supervision is provided to offenders with mental health conditions to address issues specific to these offenders.  Two officers supervise offenders that have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder, mental retardation and/or developmental disabilities. These officers work closely with the mental health and case management agencies in the Columbus area to verify that these individuals are actively in treatment and receiving the services that they need. The officer's supervision skills are enhanced through training in non-violent crisis intervention, prescription abuse, non-compliance with medication, and suicide intervention.

Treatment in Lieu of Conviction Officer
In an attempt to aid in first time offenders with a drug or alcohol problem avoid the possibility of a criminal conviction, the state legislature developed a program know as Treatment in Lieu of Conviction. Individuals that are placed on Treatment in Lieu of Conviction (TIL) have already been determined to be drug dependant or are in danger of drug dependency, must be accepted into a licensed treatment program, not be a repeat or dangerous offender and not be charged with the manufacturing of, corruption with or trafficking in drugs. TIL placements are required to report to the department and provide treatment verification and verification of any other special conditions that the Court imposes. Upon successful completion of the conditions, the Court dismisses all proceedings without a finding of guilt. In order to effectively supervise these offenders, this officer has a background in chemical dependency and works closely with area treatment agencies to verify attendance and participation.

CBCF Liaison Officers
In 1993, the Franklin County Community Based Correctional Facility was opened. This facility acts as an alternative to prison. While in the facility, offenders attend a variety of programming to address issues of chemical dependency, education, employment readiness and a variety of other life and cognitive skills. CBCF Officers verify compliance with aftercare programs and employment placements, along with any other special conditions. They are responsible for overseeing the offenders from the time of entrance into the facility, through aftercare, and until compliance with any other Court conditions is secured.

Inter-state Compact Officers
Some offenders supervised by the Adult Probation Department reside outside the State of Ohio. These offender's cases are known as Compact Cases. Two officers are responsible for supervising both inter and intra state compact cases. The Franklin County Adult Probation Department is committed to adhering to the standards as adopted by the Parole and Probation Compact Administrators Association. These two officers presently supervise all compact cases from Franklin County and are the primary mechanism by which most transfers are accomplished. These officers work closely with Parole and Probation agencies all over the country to make these transfers work effectively.

Violence Prevention Officer
In an attempt to address the increasing number of offenders that are convicted of multiple cases of Domestic Violence or other offenses of violence, the Adult Probation Department developed the Violence Prevention Officer in 2001. These higher-risk offenders are monitored through frequent home and office visits. The offenders are required to attend Domestic Violence and/or Anger Management counseling. The Violence Prevention Officer is responsible for verifying attendance at and compliance with treatment, as well as other special Court-ordered conditions.

Criminal Gang Officers
With the passing of Ohio's Criminal Gang Law in 1999, participation in a criminal gang became a criminal offense. The Criminal Gang Officer positions were created to address the increasing number of offenders with verified gang participation. These higher-risk offenders are monitored closely through office and home visits. They are also subject to special conditions, which were developed to curb their gang activities. Two officers currently supervise verified gang offenders in Franklin County. They work closely with outside agencies to ensure efficient management of these cases.

Absconder Apprehension Officers
The Franklin County Adult Probation Department has a pro-active response to the ongoing problem of offenders that fail to maintain required contact with the Probation Department. These offenders are known as Absconders. The department is making a constant effort in reducing the numbers of Absconders in Franklin County. Two officers are employed by the department to identify and apprehend those offenders who are in noncompliance and are attempting to flee their Court-ordered responsibilities. The officers also assist in the transportation and arrest of offenders that are deemed high-risk.

Non-Support Officer
Those higher-risk offenders that have been convicted of Criminal Non-Support of Dependents are supervised intensively by the Non-Support Officer. These offenders have a history of failure to pay child support, along with other court conditions. In order to enforce compliance the Non-Support Officer emphasizes payment schedules and verifiable employment and is in close communication with necessary outside agencies for the efficient management of these cases.

Intensive Misdemeanor Officer
Despite having a misdemeanor conviction(s), some non-felony offenders require more intensive supervision than average. In order to address this special population, the Intensive Misdemeanor position was created in 2002. These offenders are considered higher-risk and are required to maintain frequent contact with their officer. Their compliance is monitored through office and home visits. They are often required to submit urine screens as a means to monitor drug use and to submit verification of their compliance with court ordered conditions.

Sex Offender Officers
The Sex Offender Unit supervises approximately 120 felony probationers convicted of sexual offenses. Those supervised by the Sex Offender Unit are monitored closely to ensure strict compliance with the conditions ordered by the Court and to deter future offenses. These offenders are supervised intensively through frequent home visits, employment visits, and office visits. Most offenders are ordered to undergo intensive counseling for the duration of their probation. The Sex Offender Unit actively seeks to assist and protect the victims and the public and to promote positive behavioral changes for offenders. The Sex Offender Unit of the Adult Probation Department is composed of three specialized Sex Offender Officers and one Sex Offender Services Coordinator.

Many of those on probation for a sex offense are required to register their current address with the Franklin County Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff's Office keeps an up-to-date database of the addresses of those residing in Franklin County that were found to be Sexually Oriented Offenders, Habitual Sex Offenders, and Sexual Predators under House Bill 180. For a complete explanation of the types of sex offender classifications and of Megan's Law, please visit the Franklin County Sheriff's Office web site: www.sheriff.franklin.oh.us

Please note: only some sex offenders are subject to community notification, and therefore many are not listed on the Sheriff's Office web site

PRE-TRIAL SERVICES

The Pre-Trial Services Unit of the Adult Probation Department prepares a compilation of comprehensive criminal histories on felony defendants for purpose of arraignment, bond hearings, trials, pre-sentence investigations and expungements. During the arraignment proceedings, these reports enable judges to determine which individuals are most likely to make scheduled court appearances without incarceration and to set the appropriate bond. Defendants released on reporting recognizance bonds while awaiting trial are supervised by Pre-Trial to ensure compliance of court ordered bond conditions. The Pre-Trial Services Unit consist of five investigators, one Clerical staff and a Supervisor.

In 2001, Pre-Trial investigators prepared 5,450 background checks for the Court of Common Pleas and 5,784 for the Municipal Court. The unit also prepared 609 expungement investigations. During this time period, the unit supervised 1,294 criminal defendants that were released on reporting recognizance bonds. At the end of 2001, Pre-Trial Services had 402 defendants under supervision.