Salute to Wayne County probation officers and their role in providing public safety

Probation officers work behind the scenes, and their contributions are frequently overshadowed by more visible figures in law enforcement and corrections.

Yet, these dedicated people play a vital role in fostering public safety and transforming lives . They are the bridge between incarceration and successful reintegration into society.

Their work encompasses responsibilities beyond the supervision of offenders; they are mentors, advocates and community builders. The role requires a balance of compassion and authority as they guide individuals toward making positive choices and breaking free from the cycles of crime.

'Best team in the field'

Each year, the third week of July, also known as National Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week (PPPS), celebrates the more than 90,000 community corrections professionals.

Courtney Burnett, a 13-year probation officer and case manager for the Wayne County Common Pleas Court, said working with the “best team in the field” is a privilege.

“I am very fortunate to work for Chief Probation Officer Cheryl Gerwig . She has always been at the forefront, ahead of all the trends in supervision,” Burnett said. “When I first started, we were doing things back then that other counties are not even doing now.”

As a probation officer, Burnett has to adapt to the ever-changing needs of the clientele.

“Life has not gotten easier for many people,” she said. “Addiction has gotten worse, and we see a lot of mental health issues. We are addressing more and more of these cases.”

In addition to rehabilitation efforts, probation professionals play a critical role in public safety. By monitoring compliance with probation conditions, they help reduce the risk of recidivism, ultimately benefiting the broader community. Their efforts contribute to lower crime rates and safer neighborhoods.

Tasked with overseeing individuals placed on probation instead of serving time in prison, probation officers monitor the progress and rehabilitation of offenders, ensuring they adhere to court-ordered conditions while also helping them reintegrate into society.

This involves regular check-ins, assessments and the development of personalized support plans. The job is often emotionally taxing, as probation officers must navigate complex relationships with individuals struggling with various challenges.

“No day is ever the same; there are definitely days that we take our work home with us,” said Wayne County Municipal Court probation officer Natalie Martz. “Those days seem like everything happens at once − people are upset, their family members are upset and calling, the victim is calling, and I have to be in court for a different case.”

While her days are sometimes hectic, Martz finds her career rewarding.

“The people that genuinely appreciate what we do for them know that our end goal is to keep them out of jail,” she said. “I have received thank you letters from victims and defendants, and those good things motivate me. Those positives outweigh everything.”

Dan Starcher is the Public Communications Coordinator for Wayne County.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Salute to Wayne County probation officers and their role in providing public safety