By Bobby Kerlik
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
PITTSBURGH, Pa. — Allegheny County President Judge Donna Jo McDaniel said Tuesday that public safety will be compromised if additional probation officers are not added to next year’s county budget.
“We’re getting to the point where we’re not able to correctly supervise people,” McDaniel said. The public is not at risk, “but I think that’s where we’re heading,” she said.
McDaniel; Common Pleas Judge Jeffrey Manning, administrative judge of the criminal division; and court Administrator Ray Billotte pitched their plan to County Council’s budget and finance committee to expand the probation department in 2012.
The judges are seeking the addition of nine probation officers and four pre-trial services employees. Including benefits, that could cost the county about $900,000, Billotte said.
The judges insisted that by spending more money on probation-related activities, the county would save on jail costs.
Court officials said 188 probation officers are responsible for supervising 22,500 people in the community — or about 120 defendants per officer. Drunken-driving offenders make up a large portion of the total number.
County officials are expecting a budget crunch in 2012, and several county departments likely will not get additional money they request. Council members did not accept or reject the judges’ proposal. Council planned to meet again to discuss the issue.
Councilman Matt Drozd, R-Ross, questioned what the taxpayers would get for their return on investment and if recidivism dropped with more probation programs. Drozd asked for more details by the next meeting.
Councilman Nick Futules, D-Verona, said the courts could save money if police didn’t arrest so many people for driving under the influence.
“The local police have become bounty hunters,” Futules said.
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