Santa Ana, CA - December 23, 2025 – The Orange County Probation Department proudly unveiled its new Mobile Resource Vehicle (MRV) fleet last Friday in Santa Ana, marking a bold step forward in delivering community-centered support, reducing barriers to services, and strengthening public safety.

The MRV fleet, consisting of five specially equipped vehicles, is designed to bring resources and services directly into neighborhoods throughout Orange County. These units are part of a first-of-its-kind outreach initiative to help justice involved individuals, their families, and the broader community access vital resources more easily, without having to travel to a probation office. This fleet offers a variety of services including on-site case management, assistance meeting court-ordered conditions, connections to employment and education opportunities, and basic supplies.

“This launch represents more than new vehicles. It represents our commitment to breaking down barriers and expanding access to critical support where it’s needed most,” said Chief Daniel Hernandez “By bringing services directly into the community, we are improving pathways to success and reducing the likelihood of future justice involvement.”

A comprehensive broadcast package can be accessed here.

About the Orange County Probation Department  

As a public safety agency, the Orange County Probation Department serves the community using effective, research supported rehabilitation practices and collaborative partnerships to successfully resocialize justice involved individuals. The Probation Department is proud to serve the Orange County community. It is dedicated to continuous improvement, searching out and applying “effective and research supported practices" to assist justice involved youth, their families, and adults to successfully navigate and successfully complete probation. Further, the Probation Department assists the criminal court system through investigations, probation reports and community supervision of thousands of adult and juvenile clients on court-ordered probation or in diversion programs. The Department operates the Orange County Juvenile Hall, and two camps for youth. In addition, the Department operates a Youth Reporting Center serving all of Orange County. 

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Huntington Beach, CA- December 3, 2025- As of this morning, December 3, 2025, both Orange County Probation Officers involved in yesterday’s vehicle collision in Huntington Beach are recovering. One officer was medically cleared at the scene, while the second officer was treated and released from the hospital. 

The incident occurred while the officers were in a stationary probation vehicle that was struck. 

We send our sincere well wishes to both officers as they continue to heal. This was a traumatic event, and we ask all to be mindful and respectful of their recovery process.

This incident serves as an important reminder of the daily risks our officers face. We remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting their health, wellness, and safety. 

Huntington Beach, CA- December 2, 2025- On Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at approximately 3:00 PM, Huntington Beach police responded to a multi-vehicle collision, which included a probation vehicle, at the intersection of Goldenwest Street and Heil Avenue.

Two Orange County Probation Officers were injured in the collision. One officer was transported for further medical care.

There were no other passengers in the probation vehicle at the time of the collision.

ORANGE, CA- (October 28th, 2025)- In a visit underscoring California’s ongoing commitment to reforming the juvenile justice system, Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva (D-67) and Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco (D-64) spent an afternoon engaging with youth, staff, and community partners at the Orange County Probation Department (OC Probation).

Their discussions centered on innovative approaches to juvenile diversion, designed to redirect young people away from the justice system and toward community-based support and growth opportunities.

The visit included a presentation from the Juvenile Hall Youth Council, a group of young leaders recognized for their positive development and leadership potential. The council shared how youth-led initiatives such as game nights, mentorship opportunities, and community events are helping to build communication, accountability, and leadership skills among their peers. The Assemblymembers also met with Project Kinship, a community-based organization that partners with OC Probation. The group shared stories of resilience: central to both Project Kinship’s mission and the broader goals of diversion and rehabilitation.

To conclude the visit, Assemblymembers Quirk-Silva and Pacheco toured the Multipurpose Rehabilitation Center (MRC), where they learned about vocational and educational programs that equip youth with real-world skills. From an auto shop to a college occupational classroom, the MRC exemplifies how early intervention and education can transform lives.

Both legislators expressed a strong interest in expanding diversion opportunities and community partnerships that keep youth out of custody and connected to pathways of hope, growth, and long-term success.

OC Probation remains committed to public safety, grounded in dignity, innovation, and youth development. As the State of California continues to explore and shape new juvenile justice policies, the work being done within OC Probation’s Juvenile Hall offers a compelling model for how systems can transform lives through opportunity and care.

SANTA ANA, CA – (October 16, 2025) - The Orange County Day Reporting Center (DRC), operated in partnership with the Orange County Probation Department, held a moving graduation ceremony to honor the achievements of over 30 individuals who have successfully completed the center’s comprehensive reentry program. The event celebrated not only personal milestones, but also the powerful role of evidence-based practices in supporting lasting change for justice-involved individuals.

Two Deputy Probation Officers (DPO) were specially recognized for their exceptional support and guidance during a recent graduation ceremony. DPO Tiffani Milstead was honored for her work with eight probationers who successfully completed the program, while DPO Alisha Jackson was acknowledged for her role in guiding six individuals to this significant achievement.

Surrounded by friends, family, staff, and community partners, graduates received certificates while donning graduation cords. Several participants shared emotional testimonies about overcoming barriers like substance use, trauma, housing instability, and unemployment.

“Today’s graduation is more than a ceremony. It’s a reflection of hard work, transformation, and the effectiveness of targeted, evidence-based interventions,” said Division Director of Adult Re-Entry, Connie Schonert.

Evidence-Based Approach Driving Real Outcomes

The Orange County DRC follows the principles of Effective Correctional Intervention, including the Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) model. A recent Evidence-Based Practices (EBP) Fidelity Review conducted in February 2025 rated the program with High Adherence across multiple domains such as:

• Assessing Risk and Needs: Participants are evaluated using actuarial tools to ensure individualized case planning.
• Enhancing Intrinsic Motivation: Staff apply Motivational Interviewing techniques (like OARS and DARN-CAT) to foster internal drive for change.
• Engaging Natural Supports: The program connects individuals with mentors, peer networks, and family support to sustain recovery post-program.
• Providing Positive Reinforcement: A structured rewards and sanctions matrix helps encourage pro-social behavior.
• Skill Development: Participants engage in cognitive behavioral groups, trauma-informed programming, and vocational readiness training.

Protecting Communities, Creating Opportunities

The Orange County Probation Department conducts regular operations to safeguard neighborhoods, reduce crime, and promote rehabilitation. Through these efforts, the department balances accountability with second chances.  Officers hold probationers accountable for their actions, while also working to connect them with the resources they need to rebuild their lives.

WESTMINSTER, CA — September 16, 2025 — The Orange County Probation Department carried out a targeted enforcement operation this week, focusing on high-risk offenders released from prison under Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS).

Probation officers conducted unannounced compliance checks in neighborhoods across the county. During the searches, officers confiscated narcotics, weapons, and paraphernalia, resulting in three arrests. Several probationers were also referred to drug treatment programs, reflecting the department’s dual focus on accountability and rehabilitation.

Division Director Shawn Barry underscored the importance of this work: “These compliance operations are about more than removing dangerous contraband from our neighborhoods. They send a clear message that probationers will be held accountable while also connecting them with the resources needed to change their path. Our goal is to protect the community while giving individuals on supervision the opportunity to succeed.”

Operation Results

• 3 Arrests
• Seized Contraband:
  • 14.9 grams of cocaine
  • 12 grams of methamphetamine
  • 3 grams of crack cocaine
  • 5 bottles of Alprazolam (Xanax)
  • 8 methamphetamine pipes with residue
  • 6 cans of inhalants ("dusters")
  • 1 folding knife with a 3.5-inch blade
  • 1 digital scale and multiple small baggies
  • 2 debit cards not belonging to the probationer
  • 1 cell phone
  • Foil containing heroin concealed in a probationer’s sock

Protecting Communities, Creating Opportunities

The Orange County Probation Department conducts regular operations to safeguard neighborhoods, reduce crime, and promote rehabilitation. Through these efforts, the department balances accountability with second chances. Officers hold probationers accountable for their actions, while also working to connect them with the resources they need to rebuild their lives.

ORANGE, CA- (August 8th, 2025)- In a visit underscoring the growing legislative focus on juvenile justice reform, California State Assemblymember Avelino Valencia (D-68) spent an afternoon connecting with system involved youth, staff, and community partners at the Orange County Probation Department (OC Probation).

The afternoon included a presentation from the Juvenile Hall Youth Council, a group of youth leaders selected from each unit based on their behavioral growth and leadership potential. These youth serve as representatives for their peers in a variety of arenas for advocacy. During the discussion, youth council members shared about events that build their organizational and life skills, including events like game nights and a car show. 

One youth reflected on the chance to be a role model for other youth in the facility, stating “I’ve been in here for a minute… long enough to see the same cycle repeat with other youth coming in. Being on the youth council gave me a reason to step up. I used to be part of the problem but now I try to be part of the change. I know they’re watching me, the way I move, how I talk. If I can help one of them not go down the road I did, then I can contribute positively to the experience my peers have”.  

Assemblymember Valencia also met with Project Kinship, a community-based organization working alongside OC Probation to support youth through mentorship, education, and mental health services. A short film and open conversation focused on themes of transformation and second chances: values at the heart of Project Kinship’s mission to break cycles of system involvement.

The Assemblymember then toured the Multipurpose Rehabilitation Center (MRC), home to robust vocational and educational programming, including a fully equipped auto shop and a College Occupational Program classroom. These programs are designed to prepare youth for self-sufficiency and success well beyond their time in custody.

In a spontaneous moment that captured the day’s spirit of connection and community, Assemblymember Valencia even joined Chief Daniel Hernandez for a quick throw of a football, which showcased the trust and collaboration that OC Probation strives to build across all levels of engagement, including with state leadership. As a former D1 Football player, Assemblymember Valencia remarked on the team spirit and collaborative nature of the work OC Probation does daily.

OC Probation remains committed to public safety, grounded in dignity, innovation, and youth development. As the State of California continues to explore and shape new juvenile justice policies, the work being done within OC Probation’s Juvenile Hall offers a compelling model for how systems can transform lives through opportunity and care.

WESTMINSTER, CA- (July 1st, 2025)- The Orange County Probation Department (OC Probation) proudly celebrated two inspiring individuals, Alberto Lopez and Johnathan Falcon, at the DUI Court Graduation at the West Justice Center. The ceremony highlighted the profound personal growth and resilience that define this collaborative, accountability-driven alternative to traditional sentencing.

Both Alberto and Johnathan shared heartfelt speeches detailing their challenging journeys and the life-changing support they received through the DUI Court Program. Their stories reflected the essence of what the program strives to accomplish: a sense of accountability and renewed purpose.

Presiding over the graduation, the Honorable Judge Jay Moorehead praised the graduates’ “positive attitudes and bright demeanors,” noting their commitment to change and community reintegration. He also extended a special invitation to both graduates, to return as part of the DUI Court alumni program to recognize the powerful impact both graduates could have on future cohorts.

“The success of DUI Court is measured not just in the number of graduates, but in the lives that are stabilized and the individuals who go on to become thriving, contributing members of society,” said Deputy Probation Officer (DPO) Yesenia Torres, “Programs like this show how rehabilitation and structured support can lead to lasting change.” DPO Torres works with the probationers directly, facilitating court compliance and program defined goals.

DUI Court is a collaborative effort involving the Orange County Probation Department, the Orange County Superior Court, the District Attorney’s Office, the Public Defender’s Office, treatment providers, and partner law enforcement. Together, this team works to reduce recidivism and increase public safety by addressing the root causes of impaired driving.

About the Orange County Probation Department
The Orange County Probation Department is a public safety agency dedicated to supporting rehabilitation, accountability, and safer communities. We serve youth, families, and adults through effective, evidence-based practices, community supervision, diversion programs, and custodial care. The Department prepares investigations for the court system and operates Juvenile Hall, two youth camps, and a Youth Reporting Center that serves the entire county. We are committed to continuous improvement and providing services that help individuals succeed on their path through probation.

Our Commitment to the Community
OC Probation remains committed to creating a system that upholds dignity, justice, and inclusion. As we carry out our duties, we will continue to act in accordance with California law and with the trust placed in us by the communities we serve.

Join the Orange County Probation Department by serving as a volunteer through the Volunteer in Probation (VIP) program. The Volunteer Information Meeting (VIM) is the first mandatory step in the process of becoming a volunteer or college intern with our department. During the 90-minute VIM presentation on Microsoft Teams, applicants will learn about the department's mission and vision, program expectations, and the background process.

Volunteer Opportunities Available: General Volunteer, Student Internship* and Religious Ministry**

*Student interns need to attend a VIM at least 3 months before the start of their internship class.

**Potential volunteers interested in Religious Ministry need to contact (714) 282-4261 for Catholic Ministry or (714) 935-6365 for Protestant Chaplaincy Ministry prior to attending this meeting.

Minimum Volunteer/Internship Requirements:

• Attend a VIM
• 21 years of age or older
• U.S. Birth Certificate or proof of legal status in the country
• Legally authorized to work in the United States
• Government issued identification (i.e. Driver's License, United States passport)
• Social Security Card
• Not on Probation, Parole, or any type of supervision
• Available to volunteer minimum of one hour per month
• Unofficial College Transcripts (Applies to college interns only)
• Tuberculosis (TB) skin test result (Valid if within the past 12 months)
• Successful completion of background investigation

Please note that admittance after 5:45 p.m. will NOT be accepted.

RSVP