Probations union demands city share info on violence against officers

United Probation Officers Association President Dalvanie Powell sent a letter to the Department of Probation asking for detailed reports on the number of violent incidents committed against officers and supervisors by people on probation since 2000. Photo courtesy of UPOA.

By David Brand

The union representing more than 800 New York City probation officers is calling on the city to release information about violent incidents against their officers, a week after an officer was assaulted in Staten Island.

United Probation Officers Association President Dalvanie Powell sent a letter to the Department of Probation on Nov. 13 asking for detailed reports on the number of violent incidents committed against officers and supervisors by people on probation since 2000. 

The city failed to inform the UPOA after a probation officer was attacked while attempting to arrest someone for probation violation in Staten Island on Nov. 7, Powell wrote in the letter.

The attack “underscores both the dangers that Probation professionals face on a daily basis, and the need for the City to do more to support these hardworking law enforcement officers,” Powell wrote. 

The letter specifically requests information on the number of assaults and related violations, against New York City Probation Officers and Supervisors, how the incidents were adjudicated and what steps the DOP is taking to improve the safety of officers.

“If we want a stronger, safer city, then that requires communicating with each other,” Powell said.

In a response, the DOP said that officer safety “is paramount.”

“Together with UPOA, we will continue to properly train and support officers to protect their safety, as well as adhere to all protocols related to the reporting of on the job injuries,” a DOP spokesperson told the Eagle in a statement.