Probation officers celebrate women-led workforce

Women and people of color account for about 85 percent of New York City probation officers, according to the union that represents them. Photo via Department of Probation

By Rachel Vick

Queens Family Court probation officer and South Jamaica native Cheryl Heath was honored as “Hero of the Day” on March 3, part of a Women’s History Month initiative by the union that represents the majority female workforce.

The United Probation Officers Association has marked each celebratory month since Dalvanie Powell became the first African American woman to lead the organization. The shout-outs are intended to bring attention to the job and the work of POs like Heath, who has spent almost 30 years as a probation officer, working with people convicted of crimes but not sentenced to jail

“It’s not a 9 to 5 — we’re constantly available,” Heath said. ”To me, if a child or family is in crisis and I’m available to help them, I don't look at the movement of time, and the parents are grateful, and I’m grateful because they’re comfortable enough to share their personal lives with me.” 

“The key, after 28 years, is to be non-judgemental, listen, be open and have no criticism,” she added. “Would you want anyone to judge you without  knowing you?”

Besides working towards increased recognition from the public, the UPOA continues to fight for pay equity and pension reform for the department, where women make up roughly 85 percent female staff, said Powell. 

“I think if we were predominantly  male and white we wouldn't get paid what we do,” Powell said. “We have the same education and requirements, and get significantly less [than other probation offices]. I know that we have a lot of passion for what we do — whoever does this job is going to put their heart into it, whether they’re male or female.”

The role of probation officers continues to grow as the city’s justice system changes, first through the Raise the Age policy, which moves children out of adult criminal court and through bail reform, which relies on alternatives to incarceration.

In June of 2019, the probation officers’ union filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, alleging pay discrimination against the women and people of color who make up most of the force. The complaint was part of an ongoing battle with the city that has spanned multiple lawsuits, including a request for salary information from similar agencies. 

Probation officers operate in multiple capacities within the community, ensuring safety and monitoring those under their supervision, and engaging in programming that helps provide healthy alternatives to keep kids out of the justice system.

“We're the piece of the puzzle that’s misunderstood and undervalued. We play a vital role in the criminal justice system. I'm proud of my members and the hard work they put in every day even though we're not as recognized. There’s more to law enforcement than police and correction.”