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What is NYSPOA?
The New York State Probation Officer’s
Association (NYSPOA) was established in
1966, and is the only statewide professional
organization that Probation Officers in New
York can join to learn more about this
profession in the state. NYSPOA takes on the
responsibility of developing public
relations, education and legislative
programs and standards that professionalize
our work. The NYSPOA board is comprised of
dedicated, energetic and passionate people
who represent Probation Officers from around
the state. The NYSPOA board has divided NYS
into 14 regions; each region is represented
by their Regional Vice President. The Vice
Presidents bring news of their represented
departments to quarterly meetings, at which
ideas are discussed with the other board
members. All 62 counties are represented. At
those quarterly meetings, NYSPOA attends to
the many needs of members and association
business.
NYSPOA is active with legislation. Our
Legislative chair is constantly monitoring
the legislature for new bills that affect
the delivery of Probation Services in New
York State. Where applicable, NYSPOA will
create a position paper and submit it for
their review. NYSPOA has also given live
testimony around its position on pending
legislation.
NYSPOA provides training conferences to
further the education of POs in NYS. Our
conference has continuously been dubbed “The
premiere training event for Probation in New
York State” by the state director of the New
York State Office of Probation and
Correctional Alternatives (OPCA). Our goal
is to offer a multitude of informative
workshops on the cutting edge technology in
Probation. It is a great opportunity for
officers from all over the state to get
together to network and expand their
knowledge base about our profession. NYSPOA
also offers awards for those who have
demonstrated a larger commitment to their
field either by performing a heroic act or
to their profession on a regular basis.
NYSPOA works in conjunction with the Council
Of Probation Administrators (COPA) giving us
a voice with administrators. NYSPOA has
strived to maintain a positive working
relationship with COPA. Many of the issues
that come up effect both the directors and
line staff in Probation. It is our goal to
find common ground and work together to
improve the Probation Services in New York
State.
NYSPOA is an affiliate member of the
American Probation and Parole Association (APPA).
Because we are an active member of APPA, we
learn what is happening around the nation
regarding probation and parole. A
representative of NYSPOA participates in
APPA conference board meetings and gives a
voice to Probation services in New York
State.
Did you know?
NYSPOA has always supported a strong,
unified Probation system in New York State.
We feel that training, Peace Officer status
and serving the courts in our jurisdictions
are the cornerstones of our profession.
The workshops offered at the NYSPOA
conference count toward the mandatory Peace
Officer training hours.
NYSPOA is a tax exempt association and your
membership dues are tax deductable.
NYSPOA members serve on many state
committees, task forces, and work groups,
and give testimony before the state
legislature, making recommendations
regarding state probation policies and
procedures.
Why should I join?
NYSPOA could not function without their
members. As a member, NYSPOA will provide
you with a voice that is heard. You will
also gain knowledge on what is happening in
other Probation Departments around the
state. You will have access to exchange
ideas, feedback, and information with other
officers. Members are welcome to attend the
quarterly board meetings.
Members are entitled to the Legal Defense
Fund. This fund was created for members to
cover initial attorney costs for PO’s who
have been involved in a critical incident
and may be in need of immediate legal
services. NYSPOA will provide $1500 for
initial attorney fees for the period
immediately following the incident. More
information can be found in our pamphlet
describing the Legal Defense Fund. This is a
free benefit to all active members of the
association. This would help officers in a
critical situation where their specific
county does not have policies in place to
address legal fees involving a critical
incident.
NYSPOA provides a newsletter to the
membership outlining current activities that
NYSPOA is involved in as well as articles
about what is happening all around New York
State.
Please take advantage of contacting any
person on the board for more information
about the NYSPOA. We are elected to this
organization to assist in promoting the
profession of Probation and will be happy to
help in any way possible.
Probation remains “THE HUB OF THE
SYSTEM.”
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