Specialized Caseloads
The Parole & Probation Division has eight specialized caseload units including: Domestic Violence Supervision UnitDrug Endangered Children UnitSpecial Services UnitPre-sentence Investigation UnitLimited Supervision UnitSB 1145 UnitSex Offender Supervision UnitStreet Crimes Unit
Specialized caseloads are used as a primary strategy to manage high risk and special needs offenders through the intensification of supervision services and interventions. Due to the unique criminogenic issues associated with these special need populations (i.e., Gang, Sex Offender, Domestic Violence, Mental Health), deputies assigned to these caseloads are required to go through additional training and utilize specialized assessments that target the risk and needs of these referenced populations in an attempt to reduce future criminal activity. Domestic Violence Supervision Unit:
The Domestic Violence Supervision Unit supervises approximately 410 offenders on Parole/PPS or Probation for domestic violence related crimes. This is a six-person team of adult parole/probation officers who represent the major geographical districts in Marion County. The team was formed to consolidate focus and coordinate supervision and intervention efforts in an attempt to reduce the alarming incident rate of domestic homicide and domestic violence. Assessment of risk is a key component in the review process to ensure supervision resources are focused on offenders who pose the greatest risk to their victims and the community. The unit has incorporated a limited supervision unit comprised of 96 low-risk cases. Offenders in the low-risk category are still held accountable for any violations, but may report via mail and with less intensity than medium and high risk offenders. The Domestic Violence Supervision Unit works closely with local law enforcement, batterer intervention programs, victim services and other service agencies to enhance public safety and hold the offenders accountable.
Drug Endangered Children Unit:
Two full-time parole/probation officers supervise caseloads of approximately 174 offenders who are pre-identified by the District Attorney’s office staff, which refers the cases for this specific supervision. Supervision staff work collaboratively with the Department of Human Services to supervise the case, collaborate regarding treatment and other services, with the goal of either reuniting the family, or determining that reunification is not an appropriate outcome. Collaboration with local law enforcement also occurs, when appropriate.
To contend with Marion County’s disproportionately high numbers of gang-affiliated offenders, the Parole and Probation Division of the Sheriff’s Office formed a Special Services Unit. The Special Services Unit supervises approximately 198 gang-affiliated adult offenders. Over the years, this effort has produced successful results in reducing gang violence in the county as evidenced by improved communication among law enforcement, parole and probation and other community agencies, providing more intensive supervision of gang offenders in the community.
Pre-sentence Investigation Unit:
Staff assigned to this unit conduct court-ordered, pre-sentence investigation reports making sentencing recommendations based upon the department’s operating principles and consistent with sentencing guidelines. The objective is to prepare accurate pre-sentence investigations requested by the court.
Limited Supervision Unit:
The Limited Supervision Unit is the unit responsible for monitoring almost 1,298 offenders classified as “low” or “limited” risk, per OCMS (Oregon Case Management System) risk classification, and unfunded misdemeanors. Offenders are monitored for new law violations and behavior that constitute a public safety threat. Appropriate action on violations may include a report by the County, Parole Board, incarceration, intermediate sanctions, or increased level of supervision. Offenders are moved from the unit only for behavior that threatens public safety as defined by set guidelines. This unit also developed a Restitution Collection Caseload that monitors restitution payments to the court and works in collaboration with victim services to improve collection of restitution obligations to the Court.
SB 1145:
The 1145 unit works with felony offenders sentenced to one year or less, housed either at the Marion County Corrections Facility (jail) or released to a reduced custody status. Staff assigned to this unit monitor and develop release plans for every local control offender sentenced to the custody of the Marion County Supervisory Authority with a period of post-prison supervision. They also coordinate transfers to other counties (if required), participate in case staffing to establish appropriate supervision conditions, make recommendations and supervise offenders in non-custody alternatives, track release dates and monitor 1145 offenders lodged in other facilities. This unit is also responsible for accurate data entry into both the state and county computer systems.
Sex Offender Supervision Unit:
This specialized unit supervises approximately 508 sex offenders. This team is comprised of seven parole/probation officers, an intern and three contract sex offender treatment providers. This team works in collaboration with each other, law enforcement, child welfare and the community in an effort to contain and reduce sexual offender behavior. This unit is also responsible for compliance with mandates of community notification. The unit has incorporated a limited supervision unit comprised of 174 low-risk cases.Street Crimes Unit:
Two parole and probation deputies are assigned to the Sheriff’s Office Enforcement Division’s Street Crimes Unit (SCU). Parole and probation staff work in conjunction with enforcement deputies in joint projects such as routine home visits on drug offenders, responding to community complaints regarding individuals and residences, and assist police with drug investigations.