VISION STATEMENT

Empowering Change. Evolving Through Evidence-Based Practices. Serving Our Community.

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of Adult Probation and Parole Services is to encourage positive behavioral change, uphold community safety, and reduce recidivism.

Diversity Statement

We are committed to building an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates the diverse voices of our employees and clients.

At Adult Probation and Parole Services, we are moving forward. We D.R.I.V.E.

• Diversity – recognize that each individual is unique.
• Respect – accept people for who they are.
• Inclusivity – promote an environment of belonging and empowerment.
• Values – treat all people with dignity and respect.
• Equity – create an environment of fairness and impartiality.

 CORE VALUES

• We treat all people with dignity and respect.
• We believe in the fair and impartial administration of justice.
• We believe people can make positive changes.
• We embrace individual autonomy.
• We believe in a balance of rehabilitation and enforcement tailored to each individual.
• We recognize our staff as a valuable resource.
• We hold ourselves accountable to the highest level of professional and ethical standards.
• We strive to be trauma-informed and recognize the impact of trauma on individuals and communities.

 OPERATIONAL GOALS
 

• To uphold the order of the Court.
• To utilize evidence-based practices to target risks and needs, reduce recidivism, and provide opportunities to make changes using positive reinforcement and restorative sanctions.
• To foster relationships with community resources to aid individuals and their families.
• To expand our involvement in the community by partnering with stakeholders.
• To build and maintain community trust.
• To evaluate and adjust program services to best reflect our values and achieve our mission.
• To preserve the rights of victims and the need for restoration by holding individuals accountable to the order of the Court.
• To increase staff competency by providing education and training.

 EARLY YEARS

Adult Probation and Parole has had a long history in Lancaster County. By order of President Judge Benjamin Atlee of the Lancaster Court of Common Pleas, the Adult Probation Department was created in 1933. President Judge Atlee appointed Edgar R. Barnes, Mary R. Bowman, MD., and Beatrice Pollack as the first probation officers in Lancaster County. At the time, the Adult Probation Department supervised all probation cases, including adult, juvenile and domestic relations.

In 1945, Barnes was appointed chief probation officer and served as such until 1961 when he retired. E. Jane Crowell succeeded Barnes as chief probation officer until 1977 when President Judge W. Hensel Brown ordered that the adult and juvenile components be separated. Ms. Crowell was named Chief Adult Probation Officer and served as such until 1979 when she retired and James Turnbull was named as her successor. 

 RESTRUCTURING
In 2000, the adult probation and parole system in Lancaster County underwent significant structural changes under the direction of the Honorable Michael A. Georgelis, President Judge. The judicial directive initiated the unification of the existing four adult probation and parole programs.

In 2012, the agency underwent a department wide restructure by creating two offices, the Office of Supervision Services and the Office of Administrative Services in an effort to centralize and utilize agency resources more effectively. The Director of Adult Probation and Parole Services reports to the District Court Administrator. The current Director of Adult Probation and Parole Services is Mark J. Wilson.