Probation director accepts additional high-visibility traffic-safety funding; reports rising pretrial caseload and youth court plans

The Public Safety Committee approved Aug. 6 the Probation Department—s acceptance of an additional $7,500 in state high-visibility enforcement funding for traffic safety programs. Probation Director Scott Graniteer told the committee the department has seen a steady increase in pretrial cases, calling active caseloads "the highest I think we've ever had," and said staff are managing the work despite the rising volume. Graniteer said the department is preparing its plan for the 2025-26 year and will present it to the committee in October; he also said Allegheny County staff were invited to a statewide conference in October in recognition of their work on crash victim impact panels. On youth court, Graniteer said a plan is ready to roll out this fall pending coordination with county administration and Department of Social Services; he said possible funding avenues are being explored and that a joint presentation with the commissioner of social services is possible.