Lake County probation chief reports staffing gains, Prop 36 implementation plan and housing project update

Wendy Monfranc, chief probation officer for Lake County, told county officials on an agenda presentation that the probation department has significantly reduced vacancies, expanded mobile outreach and is preparing to implement changes required by Proposition 36.

Monfranc said the department promoted 10 employees and hired multiple new staff this year, and that vacancy rates have fallen from about 36% for deputy probation officers last year. “We have an amazing staff who is very concerned about public safety but also making sure that Lake County is a better place and that we know people can change and we're gonna help them do that,” Monfranc said.

The update outlined why the changes matter: increased staffing and new programs are intended to improve public safety, expand services for people experiencing homelessness and speed court processing. Monfranc told officials the department now uses tablet-based testing with human resources to shorten hiring timelines, has created a probation program technician training position to underfill deputy probation officer roles, and has designated two deputy probation officers to focus on homeless populations using a mobile services van.

Monfr…