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Adult probation reports improved completion rates but warns cutbacks reduced pretrial assessments in justice courts
Summary
Coconino County Adult Probation reported higher successful completion rates and described ongoing work on young‑adult caseloads, while supervisors were told staffing vacancies and fee‑revenue shortfalls forced reduced pretrial assessment services in justice courts.
Coconino County Adult Probation presented to the Board of Supervisors May 7, reporting improved successful completion rates for probationers and outlining how staffing and fee‑funding limitations have reduced pretrial services in justice courts.
Key findings and metrics: Chief Probation Officer Kara Singer and staff said adult probation’s successful completion rate rose to about 81% in the most recent reporting year, and cited a long-term decline in revocations since evidence‑based supervision practices were adopted in 2008. Staff said standard caseload targets remain around 65 clients per officer but that rural travel time affects workload and service models.
Pretrial services reduction: Adult probation staff said a service reduction for pretrial validated risk assessments (PSAs) has occurred because the department is short several pretrial positions and because fee revenues that supported pretrial staffing have declined. The presentation noted that pretrial services previously provided PSAs for initial appearances in every local justice court; since the reduction judges no longer receive PSAs at many initial appearances and, in many justice courts, cannot place defendants on pretrial supervision, staff said.
Supervision and programs: Probation described standard and intensive caseloads, specialty courts (recovery, veterans and mental‑health court), interstate and intercounty transfers, and continuing collaboration with Pathways to Community. Adult probation added that Page field operations are now fully staffed and that the department is piloting approaches for the 18–24 young‑adult population with juvenile partners.
Budget and staffing: The department receives a proposed 5% CPI and motor‑pool adjustments for FY26 but no new recurring general‑fund FTEs. Management recommended preserving fee funds for training and certain dependency services but warned continued declines in fee revenue could constrain discretionary activities. Supervisors asked for an inventory of pretrial services statewide and follow‑up materials detailing the costs to restore pretrial screening to justice courts.
Ending: The department asked the board to consider funding and retention strategies to reduce travel burdens on officers and to restore pretrial screening capacity that staff say supports release decisions and safer outcomes for defendants and the community.
