Probation data show 4,542 adults on supervision; substance use and emotional needs dominate service needs

Santa Clara County’s Probation Department presented its first annual Adult Probation Division databook for calendar year 2023 on Jan. 17, reporting 4,542 adults under active probation supervision as of Dec. 31, 2023, and describing demographic and needs trends staff said will guide program planning.

Saroj Dital, senior research evaluation specialist, presented key findings: 84% of adults under supervision were male, 58% identified as Latino and 66% were aged 25–44. Dital highlighted disproportionate representation: “Blacks represent 2% of Santa Clara County population, but 10% of adult probation service population,” he said.

The databook showed changes in offense patterns and service needs. Weapons offenses, felony crimes against persons and property crimes increased between 2018 and 2023, while drug- and alcohol-related offenses declined. Probation officers use a correctional assessment and intervention system to assess risk: 32% of male adults were scored high risk, 40% moderate and 28% low. Among principal service needs, alcohol or drug problems, emotional factors and relationship issues were the top three drivers; the presentation said 65% of male adults and 75% of female adults have alcohol- or drug-related service needs.

Committee members pressed department staff on treatment access and re-engagement. Supervisor President Otto Lee asked whether the probation department actively reengaged people who relapse; probation staff described officer casework practices that monitor ambivalence and seek repeated treatment engagements. The department said it partners with the Office of Diversion and Reentry Services and contracted providers to route clients to inpatient and outpatient treatment as appropriate.

Members also flagged pending statewide changes. Deputy County Executive Casey Halcon said staff are beginning preliminary discussions with criminal justice and public safety partners about the impacts of Prop 36 and will provide an update to the committee in April with early information. The Sheriff reported tracking bookings tied to a new penal provision referenced as “666.1,” noting an early January increase from 23 to 38 bookings, a rise the sheriff characterized as roughly 40% and said staff are monitoring daily.

Probation staff described trends in AB 109 populations (post-release community supervision and mandatory supervision), noting both populations declined from 2018 to 2023 and that people under PRCS and MS have higher shares of high-risk assessments than those on formal probation.

The committee voted to receive the databook. Chairperson Ellenberg moved to receive the report; the recorded votes were Vice Chairperson Otto Lee, aye; Chairperson Ellenberg, yes. Motion passes.

Public comment: One Zoom speaker, Ben Zee, used the public-comment period to allege misconduct and abuse in specific cases; his comments were not part of the department’s databook presentation and committee members did not take formal action in response during the meeting.

Next steps: staff offered to share more detailed reports off agenda (including the deferred-entry-of-judgment annual report and a future update on Prop 36 effects) and to coordinate with behavioral health and reentry partners on gender-responsive services for female clients.