Dakota County proclaims July 20–26 Pretrial, Probation and Parole Supervision Week

The Dakota County Board of Commissioners on July 8 unanimously adopted a resolution declaring July 20–26, 2025, Pretrial, Probation and Parole Supervision Week and recognized staff from Dakota County Community Corrections for their work.

Community Corrections Director Swana Kirkland told the board that the third week of July is observed nationally for probation and pretrial supervision and described this year’s theme as "heroes behind the mission," noting the department’s caseload and outcomes. "We have served over 9,000 individuals," Kirkland said, adding the department has "conducted over 11,000 visits in the community" and served about 194 youth at the juvenile service center.

Kirkland also reported services and program activities used in Dakota County, including cognitive behavioral therapy groups and pre-sentence investigations used by the bench. She told the commissioners that "over 90% of our clients remain felony free three years after probation," and said department staff compared that figure with Ramsey County, which she said is at 60 percent.

Commissioner Atkins moved adoption of the resolution and Commissioner Hayman Rowland seconded. The roll call vote on the proclamation was recorded as unanimous: Commissioners Slavik, Halverson, Hayman Rowland, Atkins, Workman, Droste and Holberg voted "yes." The motion carried.

After the vote, Kirkland invited staff from Dakota County Community Corrections to stand and be recognized. The board’s action was ceremonial and did not create new policy or funding; it acknowledged the department’s work and formally recognized the week for public awareness and staff appreciation.