Chief Monfrance presented the Probation Department's 2025 accomplishments and priorities, highlighting tribal engagement, training plans, expanded use of artificial intelligence for reports, CalAIM implementation work, a Prop 63-related grant, and other programs.

The presentation said the department has prioritized implementation of the county child abuse prevention plan, with an emphasis on "increasing tribal engagement." Chief Monfrance noted Kevin Lewis, the chief deputy probation officer, led tribal outreach; a tribal subcommittee chose to implement Positive Indian Parenting. The department aims to have nine facilitators trained countywide by June; Chief Monfrance said three are trained and two are currently in training, with the first workshop scheduled for Feb. 5 at Big Valley.

On technology and workload, Monfrance described introducing AI into pre-sentence investigation reports and compilation of rap sheets. "It does a synopsis of the rap sheet. Our officer then verifies the information is correct," Monfrance said, adding that automation has reduced the number of people needed to prepare court reports compared with when he started 10 years ago. He said the department now uses AI for juvenile disposition reports and has entered a contract for a "field assist" program that will help officers record interactions and create case notes in the field.

Other items highlighted in the presentation included 172 participants in a tattoo removal program during the year; steps to implement CalAIM (with staff training and technical assistance contracts underway because the department is not a Medi-Cal biller); and a grant from the courts and Judicial Council tied to Prop 63 to enhance reports related to recovery of firearms.

Supervisors praised the department's approach, noting the impact of reentry work and requesting continued public recognition of success stories. The presentation was informational; there was no recommended action and the board recessed for lunch after concluding the item.

Next steps: Staff will continue training and program rollout, and the department said it will return with participant numbers and outcomes for items such as Positive Indian Parenting and tattoo removal.