Ulster County probation director outlines programs, training and $70,000 restitution returned to victims

Director of Probation and Restorative Justice Director Naccarato briefed the Ulster County Law Enforcement & Public Safety Committee on Aug. 4 about the scope of the county probation department, its staffing and key programs. She described six divisions — adult supervision, family court juvenile services, pretrial, community service, STOP‑DWI and a crime victims assistance program — and said the office operates satellite probation offices in Saugerties, Ellenville and New Paltz in addition to Kingston.

Naccarato outlined training and operational details for officers, saying the department includes "42 sworn peace officers," instructors certified by DCJS, field‑training officers and staff trained in cognitive behavioral interventions such as MRT and interactive journaling. She also highlighted victim services and restitution work: "we collected over $70,000 in restitution in 2025," she said, noting those funds were returned to victims and are distinct from the department's processing surcharge revenue. The presentation covered specialized caseloads (DWI, domestic violence, drug court, veterans, sex‑offender supervision) and programs including a restorative‑justice diversion run with Family of Woodstock.

Committee members asked follow‑ups about whether restitution is budgeted revenue, staffing levels and the effect of bail‑reform changes on pretrial caseloads. Naccarato said the department keeps a modest processing surcharge (about 5% on many court orders) to cover collections work, is "almost fully staffed" with a small number of open positions and that local pretrial supervision numbers have remained fairly consistent since COVID because many releases now occur outside the department's supervision. The committee did not take formal action on the briefing but thanked Naccarato for the update.