Welcome to the California Probation Connection, a podcast by the Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) and hosted by CPOC executive director, Karen Pank. This podcast is a space to dive deeper into the complex topics that face probation professionals, as well as everyone involved in our justice system.
The California Probation Connection Podcast | Episode 17
Lake County Chief Probation Officer Wendy Mondfrans shares insights into Lake County Probation's annual Resilient Reentry Event in this interview.
3 Jun 2026
The California Probation Connection Podcast | Episode 16
Chief Brian Passenheim of Placer County Probation joins us in this episode to reflect on his first year serving as Chief Probation Officer. Learn more about #CAProbation and the Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) here: https://linktr.ee/caprobation
18 Feb 2026
The California Probation Connection Podcast | Episode 15
CPOC President and Contra Costa County Chief Probation Officer Esa Ehmen-Krause joins us in this episode to talk about what 2026 looks like for California Probation. Learn more about #CAProbation and the Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) here: https://linktr.ee/caprobationSubscribe to our Youtube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@CAProbation
9 Dec 2025
The California Probation Connection Podcast | Episode 14
CPOC President and San Joaquin County Chief Probation Officer Steve Jackson joins us in this episode to recap the 2025 year for California Probation.
Learn more about #CAProbation and the Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) here: https://linktr.ee/caprobation?utm_source=linktree_admin_share
Subscribe to our Youtube Channel here: https://youtube.com/@CAProbation?si=sXucX2zxpSgIz1g_
12 Dec 2023
The California Probation Connection Episode 13
In this episode, we dive into the evolving landscape of probation and discuss just some of the efforts used to address the complex mental and behavioral health needs of individuals on their journey toward reentry.
14 Nov 2023
The California Probation Connection Episode 12
In this episode, we delve into the intricate dynamics between incentives and sanctions within the world of probation. More specifically, how do we strike the right balance between the carrot and the stick?
21 Aug 2023
The California Probation Connection Episode 11
In this episode, we showcase a panel discussion following the premiere of "Jetro's Journey," a documentary highlighting the life of Jetro, a young man under the care of Sacramento County Probation's supervised foster care program. The panel explores the transformative impact of probation officers and resource parents on the lives of individuals like Jetro.
10 Jul 2023
The California Probation Connection Episode 10
For Probation Services Week, we sat down with Marlon Yarber, the Chief Probation Officer of Sacramento County, to hear about his professional journey and discuss how the work of probation has evolved. We also explored whether the mission has remained the same and how it aims to effectuate change for the improvement of our communities.
22 Jun 2023
The California Probation Connection Episode 9
In this episode, we hear from Chief Marshall Hopper and Probation Manager Aaron Johnson of Placer County to talk about their innovative approach to servicing their communities through mobile probation vehicles and how these vehicles have become a moving landmark to the probationers they serve.
18 May 2023
The California Probation Connection Episode 8
In this episode, we hear from the CPOC Award Winner for the 2022 Employee of the Year, Jim Schuette, and the Chief of Shasta County Probation, Tracie Neal, about how Shasta Probation transformed prevention efforts in the school system by assigning Schuette to duty.
27 Mar 2023
The California Probation Connection Episode 7
In this episode, we are joined by two recently retired chiefs, both of whom have served as CPOC President, to discuss the evolution of probation over the past two decades.
2 Feb 2023
The California Probation Connection Episode 6
This episode features some of CPOC's legislative team to talk about CPOC priorities and advocacy efforts in 2023.
21 Dec 2022
The California Probation Connection Episode 5
This episode features Chief Sam Leach from Calaveras County where he discusses the art and science behind case planning and probation work.
21 Oct 2022
The California Probation Connection Ep. 4
This episode features Chief Robert Reyes from San Luis Obispo County and Chief TR Merickel from Kern County where they discuss what makes a modern probation officer and how probation is an integral connector in the justice system.
20 Sept 2022
The California Probation Connection Episode 3
This episode features Chief Mark Bonini from Amador County where he discusses some of the recent justice reforms, how and why they were created, probation’s role, and the impact these reforms have today.
17 Aug 2022
The California Probation Connection Episode 2
Our second episode features Chief Esa Ehmen-Krause from Contra Costa County and Chief John Keene from Santa Mateo County where they discuss the perceptions and realities on the rise of crime.
15 Jul 2022
The California Probation Connection Episode 1
Welcome to the California Probation Connection, a podcast by the Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) and hosted by CPOC executive director, Karen Pank. This podcast is a space to dive deeper into the complex topics that face probation professionals, as well as everyone involved in our justice system. Our first episode features Chief Brian Richart from El Dorado County and Chief Laura Garnette from Santa Clara County, where they discuss the ever changing landscape of California's juvenile justice system and what role probation plays now and will in the future.
Inside a recent episode
The California Probation Connection Podcast | Episode 17
Published 18 Sept 2026 · Transcript excerpt
[…] But if somebody doesn't want to change, if you just keep throwing programs at them, you know, and they know that they're not going to be held accountable, then you're not going to see the change but you're also losing all credibility ah that's a great point because if if you can say if you say something over and over and over just like with your kids right you say something over and over and over but you don't then send them to their room when they need to go to their room then they know they've got it on you and they're going to take advantage from here on out and it's the same with probation for probationers if if we don't you show them that we really mean it, then it's, you know, they're not going to even make an effort to do the thing. […]
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