Welcome to Santa Cruz County

        Probation Department


The Probation Department operates pursuant to Section 1203.5 of the California Penal Code and Section 270 of the Welfare and Institutions Code. The Probation Department operates as an arm of the Court and is responsible for services required by the Adult and Juvenile Courts. The department is divided into three divisions: Adult, Juvenile, and Institutions (Juvenile Hall). The Adult and Juvenile divisions perform both investigative and supervision functions. The department also staffs and administers the Work Furlough Program and Pretrial Services.

The following mission and vision statement guides all of Santa Cruz County Probation services and programs:

The Santa Cruz County Probation Department is committed to preventing crime and helping repair harm caused by crime. We promote:

    Community Safety and Health
    Offender Accountability & Opportunity for a Positive Change
    Justice for Victims
    Respect and Fairness for All

Our Vision is to be a leader and an active partner with the community in promoting safety and in building productive futures. We hold these values:

Integrity, Excellence, Compassion, Creativity, Respect, and Fairness.



In carrying out the mission statement of our organization, we recognize that youth, not needing secure detention, should be provided less restrictive alternatives to incarceration. We are proud to be one of 5 model sites for the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI).

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