BLACK PROBATION OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY MARKS 50 YEARS OF LEADERSHIP
The Black Probation Officers Association (BPOA) of Los Angeles County grew out of the turbulent conditions of the 1960’s and early 1970’s where a climate of unrest in the Black community and disparaging inequities in the workplace demanded that change take place. Aware of the growing sense of frustration among his peers, Deputy Probation Officer Winston Washington was compelled to act.
He circulated a questionnaire regarding working conditions and the need for change and received an overwhelming response. By the spring of 1968, a movement addressing the specific concerns of African Americans in the L.A. County Probation Department was born. BPOA became the vehicle for change and a charge led by an undeterred group of visionaries.
BPOA recently held their Training Conference where the theme was “Celebrating 50 years of collaboration and partnership.” At the event BPOA President Michele R. Kennedy welcomed attendees to the event noting both the historical and present-day significance of the organization.
“The legacy of BPOA will continue to evolve and our members will continue to reap the benefits through scholarship, outreach and training,” said President Kennedy. “Your presence today affirms your appreciation of the past and hope for the future”
Since its founding in 1968, the BPOA has committed itself to protecting and advancing the interest of its members while helping youth and adults on probation. Today the BPOA has adopted several strategic initiatives that include establishing a mentoring program to improve the skills of the Department’s employees, establishing an employee representative team, and improving outcomes for probationers by building relationships with local communities and faith-based organizations.
“I say thank you to the 15 people that had the courage to say ‘I am no longer able to accept the status quo, I’m going to now get involved in a movement to change that which I cannot accept,’” said L.A. County Probation Deputy Director Felicia Cotton. “Those are the founders of BPOA, upon who shoulders I stand. I know that the reason I sit at tables and hold the positions that I hold is because of you.”
One of the highlights of this year’s BPOA Conference included a Gala and Recognition ceremony where awards were given for those who made outstanding contributions to the field of community corrections.
BPOA President Michele Kennedy and Chief Deputy for Adult Services Reaver Bingham
And the Winners were:
- Detention Services Officer of the Year – Paul Ordonez
- Residential Treatment Services Officer of the Year – Kevin Ross
- Adult Field Deputy Probation Officer of the Year – Davon Matthews
- Juvenile Field Deputy Probation Officer of the Year – Brandy Torres Saucedo
- BPOA Member of the Year -Louise Dodson
- Support Staff of the Year -Tabitha Mason
- Judicial Award – Hon. John C. Lawson II
- Winston B. Washington Leadership Award – Felicia Cotton
- Emma J. Thomas Outstanding Service Award – Monique Newson
- Founder’s Living Legend Award – Eric Ufondu
- Nelson E. Offley Community Impact Award – Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
- Special Recognition – Emma J. Thomas
“This organization was built out of a time of turmoil, discrimination and lack of opportunity,” said L.A. County Chief Probation Officer Terri L. McDonald. “It was built at a time when people of color were not represented in law enforcement circles across America, yet the people that were impacted by the criminal justice system were people of color. It takes courage and dynamic change to challenge the process and now 50 years later this organization stands strong.”
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