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Media
Contact: Kerri Webb, Public Information Officer
kerri.webb@probation.lacounty.gov, (562) 315-3388
For Immediate Release:
November 6, 2019
L.A. COUNTY PROBATION RECEIVES RECOGNITION FROM PRODUCTIVITY AND QUALITY COMMISSION AT ANNUAL AWARDS
Data Coordination, Housing Program, Canine Weapon and Narcotic Detection Among Programs Honored
 LOS ANGELES—The Los Angeles County Probation Department was honored with three awards at the 33rd Annual Productivity and Quality Awards (PQA) last month. Probation received a Performance Measurement Award for its Justice Automated Information Management System (JAIMS) program, a Special Merit Award for its collaboration with the Office of Diversion and Reentry (ODR) Housing Program and an Honorable Mention Certificate for the Department’s Passive Alert Canine Detection Team.
The theme of the event was “Empowering Innovative Solutions,” a concept indicative of Probation’s JAIMS program. This program, a collaboration between the L.A. County Board of Supervisors Executive Office, Internal Services Department and Probation, is an efficient and automated data analytics solution for extracting and integrating data between disconnected multi-agency systems and various County systems. At the event, the JAIMS program received the Performance Measurement Award which recognizes the development of a concept which allows for immediate and reliable access to statistical information from various County agencies in real time.
JAIMS has enabled Probation in its case management efforts to be a step ahead when addressing program challenges by sharing and exchanging data in a secure data management platform. Reports are now made available online and are easily accessible via computer and mobile devices with appropriate measures in place to ensure data accuracy.
“Probation and other County departments are able to work together sharing information for case management in real time,” said Probation Special Assistant Leydi Evangelista. “I am honored to be part of the team that helped make this happen.”
To learn more about the JAIMS program, please visit https://vimeo.com/366893850.
 The JAIMS Team receiving the Performance Management Award at the 33rd Annual L.A. County Productivity and Quality Awards
Probation’s collaboration with the Superior Court, Alternate Public Defender, District Attorney, Health Services and the Public Defender for the Office of Diversion and Reentry (ODR) Housing Program was recognized and received a Special Merit Award. This award recognizes meritorious accomplishments of special projects that successfully fulfill departmental and County objectives.
ODR provides housing and specialized services for a population of people dealing with social, health, and public safety challenges. Many of the individuals in the program are on probation and have been homeless. As part of the program they receive treatment for substance abuse and mental health issues they may be suffering with. They also have access to housing that would not otherwise be available to them. ODR offers individualized care and empowers clients to become contributing members of society.
This program gives a population of individuals a second chance at life and an opportunity to re-enter the community. ODR’s mission ensures that these individuals have an opportunity to rehabilitate by improving their health outcomes, reducing recidivism, and reducing jail overcrowding.
Probation’s Passive Alert Canine Detection Team received an Honorable Mention for their exceptional performance detecting illicit narcotics and firearms while performing residential compliance searches in a more efficient manner. The canine team has made a tangible difference in assisting with searches, especially in situations where officers could easily miss finding contraband in overly cluttered and densely packed spaces. Since its inception in 2017, the unit has assisted in 784 residence and vehicle searches resulting in the seizure of 69 handguns/rifles and close to 12,100 rounds of ammunition, resulting in safer communities.
 Taking this type of weapon paraphernalia off the streets only aids in achieving the Probation Department’s mission of enhancing public safety, ensuring victims’ rights and effecting positive Probationer behavioral change.
“I applaud the collective efforts of our Probation staff as each award is a valid recognition of the solid results coming from Probation as a whole,” said L.A. County Chief Probation Officer Terri L. McDonald. “As a result of these overall efforts, the communities and neighborhoods we serve are safer, our clients are receiving better care, and those that are most vulnerable have a safe place to live.”
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