Shasta launches Mobile Probation Vehicle program to remove barriers for those living in rural areas
The MPV will be used to provide services to people who are unhoused or live in rural areas to help them successfully comply with the terms and conditions of their probation. It’s funded by a more than $280,000 state grant.
The Shasta County Probation Department has launched a Mobile Probation Vehicle to increase access to probation services, particularly for people living in the more rural areas of the county.
The MPV is meant to remove barriers that prevent those on probation — specifically those who are unhoused or live in rural areas — from successfully complying with the terms and conditions of their probation and supervision requirements, according to a county staff report. A probation staffer presented about the new program at yesterday’s board of supervisors meeting.
Probation is a court-mandated period of supervision in which a person who has been convicted of a crime must abide by a set of terms and conditions. It’s a rehabilitative alternative to jail or prison that allows individuals to remain in the community rather than be incarcerated. Examples of probation conditions include requirements to regularly report to a probation officer, submit to periodic drug or alcohol tests and engage in community service.
The staff report explained that about 31% of individuals on adult probation live outside of the county’s three incorporated cities, and about 20% are unhoused, making it difficult for those on probation to have consistent compliance and participation in treatment. Geographic isolation, financial instability and limited public transportation create barriers to in-person reporting and treatment, the Probation Department said.
“The Mobile Probation Vehicle (MPV) directly addresses these challenges by bringing supervision, treatment referrals, assessments, and support services into the communities where these individuals live,” the report said.
During yesterday’s board meeting, Shasta Assistant Chief Probation Officer Eric Jones explained to supervisors that the Probation Department will dedicate a full-time position to the MPV program. Deputy Probation Officer Lucrezia Lewis will hold the role.
The MPV itself features work stations, virtual treatment capabilities and meeting space. The program will partner with local providers for behavioral health assessments, substance use referrals and treatment services, as well as housing, employment and Medi-Cal assistance.
“By meeting people where they are,” the report said, “the program aims to increase compliance, reduce recidivism, and improve public safety.”
The MPV is funded by a more than $280,000 grant from the Board of State and Community Corrections. Shasta was one of three Northern California counties to have received this funding, the county said.
The MPV program will operate on a structured monthly schedule, with services offered at the following times and locations:
- Mondays (9:30-11:30 a.m.): 2842 S. Market St., Redding
- First Tuesday (9:30-11:30 a.m.): 7074 Wilson Hill Rd., Shingletown
- Second and Fourth Tuesdays (10 a.m.-1 p.m.): 37477 CA-299, Burney
- Third Tuesday (9:30-11:30 a.m.): 4126 Ashby Ct., Shasta Lake
- Wednesdays (9:30-11:30 a.m.): Masonic Avenue next to Masonic Family Center
- First Thursday (9:30-11:30 a.m.): 20808 Mammoth Dr., Lakehead
- Second Thursday (9:30-11:30 a.m.): 14385 Main St., French Gulch
- Third Thursday (9:30-11:30 a.m.): 5400 Happy Valley Rd., Anderson
- Fourth Thursday (9:30-11:30 a.m.): 3210 W. Center St., Anderson
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Who, when, and why was the “baseline” established that showed a need for improvement in compliance by unhoused or hinterland-housed probationers? Six of the nine locations listed are anything but to far for a down-and-out probationer to reach on any given day. Remember, if they are down-and-out people, they are entitled to a free cellphone and free cellphone service.
Apparently, the Burney office of the Shasta County Probation Department was closed because of the new low-mileage “van” going into “service.”
What was the cost of the van itself as outfitted as shown?
Last but not least, what was the cost of the painting of the van, and was the person responsible for the design of the mural of the van, tested for being under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol at the time of the finalization of the design of the mural?
The MPV seems like a much needed service, and I’m glad to see this being implemented. However, it still doesn’t solve access problems for some Shasta County people on probation. For example, Burney is 32 miles away from the northeast corner of Shasta County (the Day Rd area of McArthur), and there is no public transportation from that location to Burney.
Kris B-W: Good flag. Supervisor Harmon also asked about service to some of the more rural areas and the probation dept said the schedule could be adjusted. I’d encourage this kind of feedback to the county.
It sounds like the MPV won’t have a drug- or alcohol-testing capability, not even an ability to collect urine samples for analysis elsewhere. If that’s correct, I wonder how much that lack will limit the MPV’s usefulness.