The Suffolk County Probation Officers Association was incorporated as a fraternal organization on July 22, 1983. The original officers of the association were John Greves, Roslyn Block, Maureen Walther, June Munro, Juliet Grahn, and George Kohl. Over the ensuing 20 years, the association worked on a variety of issues and situations to enhance the professionalism of Probation Officers, including the successful lobbying of Suffolk legislators for the funding of vehicles to be utilized by our field officers.

The desire of an overwhelming majority of Probation Officers to obtain union representation more responsive to our specific needs led to efforts to decertify from our labor union and to act as our own bargaining unit. On May 3, 2004, we were successful in this endeavor. The Suffolk County Probation Officers Association was certified as the sole bargaining unit for Probation Officers. This effort was led by the SCPOA Executive Board of Barbara Rivadeneyra, Rita Marie, Donna Vigilante, and Robin Onufrock, who were elected in 2003. They became the first officers of the newly formed Union upon its inception.

Today, our 236 members supervise approximately 14,000 individuals in the community; including juvenile, misdemeanor, and felony offenders. In addition, we conduct about 8,000 investigations annually to assist the courts in determining sentences. Our members monitor approximately 400 registered sex offenders, play an integral role in Suffolk’s anti-gang initiatives, and perform 24 hour monitoring of offenders through electronic monitoring and GPS technology.

Our officers are sworn peace officers and receive specialized training in all areas of law enforcement. We have our own training staff; with instructors certified to provide instruction in firearms training, defensive tactics, O.C. spray, baton, and Taser training. Several of our members serve with distinction on the U.S. Marshals Regional Fugitive Task Force, East End Drug Task Force, New York’s Operation Impact, and the FBI’s Gang Task Force.

Our members are dedicated to serving the citizens of Suffolk County with the highest degree of professionalism. The Suffolk County Probation Officer’s Association is proud to represent each of our hard-working and devoted members.