The California Probation Connection

Episodes

1. 17

   The California Probation Connection Podcast | Episode 17

   Lake County Chief Probation Officer Wendy Mondfrans joins us in this episode to discuss Lake County Probation's annual Resilient Reentry Event. Learn more about #CAProbation and the Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) here: https://linktr.ee/caprobation

   Sep 18, 2026

   49 min
2. 16

   The California Probation Connection Podcast | Episode 16

   Chief Brian Passenheim of Placer County Probation joins us in this episode to reflect on his first year serving as Chief Probation Officer. Learn more about #CAProbation and the Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) here: https://linktr.ee/caprobation

   Jun 3, 2026

   1 hr 2 min
3. 15

   The California Probation Connection Podcast | Episode 15

   CPOC President and Contra Costa County Chief Probation Officer Esa Ehmen-Krause joins us in this episode to talk about what 2026 looks like for California Probation. Learn more about #CAProbation and the Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) here: https://linktr.ee/caprobationSubscribe to...

   Feb 18, 2026

   47 min
4. 14

   The California Probation Connection Podcast | Episode 14

   CPOC President and San Joaquin County Chief Probation Officer Steve Jackson joins us in this episode to recap the 2025 year for California Probation. Learn more about #CAProbation and the Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) here:...

   Dec 9, 2025

   1 hr 5 min
5. 13

   The California Probation Connection Episode 13

   In this episode, we dive into the evolving landscape of probation and discuss just some of the efforts used to address the complex mental and behavioral health needs of individuals on their journey toward reentry.

   Dec 12, 2023

   34 min
6. 12

   The California Probation Connection Episode 12

   In this episode, we delve into the intricate dynamics between incentives and sanctions within the world of probation. More specifically, how do we strike the right balance between the carrot and the stick?

   Nov 14, 2023

   1 hr 4 min
7. 11

   The California Probation Connection Episode 12

   In this episode, we delve into the intricate dynamics between incentives and sanctions within the world of probation. More specifically, how do we strike the right balance between the carrot and the stick?

   Nov 10, 2023

   1 hr 4 min
8. 10

   The California Probation Connection Episode 12

   In this episode, we delve into the intricate dynamics between incentives and sanctions within the world of probation. More specifically, how do we strike the right balance between the carrot and the stick?

   Nov 10, 2023

   1 hr 4 min
9. 9

   The California Probation Connection Episode 11

   In this episode, we showcase a panel discussion following the premiere of "Jetro's Journey," a documentary highlighting the life of Jetro, a young man under the care of Sacramento County Probation's supervised foster care program. The panel explores the transformative impact of probation officers...

   Aug 21, 2023

   1 hr 4 min
10. 8

    The California Probation Connection Episode 10

    For Probation Services Week, we sat down with Marlon Yarber, the Chief Probation Officer of Sacramento County, to hear about his professional journey and discuss how the work of probation has evolved. We also explored whether the mission has remained the same and how it aims to effectuate change...

    Jul 10, 2023

    46 min
11. 7

    The California Probation Connection Episode 9

    In this episode, we hear from Chief Marshall Hopper and Probation Manager Aaron Johnson of Placer County to talk about their innovative approach to servicing their communities through mobile probation vehicles and how these vehicles have become a moving landmark to the probationers they serve.

    Jun 22, 2023

    32 min
12. 6

    The California Probation Connection Episode 8

    In this episode, we hear from the CPOC Award Winner for the 2022 Employee of the Year, Jim Schuette, and the Chief of Shasta County Probation, Tracie Neal, about how Shasta Probation transformed prevention efforts in the school system by assigning Schuette to duty.

    May 18, 2023

    48 min
13. 5

    The California Probation Connection Episode 7

    In this episode, we are joined by two recently retired chiefs, both of whom have served as CPOC President, to discuss the evolution of probation over the past two decades.

    Mar 27, 2023

    45 min
14. 4

    The California Probation Connection Episode 6

    This episode features some of CPOC's legislative team to talk about CPOC priorities and advocacy efforts in 2023.

    Feb 2, 2023

    51 min
15. 3

    The California Probation Connection Episode 5

    This episode features Chief Sam Leach from Calaveras County where he discusses the art and science behind case planning and probation work.

    Dec 21, 2022

    41 min
16. 2

    The California Probation Connection Ep. 4

    This episode features Chief Robert Reyes from San Luis Obispo County and Chief TR Merickel from Kern County where they discuss what makes a modern probation officer and how probation is an integral connector in the justice system.

    Oct 21, 2022

    43 min
17. 1

    The California Probation Connection Episode 3

    This episode features Chief Mark Bonini from Amador County where he discusses some of the recent justice reforms, how and why they were created, probation’s role, and the impact these reforms have today.

    Sep 20, 2022

    50 min
18. The California Probation Connection Episode 2

    Our second episode features Chief Esa Ehmen-Krause from Contra Costa County and Chief John Keene from Santa Mateo County where they discuss the perceptions and realities on the rise of crime.

    Aug 17, 2022

    29 min
19. The California Probation Connection Episode 1

    Welcome to the California Probation Connection, a podcast by the Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) and hosted by CPOC executive director, Karen Pank. This podcast is a space to dive deeper into the complex topics that face probation professionals, as well as everyone involved in our...

    Jul 15, 2022

    31 min