Senate 36

SENATE RESOLUTION 36

(By Senators Willis and Grady)

[Introduced February 12, 2026]

Recognizing the third week of July as Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week.

Whereas, In 1999, the American Probation and Parole Association established Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week, to be observed annually during the third week of July, in order to recognize the vital role of supervision professionals within the criminal justice system; and

Whereas, Since that time, numerous states have issued official proclamations recognizing the service, dedication, and professionalism of probation, parole, and pretrial supervision officers; and

Whereas, West Virginia employs approximately 343 probation officers under the supervision of the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia, who collectively supervise more than 12,000 adults and juveniles, including individuals involved in Adult Drug Court, Juvenile Drug Court, Family Treatment Court, bond release supervision, and individuals released from the Division of Corrections for sexual and child abuse offenses; and

Whereas, Approximately 75 parole officers, under the supervision of the West Virginia Department of Corrections, are responsible for supervising over 2,900 offenders across the state; and

Whereas, Probation and parole officers play a critical role in public safety, offender accountability, rehabilitation, and the protection of West Virginia’s communities; and

Whereas, Probation, parole, and pretrial supervision are high-stress professions that involve significant physical and emotional risk, including regular contact with convicted offenders, exposure to weapons and illegal substances, threats to personal and family safety, assaults, and repeated exposure to some of the most serious and traumatic offenses; and

Whereas, The essential work of probation, parole, and pretrial supervision officers often occurs without public recognition, despite their daily contributions to community safety, offender rehabilitation, and the effective operation of the justice system; and

Whereas, Formally recognizing these professionals would increase public awareness, encourage recruitment into these demanding professions, and support the continued development and retention of high-quality probation and parole officers in West Virginia; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby recognizes the third week of July as Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Senate recognizes and commends the probation officers, parole officers, and pretrial supervision professionals of West Virginia for their dedication, professionalism, courage, and commitment to protecting the safety and well-being of the citizens of this state; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to Jessica Tripett, WVAPO President.