Orange County celebrates 115 years of probation services; chief highlights youth programs and planned treatment center

The Orange County Board of Supervisors celebrated the Probation Department’s long history and heard department leadership describe current programs for justice-involved youth and plans for a new youth treatment and housing facility.

Chairman Wagner invited probation leaders to the dais to mark what he called the department’s long service to the county. Board remarks recalled the department’s founding in 1909 and noted 14 chiefs preceded the current chief. Chief Daniel Hernandez (named in remarks and identified in the meeting) thanked the board and described the department’s priorities: public safety while providing interventions aimed at improving outcomes for those under supervision. Hernandez noted the department has a mix of correctional officers, court-report authors and professional staff focused on reintegration.

Supervisors Doug Chaffee and Vicente Sarmiento praised the department’s rehabilitative programs, education and vocational training for detained youth, and collaborative work with the Social Services Agency and mobile resource units (OC Cares). Sarmiento highlighted on-site and off-site college courses, an on-site automotive repair shop and other training programs, and said the department is building a new youth treatment center offering transitional housing and additional supports for youth leaving custody.

Chief Hernandez recounted historical department milestones and said outreach to middle and high schools aims to recruit and educate future officers and community members about probation’s role. No formal policy action was taken at this ceremonial recognition; the board moved next to other agenda items.