PSCC hears status update on Mobile Rancher Unit; presenter cites about 27% drop in technical probation violations
May 15, 2026 | Hillsborough County, Florida
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Hillsborough County State Attorney Susie Lopez called the Public Safety Coordinating Council (PSCC) full council meeting to order and invited Robert Parkinson to present a status update on the Florida Department of Corrections Mobile Rancher Unit project.
Robert Parkinson provided the update, saying the PSCC previously voted to support the MRU project and that it will use this year’s Justice Assistance Grant funds. Parkinson said the model is intended to enhance probation compliance and reduce recidivism driven by technical violations. “The other Florida communities that have implemented the model have been able to reduce technical violations by about 27%,” he said, and added that for the circuit that could mean a reduction of EOP cases in the proximity of about 1,500 cases per year.
Parkinson outlined procurement and approval milestones. He said approvals from the U.S. Department of Justice and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement were obtained earlier this year; the vehicle shell was ordered on March 30 and the diesel platform was ordered on April 1. He described the next steps as marrying the chassis to the shell when the chassis is complete, noting an internal completion time frame of November 15 and a scheduled delivery date of 2027-01-10.
Parkinson also said several local nonprofits, including A Brown Ministries and the Inspire program, have reached out to partner on MPU deployment and that the county has discussed using opioid-settlement funds to support MPU operations. He said the Department of Corrections will be invited to the behavioral health task force to coordinate partner engagement once the vehicle is available.
Parkinson acknowledged staff and regional partners who have worked on the project. After the update the chair asked for comment; there were no public comments and the meeting moved toward adjournment.
Votes at a glance: The council approved the minutes of the Jan. 16 full council meeting by voice vote; a motion to adjourn was offered and the meeting was subsequently adjourned.
Robert Parkinson provided the update, saying the PSCC previously voted to support the MRU project and that it will use this year’s Justice Assistance Grant funds. Parkinson said the model is intended to enhance probation compliance and reduce recidivism driven by technical violations. “The other Florida communities that have implemented the model have been able to reduce technical violations by about 27%,” he said, and added that for the circuit that could mean a reduction of EOP cases in the proximity of about 1,500 cases per year.
Parkinson outlined procurement and approval milestones. He said approvals from the U.S. Department of Justice and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement were obtained earlier this year; the vehicle shell was ordered on March 30 and the diesel platform was ordered on April 1. He described the next steps as marrying the chassis to the shell when the chassis is complete, noting an internal completion time frame of November 15 and a scheduled delivery date of 2027-01-10.
Parkinson also said several local nonprofits, including A Brown Ministries and the Inspire program, have reached out to partner on MPU deployment and that the county has discussed using opioid-settlement funds to support MPU operations. He said the Department of Corrections will be invited to the behavioral health task force to coordinate partner engagement once the vehicle is available.
Parkinson acknowledged staff and regional partners who have worked on the project. After the update the chair asked for comment; there were no public comments and the meeting moved toward adjournment.
Votes at a glance: The council approved the minutes of the Jan. 16 full council meeting by voice vote; a motion to adjourn was offered and the meeting was subsequently adjourned.
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