Del Norte County Probation Department

08/27/2026

Our Youth Opportunity Center crew was out recently helping Melanie get the Crescent Elk garden ready for the season before school started. The youth did a great job helping load the dirt up to put into the garden beds.

It's worth sharing what the YOC really is: these are great kids navigating some tough circumstances, and they come to the YOC on their own — most aren't on any kind of supervision. They're here because it matters to them. They show up because they want to grow, build skills, and be part of something positive.

Working within the community allows our youth to give back, gain valuable job experience, and build positive social skills. We're super proud of their hard work and effort out there making our community better!

08/24/2026

As students across Del Norte County head back to school, the CHP Crescent City Area reminds everyone to slow down and stay alert.

🚸 Watch for students walking and riding bicycles to and from school.
🚸 Obey all school zone speed limits and be prepared to stop for crossing guards and pedestrians.
🚸 Give bicyclists plenty of space and avoid distractions behind the wheel.

🚌 When a school bus displays flashing red lights and its stop arm is extended, California law requires drivers to stop and remain stopped until the lights stop flashing and students are safely clear of the roadway.

The first day of school is exciting for students, parents, and teachers. Let’s all do our part to ensure every child arrives safely and returns home safely.

08/20/2026

Del Norte County Probation Department was part of a local team that attended the AllRise conference last month, where we found that many of the concepts shown to be most impactful in reducing the need for detention are already being used in all our probation caseloads. Our officers also learned some more processes to make Del Norte specialty courts (such as Drug Court) as effective as possible.

08/13/2026

When someone succeeds on probation, their whole family feels it.

One of the ways Del Norte County Probation invests in that success is through our partnership with the Family Resource Center of the Redwoods, where we facilitate the Love and Logic parenting program. We recognize that many of the people under our supervision are also parents — and that helping them show up better at home is one of the most powerful things we can do for public safety and community health.

Stronger parents build stronger families. Stronger families build a stronger Del Norte.

08/06/2026

Public safety is at the heart of everything we do. Del Norte County Probation supervises adult and juvenile clients across our community — monitoring compliance, responding to violations, and working closely with law enforcement partners to keep Del Norte safe.

Accountability and rehabilitation aren't opposites. We pursue both, every day.

07/30/2026

We were so proud to celebrate Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week last week in Del Norte. There are so many dedicated individuals here at Del Norte Probation who give of themselves for the benefit and good of others in our community. We are so grateful to have such a good team.

07/23/2026

At the Youth Opportunity Center, Del Norte County Probation gives young people the chance to build real skills for real careers.
Through our Paxton/Patterson building skills program, youth learn hands-on trades like woodworking and construction fundamentals. And in our culinary program, participants earn their ServSafe certification — a nationally recognized food handler credential that opens doors to employment in kitchens and restaurants across the region.

These aren't busywork programs. They're résumé builders. The credentials our youth earn at the YOC go with them when they walk out the door.

07/16/2026

The young people under supervision with Del Norte County Probation have made mistakes — but most of them are also carrying weight that goes far beyond their offense. Trauma, unstable home environments, and social and emotional struggles are common threads in nearly every juvenile case we see.

Holding youth accountable and addressing what's underneath aren't mutually exclusive. Our juvenile probation team works to do both — providing structured supervision while connecting young people with the mental health support, skill-building, and stable relationships they need to turn things around.

It isn't always a straight road. But we walk it with them.

07/16/2026

Our heart breaks for Chief Washington's family and our Marin County Probation family.

Today, we share heartbreaking news with our community. It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our Chief Probation Officer, Marlon J. Washington, on July 10, 2026.

Chief Washington dedicated nearly three decades to public service, leading with integrity, compassion, and an unwavering belief that every person deserves the opportunity to grow, change, and succeed. His leadership transformed lives, strengthened our department, and inspired all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Those who knew Chief Washington will always remember his warm smile and welcoming presence. No matter the challenge, he greeted others with kindness, optimism, and genuine compassion, making people feel seen, valued, and encouraged. His smile reflected the hope and positivity he brought to our department and the communities we serve.

Chief Washington championed the values of EPIC (Excellence, Professionalism, Integrity, and Community) not only through his words but through his actions every day. He believed these principles were the foundation of public service and challenged each of us to embody them in our work, our leadership, and our commitment to the people we serve.

More than a Chief, he was a mentor, a visionary, and a steadfast advocate for justice, accountability, and hope. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched, the leaders he inspired, and the communities he served.

Please join us in keeping Chief Washington’s family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones in your thoughts during this incredibly difficult time.

Rest in peace, Chief. Thank you for leading with Excellence, Professionalism, Integrity, and Compassion, and for reminding us through your unwavering smile that leadership begins with kindness. Your legacy will continue to guide the Marin County Probation Department for generations to come. 💙

07/09/2026

By the Numbers: Del Norte County's poverty rate is nearly 174% above the state average — and that economic reality touches everyone in our justice system.

Our new Mobile Services Unit, funded through California's Mobile Probation Service Centers Grant Program, is a practical solution to a practical problem. We're removing the distance barrier so our clients can focus on what matters: meeting their obligations and moving forward.