Westchester County Probation Association

08/23/2026

The Westchester County Probation Association mourns the loss of retired Supervising Probation Officer Suzanne Schatzle, whose decades of service to Westchester County Probation left a lasting impact on countless individuals, victims, families, and colleagues. 

Suzanne began her career with Westchester Probation in 1987, serving in both Criminal and Family Court and working in numerous specialized units, including General Supervision, Warrants, Victim Advocacy, Domestic Violence, and Mental Health. For the final four years of her career, she served as a supervisor overseeing Mental Health, Domestic Violence, and Victim Services.

Her commitment to victims and their families was especially meaningful. Suzanne represented the Department on the Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force and the Domestic Violence Coalition, advocating for victims and supporting families affected by violent crimes.

In 2017, Suzanne was recognized by New York State with the Director’s Award for Outstanding Service by a Probation Officer, honoring her for her work with helping victims of domestic violence and holding abusive offenders accountable. 

Beyond her career, Suzanne devoted her time to serving others. She volunteered with helping veterans as well as individuals with developmental challenges, mental illness, autism, and physical disabilities all through an equestrian therapy program, as well as worked with children at the Jacob Burns Film Center. She also served as President of the Council of the Arts for the Town of Harrison for 10 years and was a comedian and entertainer beginning in 2008.

Suzanne’s life was defined by service, compassion, advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to others.

We extend our deepest condolences to Suzanne’s family, friends, former colleagues, and all those whose lives she touched throughout her years of service.

Rest in peace, Suzanne. Your service will not be forgotten.

08/10/2026

The Westchester County Probation Association remains committed to pursuing a 25-year retirement plan for Westchester County Probation Officers.

Probation Officers are law enforcement professionals who serve on the front lines of public safety every day. We believe the work we do, the risks we face, and the responsibilities we carry deserve the same recongnition and retirement benefits afforded to others members of the law enforcement community.

We appreciate the continued dialogue with County leadership, the Board of Legislators, and the support of our members and community. While there is still work to be done, the door remains open and the work continues.

08/06/2026

07/31/2026

This week some of our members had the opportunity to attend the annual New York State Probation Officers Association (NYSPOA) conference. This year’s theme was Leadership in Action: Empowering Probation Officers to Lead with Purpose. Probation Officers from across New York State collaborated, networked and participated in a variety of training sessions focused on best practices, management within their departments, officer wellness and safety.

NYSPOA is comprised of current and retired Probation Officers from all 57 County Probation Departments across the state with the common goals of increasing public safety, raising awareness, and promoting professionalism in the field of community corrections.

Thank you to the NYSPOA Executive Committee President Daniel Connor, Jefferson County, Vice President Amanda Bond, Niagara County, Secretary Sara Cecce, Delaware County, Treasurer Julie Smithers, Oswego County, Immediate Past President Gladys Larson, Tompkins County, and our Region 4 Vice President Sylvester Price, Westchester County, for a great conference and the opportunity to learn from each other!

And a special thank you to Matthew Charton, Deputy Commissioner and Probation Director, NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services, Office of Probation and Correctional Alternatives for taking the time to speak with our members about the goals and priorities of WCPA, and for his fierce advocacy of the probation profession at the state level.

07/26/2026

As we close out National Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week, we’re recognizing two specialized units that play a critical role in protecting our communities every day.

🔹 The High Impact Unit supervises approximately 200 of Westchester County’s highest-risk offenders, focusing on individuals with documented gang involvement and/or firearm-related offenses. As a participant in New York’s GIVE (Gun Involved Violence Elimination) initiative, the unit works alongside the FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals as well as local and state law enforcement to reduce gun violence and improve public safety.

Since 2025, officers have removed more than 16 illegal fi****ms from our streets. In 2026 alone, they have recovered eight additional fi****ms, along with illegal narcotics, am******on, bullet-resistant vests, stolen credit cards, forged checks, and even a 3D printer used to manufacture illegal ghost guns.

🔹 Warrant Unit is responsible for locating and apprehending violent felony offenders who have absconded from probation supervision. Using advanced investigative techniques and working closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, the unit ensures non-compliant probationers are brought before the court quickly.

During the first five months of 2026, the Warrant Unit successfully arrested 43 violent felony offenders and helped to clear 50 additional violent felony warrants, helping make our communities safer.

These units demonstrate the risks probation officers are willing to take to enforce judicial mandates and help to ensure criminals that are out on the streets are following their court ordered directives and not posing a threat to the community. Furthermore, the warrant squad helps demonstrate we will not just let someone run from their responsibility to answer for the crimes they have committed.

07/26/2026

WCPA had a fantastic night at the Westchester Uniformed Dispatchers Association WUDA Local 60 event, standing alongside those who serve our communities every day. It was great connecting with so many dedicated public safety professionals, and we were grateful for the opportunity to speak with Congressman Mike Lawler Mike Lawler . Thank you to WUDA for hosting a great event—we look forward to continuing to build these partnerships and seeing everyone at the next event!

07/25/2026

Today for Pre-Trial, Probation, & Parole Week, we’re highlighting the dedicated officers of the Family Court Unit, who work with youth and families to promote accountability, rehabilitation, and safer communities.

Family Court Officers supervise youth between the ages of 12 and 17, handling cases that range from PINS Diversion matters to serious delinquency cases. Their work extends far beyond supervision—they collaborate with parents, schools, therapists, service providers, attorneys, and the courts to develop individualized case plans that address each young person’s needs while protecting the community.

With the implementation of New York’s Raise the Age legislation, specially trained Family Court Officers also supervise eligible 16- and 17-year-olds whose cases have been transferred from the Youth Part to Family Court. These cases often involve higher-risk youth and require intensive supervision, careful case management, and close coordination with the court and community partners.

Every day, these officers balance accountability with the opportunity for positive change, helping young people make better choices while supporting victims, families, and public safety.

Thank you to our Family Court Officers for your professionalism, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the youth and communities of Westchester County.

07/24/2026

For today’s Pre-Trial, Probation, and Parole Week, Unit Spotlight, we recognize the dedicated officers of our Domestic Violence and S*x Offender Units—specialized law enforcement professionals who work every day to protect victims, enforce court-ordered conditions, and reduce the risk of future victimization through intensive supervision and accountability.

🔹 Domestic Violence Unit
The Domestic Violence Unit provides intensive supervision of individuals sentenced to probation for domestic violence offenses. Officers conduct investigations, perform field visits, enforce court-ordered conditions,facilitate mandatory domestic violence groups, and respond to violations while maintaining a strong focus on victim safety. Working closely with our Victim Outreach Officers, and law enforcement partners, the unit combines close supervision with evidence-based interventions to reduce reoffending and enhance community safety. 🔹 S*x Offender Unit
The S*x Offender Unit provides specialized intensive supervision of individuals convicted of s*x offenses. Officers conduct comprehensive home visits and property searches, maintain frequent contact with offenders, and continually monitor authorized electronic devices. They also work closely with treatment providers and s*x offense-specific polygraph examiners to ensure offenders remain compliant with court-ordered conditions and the New York State S*x Offender Registration Act. Westchester County Probation has long been recognized as a national leader in s*x offender supervision, maintaining a historical recidivism rate of just 1% and earning designation as one of the National Center for S*x Offender Management’s original mentor sites.

Each Halloween, the department also conducts its well-known “Grim Reaper Night” operation. As part of this annual public safety initiative, qualifying s*x offenders under probation supervision are required to report to the Westchester County Courthouse until 10:00 p.m., reducing opportunities for inappropriate contact while children and families celebrate Halloween.

07/23/2026

For the third day of Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week, we proudly recognize the dedicated professionals of the Pre- Sentence Investigation Unit and Custody & Adoption Investigations Unit. Their work behind the scenes provides courts with objective, thorough, and timely reports that assist judges in making informed decisions in both Criminal and Family Court.

Every investigation is conducted with professionalism, integrity, and impartiality. Probation Officers gather information through interviews, review of relevant records, and, when ordered by the court, home visits.

The unit prepares a wide variety of investigations and reports, including:
• Pre-Sentence Investigations
• Pre-Disposition Investigations
• Violation of Probation Reports
• Adoption, Custody, Guardianship, and Visitation Investigations
• Certificate of Relief Reports
• S*x Offender Registration Act (SORA) Reports
• Leandra’s Law Non-Compliance Reports

A Pre-Sentence Investigation is one of the most important tools available to the court. As a legally mandated report, it provides judges with the information needed to determine appropriate sentencing and conditions of probation.

In Family Court, the reports done by Probation Officers serve as the eyes and ears of the court, conducting objective investigations and providing recommendations that focus on the best interests of children and dependent adults.