Adult Probation

Nebraska State Probation Statement of Values and Beliefs

To reach our Vision and accomplish our Mission, the Nebraska Probation System is guided by the following Values and Beliefs

We Believe in Dignity, Respect and Integrity:

• As Officers of the Court, we are held to a higher ethical standard. We take responsibility for treating employees, victims, offenders, and all others with dignity and respect in all interactions.

• Victims of crime are ensured a voice.

• Staff are valued and respected for who they are and what they do.

• We appreciate the cultural and gender differences of all.

We Believe in Professionalism:

• Probation staff adhere to a standard of excellence and serve as role models for all offenders.

• We value and show professionalism toward the courts, victims, offenders, colleagues, and community partners.

• We value a well-trained, highly-skilled professional staff.

• Being sensitive to the needs of victims and offenders is key to the success of our mission.

We Believe in Resourcefulness:

• We value evidence-based community correctional programming as a cost-effective alternative to incarceration.

• A creative and innovative staff is our greatest resource. Investing in juvenile justice ultimately reduces recidivism.

• Investing in juvenile justice ultimately reduces recidivism.

We Believe in Excellence in Strength-Based Services:

• Vital to rehabilitation and accountability is community-based cooperation and collaboration.

• Solid Probation practices based on proven research is fundamental to our success.

• Positive change is achievable.

• Treatment is a means of crime control.

• Developing competencies in the youth of today will lead to better citizens of tomorrow.

• Building on the strengths of offenders creates a basis for positive growth and change.

Supervision

District 3A Probation offers community based judicial supervision for individuals placed on probation and post-release supervision. Through evidence based supervision practices, District 3A Probation strives to reduce recidivism and rehabilitate individuals placed on supervision. District 3A Probation employs over 40 probation supervision officers whom strive to keep our local community safe, protect victims, and rehabilitate individuals placed on supervision.

Officers routinely receive advanced training in substance abuse, trauma informed care, victim safety and rights, domestic violence, mental health, and other advanced topics.

Presentence Investigations

District 3A Probation prepares detailed investigative reports as requested by Lancaster County Judges. The Presentence Investigation Unit operates with a staff of 10 officers, responsible for preparing a comprehensive report for the judge regarding the back-ground of the person appearing before the court for sentencing. The report outlines the person’s criminal back ground; family, school and work history; interpersonal relationships; alcohol/drug use; physical and mental health, suitability for supervision; and other factors. Another component involves reaching out to victims so they can have a voice in how they were affected by the crime.

Drug Testing

At present the District 3A Reporting Center drug testing unit conducts testing on approx. 100,000 drug tests on a yearly basis. Chemical testing is viewed as an extremely valuable tool as it pertains to motivation for and confirmation of sobriety, as well as possible deterrent to use of chemicals.

Reporting Center

The Reporting Centers provide a continuum of services for clients under one roof. We work with a variety of individuals with different needs and risk levels. By pooling state and county resources, the centers can provide a means by which clients’ time can be structured towards educational opportunities, employment assistance, and a variety of classes and groups that are either court-ordered or offered because there is a need.

Classes offered include: Employment classes, Relapse Prevention, Pre-treatment class, Trauma groups (Men's and Women's), Anger Management, Crime Victim Empathy class, AA Meetings, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) and Thinking for a Change (T4C) - Officer facilitated, Officer facilitated monthly groups, Life Skills classes through Change Company, Individual Counseling through UNL, and Money Management are all classes currently offered throughout the year.