The Law and Justice Society and the Department of Criminal Justice at the St. Joseph’s University, New York recently hosted Nassau County Probation Officers Elizabeth Pereira, Cassandra Esposito and Ben Muller for a lecture about the role of probation in the justice system, and its impact on individuals and communities.
During the presentation on the Long Island Campus, the officers discussed their personal experiences with the rigorous process of becoming a probation officer. They gave an in-depth look at their daily responsibilities, shedding light on the diverse and challenging nature of their work. As “Peace Officers,” their primary mission is to rehabilitate probationers— individuals who have been convicted of a crime and sentenced to a term of probation supervision by the court rather than incarceration.
With a background in social work, Muller shared that his previous career helped him become a better probation officer because he had prior experience working with troubled youth and adults.
The officers emphasized that while their duties involve ensuring compliance with court-ordered conditions, their main goal is to help probationers reintegrate into society and avoid reoffending. They highlighted the importance of their approach, which involves not only supervision but also providing support, resources and guidance to individuals who are on probation.
