Video by Jeff Baur
CDCR Office of Public and Employee Communications
Welcome to Day 1 of the Pre-Field Orientation Program (PFOP). In this innovative program, agents new to CDCR’s Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) learn the ropes from experienced parole professionals.
As part of ensuring public safety and effective parole supervision, DAPO’s agents serve as coaches for the men and women on their caseloads, helping ease their transition back into society. From performing home checks to assisting parolees with services such as education, employment and life skills, parole agents play a vital role in reentry success.
Here, Inside CDCR takes a peek inside what the first day of PFOB looks like. Next week, ride along with a parole agent to see what it’s like to learn from an experienced agent in the field.
CDCR employees may view this video by clicking the “play” button below.
Non-state employees may also view the YouTube video (link opens new tab).
Transcript
(Hey, good morning folks.)
David Babby
What’s happening today is that we are talking to our recruits that are coming through the academy.
Douglas Eckenrod
One of the things that we’re attempting to accomplish with this Pre-Field Orientation Program is to download some of this experience from senior officers to you folks.
David Babby
We’re trying to give them an introduction as to what they are going to be expecting over the next few weeks to try to prepare them for the academy and to give them a broader scope of what we do as Parole and what they are going to be involved with going forward, and how it impacts the lives of parolees and their families.
Joshua Carling
Parolees have served their time in prison and now they’re just taking that next step in their life to hopefully become successful people.
David Babby
We have to do our best with them because these are our neighbors, these are the parents of the kids that go to school with our kids, these are the people that are going to be off parole, they’re going to be leaving the prisons.
Douglas Eckenrod
It’s going to sound much like coaching, and that’s really what you are.
You are likely going to be one of the most stable, influential voices in these folks’ lives.
Joshua Carling
Dealing with parolees and trying to help parolees, a lot of times I’m going to be a coach or mentor and try to help them deal with tough situations.
Douglas Eckenrod
You are in the position to make a difference and the actions that you take over the next months and years in this job, will result in the prevention of folks that are either going to be injured physically, emotionally, or reduce property crimes, and it’s critical because you are physically on the tip of the spear.
Joshua Carling
My career does affect my family, so putting on that vest, you know, the reality comes into play that I’m putting myself in tough situations outside where that vest may save my life.
This job, it can be dangerous and I need to provide for my family, but I’m also protecting the public and the community.
For me and my family, I think making a difference and doing this job will be a positive thing and I’m willing to take the risks that come along with it.