UNITED PROBATION OFFICERS ASSOCIATION
With a heavy heart and profound sadness we announce the passing of Probation Officer Kai Anderson of Bronx Adult Services. Kai was a kind hearted person who was loved by many. She was a dedicated worker and committed member of UPOA. Our condolences goes out ti her daughter and family. Further information on homegoing services to be announced.
It is with great sadness to announce the passing of Mr. Robert Thomas Smith the father of Probation Officer Tara Smith of Kings County Adult Probation. Please lift her family up in prayer.
It is with great sadness to announce the passing of Retired Probation Officer Theresa Roberts formerly of Bronx Adult Services on April 22, 2026. Let’s lift her family up in prayer.
We want to share an important letter sent today by Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers, Chair of the City Council Committee on Criminal Justice, to Mayor Mamdani regarding the longstanding pay disparities affecting New York City Probation Officers and Supervising Probation Officers.
The Council Member’s letter highlights serious concerns regarding disparities in salary, overtime, and promotional opportunities within the Department of Probation, and urges the administration to work in good faith with the UPOA toward a fair resolution.
This letter is another example of how your union is working alongside elected officials who understand the vital role probation officers play in public safety and who are willing to stand with us in the fight for the pay, respect, and equity our members deserve.
We will continue advocating aggressively on your behalf, and pushing for the fairness and recognition that probation professionals deserve. Read Council Member Brooks-Powers Letter
As you may all know, we have joined the Probation Departments throughout the state of New
York to amend the General Municipal Law 207-c which provides a payment of salary and
medical care for individuals who injured or become ill as the result of the performance of
their job. This law covers police officers, sheriff’s deputies and corrections officers – but
NOT most probation officers, who also are peace officers. Currently, Nassau County has
the only probation department in the state that is protected and under this law.
Please sign the petition and read the newsletter for directions on sending a letter to the listed
legislators in Albany.
On 5/1/26, an article appeared in AM NY titled “To reduce jail population and close Rikers, New York City must invest in probation”, in which UPOA President Powell responds to Mayor Mamdani’s interest to close Rikers Island. President Powell states “If the goal is to safely reduce incarceration, probation is the frontline agency that makes that possible. We are the ones helping people return to their communities, maintain employment, access services, and avoid reoffending. A strong probation department is the backbone of any decarceration strategy……For years, the City has relied on probation officers to do more with less. Less pay. Less staffing. Less support. And yet expectations continue to grow, especially as policymakers push for alternatives to incarceration…..If the Mayor wants to close Rikers Island, he must invest in the agency that will make that closure possible. That means addressing pay equity and bringing probation salaries in line with other law enforcement agencies.” To read the full article click here
Some of our members have been given misinformation by a small group of disgruntled individuals. Attached are documents and photos from the 2019 and 2023 nomination meetings, along with facts that reflect the truth, not the inaccurate information being circulated. The claims being made—that your current Board denied your right to vote—are false. Nothing could be further from the truth. Click here to read the full letter, November 2023 Newsletter and February 2023 Newsletter
UPOA members have a free financial planning benefit with Stacey Braun Associates. Start planning for your financial future now. Click here to view the full details and obtain the contact information.
As you will recall, the Union grieved the City’s delay in implementing the new Step Pay Plan in our recent contract as well as its delay in paying the contract’s general wage increases. The matter went to arbitration. Although the arbitrator found no violation in the Step Pay Plan’s implementation but did find that the City violated the contract by not paying the retroactive general wage increases as soon as practicable. The arbitrator awarded affected employees 3% per annum on the payment of these general wage increases for the period December 13, 2024 through January 17, 2025 (unless payment would be less than five dollars). We do not know when the 3% interest will be made but we will advise you once we know. Please review the attached decision and February Newsletter.
“Success is a series of small victories “
Effective February 16, 2026, UPOA has updated our privacy practices to comply with new regulations under 42 C.F.R. (Code of Federal Regulations) Part 2 regarding substance use disorder (SUD) records. Click here to print and review.