The Champion Probation Team is comprised of Raymund Juanengo, Supervising Probation Officer; Brandi Babcock, Senior Probation Officer; Jennifer Hart, Deputy Probation Officer; and Michael Via, Deputy Probation Officer.
What do you do at the County?
We protect community safety, reduce crime, and assist victims through offender accountability and rehabilitation.
What do you like most about your job?
We make an impact in the lives of probationers by encouraging them to be mentally and physically healthier and to exercise in order to relieve stress so they don’t fall back on drugs when they get overwhelmed. Just a small amount of positive reinforcement and words of support can help probationers realize that their lives can be dramatically different. This is why we are 'agents of change’; we are there to help facilitate the process where probationers take charge of their own lives, find some internal motivation, and gather up enough courage to start the process.
What's your favorite memory from your work?
Juanengo: Winning second place in the most challenging level of the County’s Amazing Race competition last year.
Hart: Training for and competing in the Baker to Vegas Law Enforcement Relay Race, building camaraderie and gaining support from the department.
Babcock: Seeing the probationers turn their lives around and become productive members of society. Not only does it get the probationers on the right track, but it also creates safer communities for all San Diego residents.
Via: Helping a female probationer who was in an abusive
relationship. With our support, she has maintained her sobriety for an
extended period of time, has become a sponsor for other substance
abuse abusers, and now runs her own self-help meetings to help others
with their addictions. She has also secured stable housing and
employment and has made the necessary changes to lead a productive,
law-abiding lifestyle - a story of success.
What does Live Well San Diego mean to you?
Here at the Ohio Street Probation Office, we’re organizing a Live Well San Diego comprehensive fitness challenge program in order to change the culture of our building from within. We will be encouraging employees to take part in activities in order to promote a healthy lifestyle though exercise and diet.
