Chief Jerry Powers

[LACo Probation Dept.] – “The next phase of the department’s transformation is underway, ” declares Los Angeles County Chief Probation Officer, Jerry Powers.

Today, Chief Powers is formally announcing the hiring of Don Meyer as Assistant Chief Probation Officer for Institutions and Margarita Perez as Assistant Chief Probation Officer, Field Services to help lead the department which is at an historic juncture.

“I have known Don Meyer for more than a decade. He is a reformer, “ says Chief Powers,

“Don Meyer led the Sacramento County Probation Department as they were being sued for many of the same issues that Los Angeles has gone through. He was able to dramatically reduce use of force and create a supportive and therapeutic environment for both staff and juveniles.”

“Margarita Perez’s leadership and experiences with state parole will be instrumental as AB109 is implemented here in Los Angeles County.  Margarita Perez has shown that she knows how to get things done. She is a do-er.”

Ms. Perez sees her work with State Parole as a natural transition to working with Los Angeles County Probation, “I worked for parole for 24 years. Often we deal with the same offenders. Under AB109, State Parole and Los Angeles County Probation will be working more closely together.”

Margarita Perez knows something about transitions.  She is the daughter of Mexican immigrants, the first born, the first to finish college. Her parents were field workers and showed her the value of persistence and hard work.  She dreamed of serving in the armed forces until she met colleagues who worked full time for state corrections. “I was enthralled with working with criminal offenders. I have always been curious about why people stay on the straight and narrow and why others get involved in criminal activity, and what it takes to turn them around.”

Don Meyer was a 21-year old fry cook at Sacramento’s Juvenile Hall when a friend convinced him to consider a career in probation. He’s never looked back. “I am the kind of manager who likes to walk around, talk to people, get to know them professionally. I’m looking forward to this next challenge.”  Don Meyer goes on to say, “This is what I like to call the best time; a renaissance period for Los Angeles County Probation. With new evidence based therapeutic approaches, we can work with offenders in a different way.”

Los Angeles County Probation is making a fundamental change in the command structure in the department by dividing the current Chief Deputy Probation Officer position in to two Assistant Chief Probation Officer positions. Chief Probation Officer Jerry Powers says this re-structuring will strengthen the overall oversight, enhance performance and increase accountability.

Don Meyer is currently the Chief Probation Officer for Sacramento County. He expects to report for work in Los Angeles on November 30, 2012.

Margarita Perez is currently the Acting Director, Adult Parole Operations. She expects to report for work in Los Angeles on November 26, 2012.