Local 685 Takes Member Priorities Directly to the Board of Supervisors

One of the priorities established by the new Local 685 Executive Board has been building stronger working relationships with the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

As part of that effort, Local 685 President Curtis Chambers recently met individually with Supervisors Kathryn Barger, Janice Hahn, Lindsey Horvath, and Hilda Solis. These introductory meetings were designed to establish open lines of communication, introduce the new leadership of Local 685, and discuss the issues having the greatest impact on frontline probation professionals.

President Chambers raised concerns regarding involuntary deployments and reassignments, officer safety, safety retirement, contract negotiations, and the Probation Department’s effort to use the current staffing “emergency order” to justify sweeping changes to the Civil Service Rules that would apply only to probation employees. Those proposed changes include, among other things, allowing hearsay evidence in disciplinary proceedings, extending probationary periods, and weakening long-standing employee due process protections.

These conversations have already proven productive. As a result of Local 685’s continued advocacy and ongoing discussions with the Chief Executive Office, County Counsel, and the Probation Department, the Board of Supervisors has twice postponed consideration of the proposed Civil Service Rule changes to allow additional time for meaningful dialogue.

Building on those discussions, Local 685 Executive Board members President Curtis Chambers, Camps Vice President Gregory Gonzalez, Institutions Vice President Marva Lindsey, and GSN Vice President Adedayo Adefarakan recently met with Supervisor Kathryn Barger’s Chief of Staff and members of her Justice Deputy team to continue the conversation.

One of the most valuable aspects of the meeting was the opportunity to share firsthand experiences from the field. These real-world perspectives helped illustrate both the challenges and successes probation professionals encounter every day while serving youth, adults, families, and communities. They also highlighted the essential role probation employees play in promoting rehabilitation, accountability, and public safety.

Institutions Vice President Marva Lindsey described the meeting as “eye-opening,” noting the importance of creating direct lines of communication with policymakers who do not always have the opportunity to hear directly from the professionals working on the front lines. The exchange of ideas, concerns, and potential solutions demonstrated the value of maintaining an ongoing dialogue with County leadership.

Throughout these meetings, Local 685 has emphasized that the union is committed to bringing solutions, not simply raising concerns. The men and women who perform this work every day are uniquely positioned to identify practical improvements that strengthen probation services, improve working conditions, and better serve the communities that depend on them.

The Executive Board views these conversations as the beginning of an ongoing partnership with County leadership. By building relationships, educating policymakers about the realities facing frontline probation professionals, and advocating for thoughtful solutions, Local 685 is ensuring that the voices of its members are heard where important decisions are made.

Local 685 looks forward to continuing these conversations with all members of the Board of Supervisors and working collaboratively to strengthen both the Probation Department and the services it provides to Los Angeles County.