We are writing to urge you to support Bill S07928 which would afford 207C disability benefits to county probation offices which is a disability benefit statutorily offered to the law enforcement peace officers that county probation officers work next to daily.

Its time has come. The vocation of a county probation officer has changed dramatically over the years. They are now considered law enforcement, and many of them are armed. Those that are not must wear standardized personal protective equipment which includes flack jackets, handcuffs (because they do arrest violators), OC spray, batons (night sticks), and in some case tasers. They work closely with local police departments, sheriffs, and state and federal law enforcement agencies in efforts to make our communities safe. They are mandated by the state to do intensive offender supervision, which includes making frequent contact at offenders' homes; their caseloads are specialized in areas of mental health, domestic violence, sex offenders, alcohol and substance abuse, etc. It was through a county probation department's efforts that Michael Mosley was captured and convicted of the murder of Arica Schneider.

County probation officers in New York State deserve the same consideration as other peace officers in the State. They are an integral part of the community and public safety, and if they are injured while trying to assure that mission, they should receive the same 207C disability benefits as fellow peace officers they work with side by side.

We hope you will support all county peace officers throughout New York State and vote yes for this important legislation. Our lives and our family's lives depend on it!