Chief Jerry Powers
Probation

Chief Powers, born and raised in Stockton, received his bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of California, San Diego, and began his probation career with San Diego Probation in December 1984. He advanced through the department from a student worker in Administrative Services to a Probation Supervisor, initially assigned to the Juvenile Hall. As supervisor, Chief Powers redesigned a juvenile ward short-term commitment program to relieve Juvenile Hall overcrowding. The program received a California State Association of Counties model program award.

In September 2000, Chief Powers came to Stanislaus County to serve as Probation Manager and Juvenile Hall Superintendent. In this position, he coordinated the design and construction of the $3 million, 40-bed addition to the Hall. In March 2002, he was promoted to Chief Deputy Probation Officer for adult and juvenile casework services, managing a budget of $9.25 million and approximately 90 sworn staff. On November 8, 2002, Chief Powers was sworn in as Chief Probation Officer. He is a member of CPPCA, APPA, the Stanislaus County Peace Officers Association, the California Association of Probation Services Administrators, and is presently President of the Chief Probation Officer of California.