New offices at probation fix issues, boost morale
The newly renovated lobby of the Wayne County Adult Probation Department.
For years those working and visiting the adult probation department conducted business in the basement of the Wayne County Courthouse, where they were continually subjected to damp and moldy conditions due to frequent flooding.
“The architecture and old stone were beautiful, but there were some issues developing due to the age of the building,” chief probation officer Cheryl Gerwig said. “Water damage was affecting the drywall, and the carpet was extremely old and damaged. We also noticed that some staff had allergies that seemed to worsen.”
That changed in 2022 when the department moved to the third floor of the Wayne County Courthouse, occupying the space the law library left when it moved to the Justice Center.
“Our new department is a healthier, more professional and more pleasant environment for everyone who visits,” senior probation officer Cindy Kuhl said.
A clean, organized working environment goes beyond just looking good; it can impact mental health and productivity. This is especially true for people on adult probation who are already facing challenges in their personal and professional lives.
“We meet with family and friends of our probationers, caseworkers, attorneys, and judges,” Kuhl said. “Staff can feel good about bringing others into our offices now. There is something to be said about having pride in your profession and where we spend such a large portion of our time doing our work.”
While the staff was grateful, it wasn’t long before they noticed a difference in the probationers’ attitudes.
“Many had commented about the new offices and how they used to feel like they were automatically going to jail when they stepped into the basement offices,” Kuhl said. “It felt more like a dungeon than a professional office space, and many feel a difference walking in. The move seems to have made a positive impact on them as well.”
According to Gerwig, the entire basement of the Common Pleas Courthouse is now closed.
Technology has revolutionized how adult probation and law-enforcement agencies operate, making it easier and more efficient for officers to do their jobs. While it is a work in progress, there is a kiosk in the waiting room for probationers to sign in and answer basic questions regarding their status.
Once signed in, the probation officers receive an alert that they have checked in and are ready for their appointment. Officers also can opt to have a text or email sent to them to alert them that the individual is there.
The drug-testing area has been one of the more welcomed improvements in the department.
“We now have drug-testing restrooms separate from the staff restroom. We have more space, a storage area for the supplies and a well-lit area, which assists tremendously when reading the tests,” Kuhl said. “We also have water shut-off valves now, so when there is a concern about altering a drug test or possibly flushing contraband, we can turn a key to shut off the water supply. We are also able to bring the probationer directly into the testing area from the waiting room without having to walk through other office spaces.”
Dan Starcher is the public communications coordinator for the Wayne County government.