Dalvanie Powell, a John Jay alumna, was recently re-elected to serve as the President of the United Probation Officers Association (UPOA).
After she became a probation officer in 1987, Dalvanie made history in becoming the first Black female president of the UPOA. She earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from John Jay College in 1987.
With 30% of those on probation in New York being minors, Powell revealed how she has invested in the youth throughout her career. This included holding a talent show for youth who were on probation through a creative arts program.
“The good thing about probation is you’re allowed to use your creative juices and your creative skills to bring out the best in your clients,” said Powell.
With decades of experience, Powell explained how since taking her position she is incorporating empathy and mindfulness into her work, as well as protecting communities at a large scale.
“My thing is by the grace of God there go I, since I can be sitting at the other end of that table any given time,” she said. “So I believe in treating people like human beings,” said Powell.
Although Powell and her colleagues are working endlessly to save lives, The UPOA is suing New York City over low pay rates for probation officers.
“Based on the last contract, the hiring rate for a probation officer is $45,934,” she said. “Probation officers can’t live on the low salaries,” said Powell.
Powell also explained that seniority does not substantially result in an increased salary.
“I have members who have been here for 25-30 years and they’re only making around $68,000 annually,” said Powell.
Powell is determined to fight this pay disparity and made it abundantly clear that this should not deter aspiring probation officers.
“This is not to discourage anybody because I’m going to fix it. I’m going to get it right,” she said. “I trust in this administration that it’s going to get right,” said Powell.
Powell advised any student interested in interning in a probation office to contact Michael Blaizes of the HR department.
She explained a large portion of probation interns are a part of the Summer Youth Employment Program. Through this New York City program, student employees are exposed to the work of a probation officer. She is happy to help John Jay students succeed, as Powell considers her alma mater to be “the #1 in terms of Criminal Justice.”
Powell does not only want John Jay students to be successful, as she also explained her alternate approach to ensuring the success of probation clients.
“Our whole objective is about not being punitive, but is it about building relationships and building that trust,” said Powell.
Powell also explained one of her aims while serving as president is to make probation officers uniform law enforcement officers, as they are currently considered civilians. No longer considering probation officers civilians would provide them with additional protection while working.
Supervising probation officers, like Powell, are determined to change the lives of their clients for the better, especially for the youth.
Powell shared a thought-provoking story of her and a young client while she was working in the family court system.
“I told them [minors who are serving probation] to take a piece of candy [that was on my desk] and I said to them ‘Savor that.’ That’s the taste of freedom,” said Powell.
Between being a “fierce advocate” for adequate pay amongst probation officers across New York City, to changing the lives of her adult and minor clients, Powell is leading opportunities for change while fulfilling her role as the President of the UPOA.
Powell explained how she feels being the first Black woman in this prestigious position.
“I love being the President of the union,” she said. “To know I’m gonna make a difference in these people’s lives supersedes the hiccups,” said Powell.
In Powell’s office, no goal is out of reach for those who are on probation.
Her advice to those on probation is “to appreciate this opportunity to get it right and don’t let New Year’s Eve be the time we make changes.”
