Staffing Survey 3/21/26

Staffing, Safety, and Sustainability: A Survey of Probation Officers on Juvenile Institution Assignments
Local 685 Members play a critical role in balancing public safety with rehabilitation. We take that responsibility seriously, and we know that doing the job right requires focus, support, and sustainable working conditions. Yet ongoing staffing shortages, excessive workloads, and burnout are making it harder to perform at the level our profession demands and the people we serve deserve.

As we enter contract negotiations, this survey is about making sure your voice drives our priorities. We are fighting for you. Your input will directly shape our efforts to secure the protections, staffing, and support you need to do this job safely, effectively, and with the professionalism it demands.
Where is your primary work assignment?*
e.g., Field, LP, SEO, CVK, etc.
If and when deployed, where have you been deployed to?
Name (confidential)

First NameLast Name
Mobile Phone
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Personal Email Address
example@example.com
Call Outs
We are working to better understand the underlying reasons officers are calling out so we can advocate for meaningful changes. Your input is critical. Please take a few moments to answer the following questions. Your answers are completely confidential:
1 day2-3 days4-5 daysMore than 5 daysI have not called out
Please rank the following reasons in order of what most influenced your decision to call out. Drag and reorder the items using your mouse or finger. If another reason applies, please share it below.
Please list any other reasons for calling out, or add additional thoughts here:
YesNoOther (describe below)
Please describe the issue(s) with a supervisor(s) (if applicable).
YesNoOther (describe below)
Please describe the issue(s) with a manager(s) (if applicable).
Special Emergency Case Rates
County Code Section 6.10.050 authorizes the County’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to:
- Establish “special emergency case rates”
- Apply them in situations where:
  - There is a critical staffing shortage, or
  - The County must quickly recruit or retain employees under urgent conditions
In other words, it allows the CEO to override normal salary structures temporarily.

The Local 685 Executive Board believes that securing Special Emergency Case rates are critical to addressing the staffing shortage. We also believe that establishing staffing ratios, special assignment bonuses, and other compensation adjustments for retention of experienced juvenile and field officers are necessary.

The following are questions to guage your interest in these incentives.
On a scale of 1 to 10, how likely would you be to voluntarily transfer to a juvenile institution assignment as part of supporting staffing needs?*

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

1 is Not Likely, 10 is Highly Likely
Staffing levels / vacanciesMandatory overtime / long shiftsSafety concernsLack of adequate recovery time between shiftsImpact on family / personal obligationsWork environment / moraleLimited incentives (pay, bonuses, career advancement)Preference for current assignmentAbility to sustain the physical and operational demands of a juvenile institution assignment over timeOther (describe below)
Please share any additional thoughts, experiences, or concerns that influenced your response. Your input will be used to advocate for policies that support your safety, well-being, and ability to effectively serve those in our care:
Working Hours
The San Bernardino County Probation Department Procedures Manual, Procedure 19, states the following:

"Employee Responsibilities: Ensure he/she does not work more than 16 consecutive hours; after working 16 consecutive hours, take an eight (8) hour break before working any additional time."

"Division Director: Shall ensure employees are not scheduled to work more than 16 consecutive hours; after working 16 consecutive hours, ensure employees are scheduled for a minimum eight (8) hour break before working any additional time."
Recognizing that effective supervision requires focus, sound judgment, and professionalism, and is essential to fulfilling our rehabilitative mission, how likely is it that implementing safeguards such as limits on consecutive work hours and required rest between shifts would enhance your ability to deliver the highest level of care and supervision?*

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

1 is Not Likely, 10 is Highly Likely
General
Please share any other thoughts you may have about how the juvenile institutions can be improved.
Yes, you can share during the course of bargaining.Yes, you can share as a quote with my name on it.Yes, you can share as a quote anonymously.No, please keep this information confidential.Before sharing, reach out to me to discuss.
Should be Empty:

Staffing, Safety, and Sustainability: A Survey of Probation Officers on Juvenile Institution Assignments

Call Outs

Special Emergency Case Rates

Working Hours

General