John Roberts

Chief Probation Officer
 Kern County Probation Department

Brief Biography
 Chief Roberts’ twenty-eight year career with the Kern County Probation Department includes service that spans the operational range of field, administrative, institutional, and management. After directing programs at juvenile hall and Kern Crossroads Facility, he was appointed Assistant Chief Probation Officer in 2001, overseeing both Adult and Juvenile Probation Field Service units. Appointed as Chief Probation Officer by the Kern County Superior Court, Chief Roberts heads a department of 537 employees, four juvenile treatment facilities, and one detention facility. Chief Roberts, a graduate of Garces Memorial High School and California State University of Bakersfield, has been involved in numerous professional and volunteer activities, among which are:

  • Chief Probation Officers of California
  • California Association of Probation Service Managers
  • California Association for Probation Institution Administrators
  • California Probation, Parole and Corrections Association
  • Kern County Management Council
  • Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council
  • Board of Directors, Bakersfield Police Activity League
  • Assistant Varsity Football Coach, Garces Memorial High School
  • Bass Anglers Sportsman Society
  • Kern County Bass Masters Fishing Club
John and Jan Roberts have three adult children.

Agency Description
 Kern County Probation Department services are meant to reduce the incidence and impact of criminal behavior of juveniles and adults on the community, and providing investigation and enforcement services the courts. This responsibility is realized through mobilizing and coordinating programs that prevent crime, redirect offenders, enforce court orders, and hold criminals accountable.

"We all want the families of our community to be safe and healthy. The Kern County Network for Children has brought together leaders from all sectors in Kern County who have been willing to share their valuable time, energy, and talent to improve conditions and effect real change. This is a considerable achievement, as there are natural barriers to collaboration originating in funding sources and traditional territorial boundaries. However, the positive synergy that results from the mutual desire to make our community better unifies our efforts."

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