During a recent meeting of the Thurston County District Court, court executive officer Frankie Peters outlined pressing issues regarding probation staffing and compensation for mental health and veterans court positions. With Judge Brett Buckley currently out of the country, Peters addressed the board on the urgent need for additional resources to manage increasing caseloads and noncompliance rates.

Peters reported that the court is currently facing a significant staffing crisis, with only one probation officer managing over 1,800 cases. This situation has led to a staggering 75% increase in noncompliance proceedings, rising from 4,000 to an anticipated 7,000 hearings this year. The court has also seen a similar rise in warrants issued, which has direct implications for law enforcement and the broader justice system.

To address these challenges, Peters requested the addition of four full-time equivalent (FTE) probation officers, emphasizing that the current workload is unsustainable. He noted that the court previously requested two additional positions in 2023, which were denied due to budget constraints, resulting in a reduction of staff and services. The need for adequate staffing is critical, as the lack of supervision can lead to increased recidivism and noncompliance.

In addition to the probation staffing request, Peters also discussed the need for improved compensation for positions within the mental health and veterans courts. He highlighted that the current pay does not reflect the qualifications and responsibilities required for these roles, which include advanced degrees and clinical licensure. The TST advisory committee has unanimously supported this compensation request, which aims to retain skilled staff essential for the success of these programs.

Peters concluded by reiterating the importance of addressing these staffing and compensation issues to ensure the effectiveness of the court's programs and the overall health of the justice system in Thurston County. The board is expected to consider these requests as they navigate budgetary constraints in the coming year.