Chief Probation Officer Steve Jackson of San Joaquin County Elected President of California Probation Chiefs for 2025

Incoming CPOC President, Chief Steve Jackson alongside outgoing 2024 CPOC President, Chief Kelly Vernon

SACRAMENTO, CA – The Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) has announced the election of Chief Steve Jackson of San Joaquin County as its President for 2025. Joining him in the newly elected executive leadership are Vice President Chief Esa Ehmen-Krause (Contra Costa County) and Secretary/Treasurer Chief Izen Locatelli (Mendocino County).

“I am honored to lead CPOC as we continue to adapt and elevate the vital role probation plays in our communities,” said Chief Jackson. “Throughout my career, I’ve witnessed firsthand the profound impact probation can have on individuals, families, and the safety of our communities. I look forward to working alongside my colleagues to advance policies and practices that promote safety, healing, and opportunity for all Californians.”

Chief Jackson began his distinguished career in 1998 as a Probation Officer in Stanislaus County. Over more than two decades, he has held nearly every role within probation, including assignments in the Street Gang Unit with the Modesto Police Department, the High-Risk Offender

Unit, the AB 109 Realignment Unit, and the Professional Standards Unit. His leadership extended to serving as Superintendent of the Juvenile Hall and Juvenile Commitment Facility in Stanislaus County before joining the San Joaquin County Probation Department, where he became Assistant Chief in 2019 and was appointed Chief Probation Officer in 2020.

“Chief Jackson exemplifies what it means to lead with integrity, vision, and a relentless focus on service,” said Chief Kelly Vernon, outgoing CPOC President. “His deep understanding of probation’s challenges and opportunities, coupled with his commitment to innovation and collaboration, makes him the perfect leader to guide CPOC into 2025. I am confident he will achieve meaningful progress for our profession and the communities we serve.”

The Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) is a statewide association representing all 58 counties, with a shared commitment to evidence-based approaches to public safety and positive behavior change. CPOC provides leadership and expertise in areas such as prevention, community-based corrections, secure detention for youth, and direct human services. Its mission is to prevent crime and delinquency, reduce recidivism, restore victims, and promote healthier families and communities across California.

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