Amen to this Speak Out writer. These so-called private probation offices and officers are nothing more than collection agencies for city courts. It is nothing more than an extortion racket whereby people who are not able to pay their traffic ticket immediately are put on private probation. Besides paying their ticket, they now have to pay a monthly probation supervision fee.
Having been a former state probation and parole officer, I know that you have to have a college degree, take a state test for probation and parole and then be certified as an Alabama peace officer by attending the police academy.
Once you complete all this, you can then proudly wear a real law-enforcement badge.
H.R. Duncan
Jacksonville
