Probation leader is to blame

Having worked with Probation Chief Rick Chavez for more than 32 years, the investigation by the Presiding Judge Kimberly Gaab serves two purposes. One is to bring to light the work ethic of Mr. Chavez and the people he embraces in his inner circle, and, second, to clearly make a case as to why the chief probation officer should be under the supervision of the Superior Court.

Mr. Chavez’s cheerleaders obviously are clueless. Knowingly allowing an officer to tend bar at night and then come to work and exact discipline on others for driving under the influence or for working in a similar place of employment is a double standard and lacks any semblance of integrity.

To assuage the allegations by throwing the previous chief under the bus is comical. I hope people will do the right thing.

The reason the department is in disarray? Don’t look further than its leadership.

This story was originally published June 23, 2016 at 5:06 PM with the headline "Probation leader is to blame."