Each July, Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision (PPPS) Week gives us a chance to pause and appreciate the dedicated professionals who help people safely reintegrate into their communities. But for public information officers (PIOs) and agency communicators, this week is more than a celebration—it’s a strategic opportunity.
Supervision professionals are often the most misunderstood segment of the criminal justice system. Their work happens away from the spotlight, in offices, neighborhoods, courtrooms, and correctional facilities—yet they are essential to public safety. As communicators, our role during PPPS Week isn’t just to say “thank you”—it’s to tell the story that often goes untold.
Reclaiming the Narrative
Ask the average person what they know about probation or parole, and you’ll likely hear about failures: missed appointments, high-profile violations, or tragic outcomes. But that’s only one part of the story—and a skewed one at that.
Every day, supervision officers help individuals find stable housing, stay sober, complete treatment, get jobs, and reunite with their families. Thousands exit supervision successfully and never return to custody. These aren’t anomalies; they’re outcomes. And it’s our job to spotlight them.
By telling success stories—through written profiles, videos, or media pitches—we shift the narrative from punitive to proactive. We illustrate that supervision is not just about monitoring—it’s about transforming lives and protecting communities.
Highlighting Public Safety
There’s a common misconception that probation and parole are “soft on crime.” The reality is that these forms of community supervision are structured, intensive, and guided by evidence-based practices. From electronic monitoring to cognitive-behavioral interventions, supervision agencies use science-backed tools to reduce recidivism and manage risk.
As communicators, we should be explaining this. PPPS Week gives us a reason—and a platform—to educate the public and policymakers about how these systems work, how outcomes are measured, and why success matters for everyone.
Clear, visual data—infographics, dashboards, fact sheets—can help you make this case. But data alone isn’t enough. Pair statistics with real stories. Show how these programs save taxpayer dollars, reduce jail overcrowding, and offer second chances without compromising accountability.
Putting Faces to the Profession
One of the simplest and most effective ways to celebrate PPPS Week is also the most strategic: humanize your staff.
Spotlight supervision officers in your agency newsletter or on social media. Feature a “Meet the Team” series with photos, bios, and quotes about why they chose this work. Share a short video about a day in the life of a pretrial services coordinator or field officer.
By putting faces to the profession, we build public trust. We show that these are trained, caring, and mission-driven professionals—not just names in an org chart. And in doing so, we help reinforce the legitimacy and integrity of community supervision as a core function of justice.
Engaging the Community
PPPS Week is also a gateway to stronger community engagement. Many supervision agencies already partner with courts, treatment providers, nonprofits, and employers—but those partnerships don’t always get communicated outward.
This week, invite your stakeholders to participate. Consider:
- Hosting a community roundtable
- Offering media ride-alongs with supervision officers
- Issuing a joint proclamation with local officials
- Highlighting collaborative success stories on social platforms
Public information officers can use this moment to bridge the gap between internal operations and public visibility—fostering not only appreciation, but also transparency.
Moving Beyond the “Thank You” Graphic
Let’s be honest: many agencies default to a single social media post during PPPS Week—a generic graphic that says, “Thank you for your service.” While well-intentioned, that approach falls short of the strategic opportunity in front of us.
Instead, use the week to roll out a coordinated content plan. A cadence that turns one post into a full-fledged campaign—one that educates, celebrates, and communicates your agency’s mission clearly and effectively.
Internal Communications Matter, Too
Strategic communication isn’t just outward-facing. During PPPS Week, take time to recognize staff internally. Send agency-wide thank-you messages. Use your intranet or internal newsletter to spotlight teams or individuals. Encourage peer-to-peer recognition and shoutouts.
When internal appreciation aligns with external messaging, you create a culture of value and visibility—and that kind of alignment strengthens morale, retention, and performance.
Use the Week—And Build Beyond It
PPPS Week gives communicators a reason to focus on supervision. But the strategies don’t need to stop once the week ends. The stories you surface, the assets you create, and the relationships you build can serve your agency year-round.
Use this week as a launchpad:
- Archive success stories for media use later
- Capture evergreen video or photo content
- Test new messaging about community supervision
- Develop a media pitch for local or regional news outlets
- Collect feedback from staff on what messaging resonates
In other words, use the momentum of this week to build sustainable, strategic communications around supervision—not just a moment of recognition.
Final Word: Don’t Waste the Window
Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week opens a window that doesn’t stay open long. If you’re a PIO, communicator, or agency leader, don’t let it pass with silence or a stock post.
Use it to tell your story.
Use it to educate.
Use it to build trust.
Because when we communicate the real value of supervision, we don’t just improve public understanding—we improve public safety.
And to every pretrial, probation, and parole professional working behind the scenes and on the frontlines: thank you. Your work changes lives, reduces harm, and helps communities thrive. This week—and every week—we see you, we appreciate you, and we support the mission you carry forward every day.