Arlene Lopez &
Leslie Cordova
3rd Judicial Probation Departments

Opinion

The 3rd Judicial Probation Departments in Trinidad and Walsenburg are looking to strengthen our communities by providing support through our Useful Public Service programs.

Probation assists individuals who are faced with having to be accountable for their criminal offenses through jail time, treatment, and useful public service to repay a debt to their community in a positive manner. Our mission is to provide our defendants with opportunities to safely contribute to society without the need for expensive resources such as incarceration.

Our Useful Public Service Program refers defendants to local non-profit agencies to complete their court ordered community service hours. Many non-profit agencies are faced with decreased funding, staff shortages, and lack of resources. Our program can provide needed maintenance, yard work, or other skills specific to the agency.

Probation wants to expand our efforts by providing donations in lieu of community service hours. A defendant may buy out their court ordered useful public service hours by purchasing items that a non-profit needs. Probation has already established a successful donation program with the City of Trinidad Animal Shelter which includes pet food or needed supplies for the shelter. We are beginning this process with local non-profit agencies by providing hygiene items, food, children’s clothing, or new toys for the clients they serve. This in turn supports the community citizens the agency serves and can make a difference in the life of a child, individual or animal. Probation also has a Firewood Program which provides needed firewood to individuals when we have wood available.

Our probation offices encourage you to contact us about becoming a partner with us or adding a donation plan to your existing UPS agency agreement. Please contact Leslie Cordova in Walsenburg at 719-793-7117 or Arlene Lopez in Trinidad at 719-497-8253. We look forward to working with you!