Philadelphia courts asking to hire more probation officers

The Philadelphia Courts says it needs money to hire more probation officers.  

First Judicial District Officials came to Philadelphia City Council budget hearings asking for another $5 million.  Chief Judge Pamela Dembe says existing probation officers are overworked. 

“I don’t think it’s helpful to say how many people they supervise, Those who need intense supervision, we are on them 24-7, we are very very thin right now and it’s reaching a dangerous point I believe,” said Dembe.

Deputy Mayor Everitt Gillison says he wants to spend more money on criminal justice but the budget is tight. 

“We’re working with all of our partners to be able to say this is where we would put the next million dollars if we could get it.  If I had it would I put another million If we could get back to 2008 levels of revenue we would all be in a better situation,” said Gillison. 

Gillison seemed sympathetic to the problem, but isn’t sure if additional funding can be found.