MAYVILLE, N.Y. — The Chautauqua County Office of Probation has earned state recognition for its continued commitment to professionalism, public safety and accountability, receiving a Certificate of Commendation from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), Office of Probation and Correctional Alternatives, after achieving a 99% DNA collection rate among individuals sentenced to probation supervision during calendar year 2025.
The certificate, issued in September, recognizes the Chautauqua County Department of Probation for its efforts in achieving the 99% collection rate.
“Public safety depends on accountability, and this recognition reflects the professionalism and dedication of our Probation Department,” said Chautauqua County Executive Paul M. Wendel Jr. “A 99% collection rate demonstrates that our probation officers are taking seriously their responsibility to ensure individuals under supervision meet the requirements of their sentences. I want to congratulate Director Gilbert Taylor and the entire Probation team for this achievement and for the work they do every day to make Chautauqua County safer.”
The department’s work extends beyond monitoring compliance with court-ordered conditions. The Chautauqua County Office of Probation is committed to holding court-referred offenders accountable for their actions while also working with them to facilitate positive behavioral change, contribute to a safer community and advocate for victims’ rights.
“This recognition is a reflection of the consistent work our probation officers do to ensure individuals under supervision are held accountable and that important public-safety requirements are followed,” said Gilbert Taylor, Director of the Chautauqua County Office of Probation. “Achieving a 99% DNA collection rate requires attention to detail, communication and follow-through by our staff. We are proud of this accomplishment and grateful that the state has recognized our department’s contribution to public safety.”
DNA collection is an important component of New York’s criminal justice system. For individuals sentenced to probation supervision who are subject to DNA collection requirements, probation departments play an important role in ensuring samples are collected and properly submitted to the New York State DNA Databank.
The recognition comes as the Chautauqua County Office of Probation continues to expand its approach to offender accountability and effective community supervision. Earlier this year, the department launched a new offender accountability program supported by funding from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services through the STRIVE Grant initiative.
That program has allowed the department to expand resources, provide specialized training and implement evidence-based programming tailored to the needs of Chautauqua County. Among those initiatives is the Strength at Home model, which focuses on accountability, addressing harmful behaviors and helping participants develop skills to reduce the likelihood of reoffending.
The department also recognizes the importance of stability and sustained employment for individuals under community supervision. Employment can provide individuals with a path toward self-sufficiency, the ability to support their families and positive structure in their daily lives. Probation staff work with individuals and area employers to address questions related to probation conditions and employment.
“Accountability and rehabilitation are not competing goals,” Taylor said. “Our responsibility is to protect the community while helping individuals address the behaviors and circumstances that can contribute to reoffending. Whether it is ensuring compliance with DNA collection requirements, connecting someone with employment or providing evidence-based interventions, our goal is effective supervision that produces safer outcomes for everyone.”
The Chautauqua County Office of Probation will continue working to provide professional, effective and financially responsible supervision while supporting public safety, accountability and positive change in the community.
