Probation Division in Atlantic County to Host Gun Violence Reduction Initiative Graduation

The Atlantic County Probation Division of the Atlantic/Cape May Vicinage will host a graduation ceremony for 12 participants of its Gun Violence Reduction Initiative program at 9 a.m. on Friday, April 19 in courtroom 4 of the Atlantic County Criminal Courts Complex, 4997 Unami Blvd., Mays Landing. 

Superior Court Judge Dorothy Garrabrant will preside over the program, which will include remarks from Assignment Judge Michael J. Blee, Criminal Division Presiding Judge Bernard DeLury, and Trial Court Administrator Jill Houck.

“We are looking forward to celebrating the success of participants of our Gun Violence Reduction Initiative in Atlantic County at the first graduation program to be held for the court program statewide,” said Keenon Simmons, probation division manager and chair of the vicinage’s Gun Violence Reduction Initiative Advisory Board.

Through the Gun Violence Reduction Initiative, the Judiciary works with community leaders, third-party agencies, and service providers to connect individuals placed on probation for gun-related and other weapons offenses with appropriate resources and services. The probation division reviews eligible cases for presentation to the advisory board, which recommends interventions, such as counseling, mentoring programs, job training, education, and other community-based services, based on the needs of the individual. A probation officer supervises the participant to ensure compliance with the recommended services. 
For more information, contact Simmons at 609-402-0100, ext. 47180.