The Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) administers general appropriation funds designated for the purpose of supporting the Comprehensive Community Corrections Act for Local-Responsible Offenders (CCCA) and the Pretrial Services Act (PSA) as discretionary grants to local units of government.
Local community-based probation agencies were created in 1995 by the Comprehensive Community Corrections Act (CCCA, §9.1-173 COV). Local probation serves an extension of the criminal justice system by providing local courts with sentencing options (i.e., treatment, intervention, and education services) for which individuals may be otherwise sentenced to active jail-time. Local probation is designed for adults who are convicted or receive sufficient evidence of guilt for criminal misdemeanors or non-violent felonies; sentenced to 12 months or less in a local or regional jail.
Local probation officers are required take the Oath of Office in accordance with the Code of Virgina (§ 9.1-17) and complete DCJS Basic Skills training. Agencies use evidence-based practices and specific core correctional practices to include risk-need assessment and success planning. Probation officers combine motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral change strategies to reduce reoffending and to help ensure public safety. Community-based probation agencies provide direct services and collaborate with local system partners for intervention/treatment services designed to address mental health, substance use, domestic violence, anger management, and sex offenses. Agencies also utilize traditional surveillance practices such as substance use testing, community service, and electronic/GPS monitoring.
Pretrial Services were first created in Virginia in 1989, pursuant to authorizing language in the Appropriations Act. In 1995, Pretrial Services Agencies were authorized by statute with the passage of the Pretrial Services Act (PSA, § 19.2-152.2 COV). Pretrial services agencies provide information and investigative services to judicial officers (judges and magistrates) to help them decide whether persons charged with certain offenses and awaiting trial need to be held in jail or can be released to their communities subject to supervision.
Only county or city governments are eligible to receive CCCA and PSA grants. Private organizations may receive grant funds only through contracts with local governments for probation services. Each applicant is required to have an active Community Criminal Justice Board (CCJB) to serve as an advisory body to the local governing body on matters pertaining to local criminal justice issues. The composition of the CCJB is specified in §9.1-178 of the Code of Virginia.
Agencies are encouraged to work with each other and within their local criminal justice system to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of their services. Agencies are also encouraged to create partnerships with community organizations beyond the criminal justice system for the purpose of education, collaboration, and inclusion in the decision-making and planning process.
Pretrial Services Act Reports
Guidelines and Application Procedures
SFY 2027 CCCA/PSA Guidelines and Application Procedures
Contact Information
Jennifer MacArthur
Adult Justice Programs Manager
(804) 786-6534
jennifer.macarthur@dcjs.virginia.gov
Alexander MacDougall
Performance Management and Compliance Coordinator
(804) 309-3874
alexander.macdougall@dcjs.virginia.gov
Amanda Griffith
Training and Communication Coordinator
(804) 718-1471
amanda.griffith@dcjs.virginia.gov
Chrissy Smith
Grant Monitoring Coordinator
804-339-9137
chrissy.smith@dcjs.virginia.gov
Kenneth Rose
Community Criminal Justice Board Consultant
804-837-7829
kenneth.rose@dcjs.virginia.gov
Stacy Davis
Adult Justice Grant Program Specialist
804-963-0227
stacy.davis@dcjs.virginia.gov
Tisha Skinner
Local Probation Program Coordinator
(804) 807-1202
tisha.skinner@dcjs.virginia.gov
Wesley Smallwood
Pretrial Services Program Coordinator
(804) 225-3453
wesley.smallwood@dcjs.virginia.gov