Juvenile Probation-A Day on the Front Lines

NPR

All this week we’re digging into the world of young people in trouble with the law. We
figure, if people understand better who the kids are—there’s a much better chance
they can be helped.
Rodney Purdy is a Cook County Juvenile Probation officer. His job kicks in after a
young person is found delinquent, or guilty, by a judge. Probation officers, or P.O.s,
are, in a way, the eyes and ears of the court, making sure the kid follows through on
the judge’s orders. Maybe to go through drug rehab or do community service or
attend anger management class. The P.O is supposed to make sure the young
person’s getting what’s needed, to stay out of prison and get a new footing in life.
Officer Purdy says the pulse of probation is out in the streets.
PURDY: I’m gonna pull over. Want to show you this…Right over here…Come
outside…I hafto begin here.
I’ve only known Officer Purdy about 5 minutes when he stops the car and says we
need to jump out.
PURDY: Now, right behind you is what we call out on the streets, The Pyramids.. or
the Robert Taylor Homes Housing Project. You want the real story? I’m gonna give
you the real deal. I’m gonna cut it loose.
Purdy thinks to understand his job, I need to understand his territory.

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