Our Culture

(Excerpts from USNews & World Report and The Augusta Chronicle) CSRA Probation Services, Inc. has been serving the community for over 20 years and now employs more than 150 staff across 33 offices in Georgia. The organization has established contracts in approximately one-third of Georgia's 159 counties, which includes over 170 courts statewide. Georgia holds the distinction of having the largest probation population in the nation, a figure that is quadruple the national average. This is partly due to the state's classification of all infractions—including traffic tickets—as misdemeanors, which can result in fines up to $1,000 and a year in jail. The primary objective of CSRA Probation Services is to assist individuals in successfully completing their probation terms, achieving a success rate of around 85 percent. Each office provides valuable resources for those seeking employment, substance abuse counseling, or assistance in obtaining their GED. Quotes from Mike Popplewell, former President of CSRA Probation Services, Inc., highlight this commitment: “I have what I think is the most unique perspective in the industry, and that is customer service. A customer is someone who receives services and pays for them. Our probationers are customers. For the most part, we are dealing with regular people just like you and me.” He adds, “We’re not dealing with murders and rapists. These are individuals who have never encountered trouble before and are unlikely to again. They feel embarrassed about their mistakes and learn from them.” Popplewell notes, “The most common probation violation is repeated failure to report to a probation officer. Our company simplifies the process for individuals to report without needing to take time off work, thanks to a smartphone app that facilitates videoconferencing with their officer and allows for online payments.” He emphasizes, “The single most important element to successful probation is communication. Despite the media's portrayal that individuals are frequently jailed for not paying their fees, the truth is that more warrants are issued for failure to report than for any other reason.” Ultimately, he states, “We want to help people get their lives on track. The probation officer and the probationer are both aiming for the same outcome: to navigate this process as quickly and smoothly as possible.”