We Need Your Help - Sign the Petition for the Heart Bill
UPOA continues to advocate for the Heart Bill. Although the legislation was vetoed last year, we did not walk away from the fight. Working alongside our legislative partners and supporters, the bill was reintroduced and once again passed both the Senate (S8945) and the Assembly (A10149) during this legislative session. It now awaits the Governor's decision.
Now it is our turn. Please take a few moments to review and sign the petition urging Governor Hochul to sign S8945 and A10149 into law. We also encourage you to ask your family members and friends to do the same. Forward this link family and friends petition. Together, our voices can make a difference.
Kai Anderson Funeral Update
For those that are unable to make Kai Anderson Funeral you can view the service by logging into WWW.Granbysfuneralservice.com. You will then need to click on Kai Anderson picture the scroll down to view the service.
Our Fallen Angel - Probation Officer Kai Anderson
With a heavy heart and profound sadness we announce the passing of Probation Officer Kai Anderson of Bronx Adult Services. Kai was a kind hearted person who was loved by many. She was a dedicated worker and committed member of UPOA. Our condolences goes out ti her daughter, Cheyenne Anderson and family. Click here to review and print the announcement.
Kai’s Homegoing Service is as follows::
Thursday June 11, 2026.
Granby's Funeral Home - 4021 White Plains Road Bronx, NY 10466.
Viewing is from 9 AM- 11 AM
Funeral service is immediately following the viewing at 11am.
Followed by Burial at Kensico Cemetary located at 273 Lakeview Avenue Valhalla, NY 10595.
Condolences can be sent to Cheyenne Anderson, 480 E. 188th Street, #8J, Bronx, NY 10458
Passing of Robert Thomas Smith Father of PO Tara Smith
It is with great sadness to announce the passing of Mr. Robert Thomas Smith the father of Probation Officer Tara Smith of Kings County Adult Probation. Please lift her family up in prayer.
Our Fallen Angel - Retired Probation Officer Theresa Roberts
It is with great sadness to announce the passing of Retired Probation Officer Theresa Roberts formerly of Bronx Adult Services on April 22, 2026. Let’s lift her family up in prayer.
Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers Writes to the Mayor In Support of Pay Parity for Probation Officers
We want to share an important letter sent today by Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers, Chair of the City Council Committee on Criminal Justice, to Mayor Mamdani regarding the longstanding pay disparities affecting New York City Probation Officers and Supervising Probation Officers.
The Council Member’s letter highlights serious concerns regarding disparities in salary, overtime, and promotional opportunities within the Department of Probation, and urges the administration to work in good faith with the UPOA toward a fair resolution.
This letter is another example of how your union is working alongside elected officials who understand the vital role probation officers play in public safety and who are willing to stand with us in the fight for the pay, respect, and equity our members deserve.
We will continue advocating aggressively on your behalf, and pushing for the fairness and recognition that probation professionals deserve. Read Council Member Brooks-Powers Letter
Members We Need You to Act Now
As you may all know, we have joined the Probation Departments throughout the state of New
York to amend the General Municipal Law 207-c which provides a payment of salary and
medical care for individuals who injured or become ill as the result of the performance of
their job. This law covers police officers, sheriff’s deputies and corrections officers – but
NOT most probation officers, who also are peace officers. Currently, Nassau County has
the only probation department in the state that is protected and under this law.
Please sign the petition and read the newsletter for directions on sending a letter to the listed
legislators in Albany.
UPOA President Powell Speaks Out on Investing in Probation
On 5/1/26, an article appeared in AM NY titled “To reduce jail population and close Rikers, New York City must invest in probation”, in which UPOA President Powell responds to Mayor Mamdani’s interest to close Rikers Island. President Powell states “If the goal is to safely reduce incarceration, probation is the frontline agency that makes that possible. We are the ones helping people return to their communities, maintain employment, access services, and avoid reoffending. A strong probation department is the backbone of any decarceration strategy……For years, the City has relied on probation officers to do more with less. Less pay. Less staffing. Less support. And yet expectations continue to grow, especially as policymakers push for alternatives to incarceration…..If the Mayor wants to close Rikers Island, he must invest in the agency that will make that closure possible. That means addressing pay equity and bringing probation salaries in line with other law enforcement agencies.” To read the full article click here
Getting the Facts Right
Some of our members have been given misinformation by a small group of disgruntled individuals. Attached are documents and photos from the 2019 and 2023 nomination meetings, along with facts that reflect the truth, not the inaccurate information being circulated. The claims being made—that your current Board denied your right to vote—are false. Nothing could be further from the truth. Click here to read the full letter, November 2023 Newsletter and February 2023 Newsletter