Justice Speaks Podcast Episode #61

Initially, Ms. Cunningham describes her career trajectory as a probation/parole officer, through her unplanned beginnings, describing her decision to go to college to be either a journalist or actor. However, in college, she was inspired by a roommate’s passion for helping criminal justice-involved individuals and switched her major to criminal justice, ultimately obtaining her master’s degree in criminal justice.

A Historical Context

After Ms. Cunningham graduated, she got a job in the sheriff’s department in Louisiana. This led to a job supervising individuals on probation and parole in the city of New Orleans.  When her new husband took a job in Texas, she went with him leaving New Orleans to move to Texas. There she found a job supervising parolees. Over the next twenty years she rose through the ranks to become a department director supervising over 2400 employees.

As Ms. Cunningham approached the conclusion of her tenure in the Texas parole system, she made the decision to retire. Just prior to her retirement, she attended an APPA training institute. At the institute, the current director of APPA announced his retirement. A number of people at the training suggested she apply for the position. She did and was selected as the new executive director.

For Ms. Cunningham, becoming the executive director of APPA was, in a real sense, a continuation of her commitment to the field of community supervision and her belief in the importance of continuous learning and development. 

The Importance of Community Supervision

Recognizing the critical role of community corrections in rehabilitating individuals and enhancing public safety, Ms. Cunningham expresses the need for more support and training for probation and parole officers. She highlighted initiatives that provide training opportunities for small departments and advocating comprehensive support systems for officers to ensure effective community supervision.

Furthermore, Ms. Cunningham stresses the importance of mental health and well-being among probation and parole officers, understanding that healthy officers are better equipped to provide support to individuals under their supervision. She advocates for a shift towards hiring individuals who have an affinity for the work and are committed to second chances, rather than solely based on qualifications.

Future Thoughts for APPA

Looking to the future, Ms. Cunningham sees a shift towards a more holistic approach in community corrections, emphasizing cultural humility and a recognition of the need for change in certain practices, such as excessive revocations for technical violations. She believes that fostering a supportive and inclusive culture within probation and parole departments will be vital for the field’s advancement.

In summary, Ms. Cunningham’s journey and insights offer a glimpse into the evolving landscape of community corrections. She emphasizes the need for effective training, mental health support of community corrections officers, and cultural humility, all while stressing the importance of continuous improvement and adaptation within the field to better serve communities and individuals under supervision.

We wish to thank Ms. Cunningham for joining us on Justice Speaks.  We also wish to thank Reconnect for sponsoring this podcast episode.

Additional Resource

You can watch this interview by going to the Justice Speakers Institutes’ YouTube Channel or by clicking here.