By Ray King
A probation officer for District Court was recommended for approval by a committee of the Jefferson County Quorum Court during a meeting Tuesday.
Jefferson County District Judge Kim Bridgforth told the county’s legislative body that currently both her court and Pine Bluff District Court use the services of a private probation officer. She said that person, who has been doing the job for at least the 17-and-a-half years Bridgforth has been associated with the court, is retiring.
Bridgforth said very few courts anymore use private probation officers, most employ their own and that the position would not cost the county any money since probationer’s fees would pay the person’s salary.
Bridgforth was asked by Deltaplex News what the duties of the probation officer would be.
On another subject, Bridgforth said court clerks have received several phone calls from citizens who reported being contacted by individuals claiming to work for the court or law enforcement and threatening to arrest the citizens for not reporting for jury duty.
The callers instructed citizens to buy prepaid debit cards or gift cards and arrange a meeting place where the card can be handed off. In one case, a resident bought two separate cards totaling $1,200.
District Courts do not have jury trials and Bridgforth said no legitimate law enforcement person or court worker would contact citizens and ask for money. She said anyone who receives such a call should contact a law enforcement officer.
Anyone with questions can call Jefferson County District Court at 541-4646.
