By Tom Hintgen

Otter Tail County Correspondent

The County Board of Commissioners previously passed a resolution to change probation services from a county probation office delivery system to community corrections. This transition is scheduled to be effective as of Jan. 31, 2025.

Since the time that the resolution was passed, county staff have been working with the Minnesota Department of Corrections along with affected corrections agents and administrative staff to transition their employment to Otter Tail County. 

Currently, three corrections agents have indicated their desire to become probation agents with Otter Tail County.

“The mission of the Otter Tail County Probation Department is to enhance public safety and victim reparation by guiding positive behavior change,” said County Director of Probation Mike Schommer. “This is done through innovative services, community support and effective community supervision.”

The vision of the department is to create a safer Otter Tail County by being a leader in community supervision.

“We strive to provide steadfast professional and ethical behavior through a commitment to staff development and teamwork while being unified leaders in our communities,” Schommer said. “Our staff members use technology and effective intervention strategies.”

In addition, Schommer says the County Probation Department provides self-disciplined services, solid fiscal management, transparent communications and resources to best serve Otter Tail County.