Our Mission, Our Movement

Working in Home Detention has shown me how vital our roles are—not just for public safety, but for reducing prison overcrowding and helping individuals stay connected to their families and jobs. As Home Detention Officers, we monitor GPS tracking devices, respond to alerts, transport individuals between correctional facilities and their homes, conduct home visits, and perform retakes when there are violations.

Being part of AFSCME Local 3661 has opened my eyes to how much work goes into securing fair wages, safer conditions, and real support for frontline workers. As an Executive Board Member, I’ve learned the importance of educating others about their rights and fighting for safety—because at the end of the day, everyone deserves to go home safe.

One of the most rewarding parts of being a Parole and Probation Agent is seeing someone change their life for the better—especially when they were once in a place where they were putting themselves and others at risk. A lot of the people we work with are struggling with serious challenges like addiction, mental health issues, or housing insecurity. Helping them take steps toward stability, healing, and personal growth—that’s what keeps me going.

I believe deeply in what we do, but I also know it takes more than just individual effort. That’s why I believe in our union.

Our union is like a family. It’s where we come together to support one another, share our ideas, and make our workplaces better—not just for today, but for the future. When we’re united, we’re stronger. We have a real chance to shape the conditions we work in and the systems we’re a part of.

As a shop steward, I’m here to stand up for my coworkers, make sure our rights are protected, and hold the line when things aren’t fair. I’ve seen the impact a strong union can have—whether it’s getting unsafe conditions addressed, pushing for better training, or simply making sure someone has a voice when they need it.

"This job can be tough, but with each other’s support—and a union that has our backs—we don’t have to face it alone."

“The only effective answer to organized greed is organized labor.” – Thomas Donahue

As a Police Communications Operator, I play a vital role in keeping our communities safe—monitoring individuals on home detention, staying in constant communication with Home Detention Officers in the field, and entering warrants that ensure accountability.

Being a part of AFSCME Local 3661 has given me a deeper sense of purpose. 

It’s empowering to know that, together, we have the power to create meaningful change and improve our workplaces for everyone.

As an investigator, I assess whether individuals accused of crimes pose a risk to the public or the alleged victim. My recommendations to the judge are guided by fairness, facts, and a deep responsibility to protect those around us. The union stands behind me so I can stand up for justice.

The union has empowered me with the education, resources, and the support I need to feel confident and safe in my workplace. That foundation allows me to focus on what matters most - keeping our community safe. 


"With the union behind me, I have the strength to protect others and the support to do it right."

Working for Parole and Probation is one of the most rewarding careers you can pursue. It’s a unique role that allows you to engage directly with both the community and clients, with a shared focus on reducing recidivism and improving the quality of life in the neighborhoods we all call home. Every day brings the opportunity to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds, lifestyles, and socioeconomic circumstances—reminding us of the human side of public service.

As a shop steward with the Union, I not only have the privilege of helping people in the community, but also the honor of supporting my colleagues. Whether advocating for fair treatment, addressing workplace concerns, or offering guidance through difficult situations, being a steward allows me to be a voice for others.

Through the Union, we also have the power to foster collaborative decision-making with management and legislators—driving meaningful changes that benefit both the workforce and the public we serve.

I work in Pretrial Release—a role that carries immense responsibility and influence. Each day, I face the critical task of evaluating whether individuals, including those with serious offenses, should be released back into our communities. My recommendations are not just opinions; they are thoughtful, evidence-based assessments that judges rely on to make life-altering decisions.

What makes this work even more meaningful is being part of the Union. The Union doesn’t just give me a seat at the table—it gives me a voice that’s amplified. When I raise a concern, I’m not standing alone. I’m supported by the strength and solidarity of my fellow members. Together, our collective voice resonates in the places where decisions are made, helping to shape policies, protect rights, and drive real change.

"One voice can be dismissed—one hundred cannot. In unity, we don’t just speak—we resonate."

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” – Martin Luther King, Jr.

I’m proud to be an executive board member of local 3661 and to advocate for our members. I'm committed to the values that make our union a powerful force for change. My goal is to help build a better future for community corrections in Maryland—not just for us, but for those that follow. 

 

As a Police Communications Operator, I play a vital role in public safety by monitoring individuals on Home Detention through GPS tracking. This monitoring ensures that participants comply with the rules and regulations set by the Home Detention Unit (HDU), ultimately helping to protect the community and maintain order.

As a shop steward in training, I’ve gained valuable knowledge about how to professionally and effectively represent union members during meetings with management. Whether it’s a mitigation, investigation, appeal, grievance, or disciplinary action, I stand with employees to ensure their voices are heard and their rights are protected. Being a steward has empowered me with the tools to support my coworkers and hold management accountable to established guidelines.

“It’s better to have a union and not need it, than to need a union and not have one.”

Working in Parole and Probation is one of the most rewarding careers you can have. It offers a unique opportunity to engage with both clients and the community, united by a common goal: reducing recidivism and strengthening the neighborhoods we all share. Every day presents a chance to connect with people from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and walks of life—reminding us of the profound human impact of public service.

As a Union shop steward, I’m privileged not only to support the community, but also to advocate for my coworkers. Whether it's standing beside someone during a difficult conversation with management, helping navigate workplace challenges, or ensuring fair treatment, being a steward means being a trusted voice and source of support. Through our Union, we help shape decisions that affect our work and our lives. By collaborating with management and legislators, we push for changes that improve conditions for employees and, ultimately, enhance the services we provide to the public.

Being apart of AFSCME Union allows us to a have a collective voice with decisions that directly affecting and impact our work environment.

As a DPSCS Police Communications Operator II, the responsibility of helping to keep officers, incarcerated individuals, and the public safe is incredibly demanding—but the reward lies in knowing you are making a meaningful difference in public safety every day.

Serving as a Shop Steward with Local 3661 brings its own set of challenges, especially when supporting members who have been treated unfairly. But with a union like ours, those challenges feel less overwhelming. Local 3661 stands as a source of strength, support, and unity—committed to advocating for what’s right and ensuring that no member stands alone. Together, we strive for fairness, dignity, and progress for all.