The San Mateo County Superior Court Friday announced that Calvin “Cal” Remington has been appointed interim Chief Probation Officer while the Court conducts a nationwide search for a new Chief.
Remington will be filling the void left by former County Chief Probation Officer Stuart Forrest, who announced his sudden and immediate retirement on Dec. 31 following the news that he was being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspector Service.
Though authorities did not comment on the reason behind the investigation, several news outlets reported that Forrest was under suspicion for receiving child pornography.
In a statement issued Friday, the County indicated that Calvin "Cal" Remington comes to this position with more than 40 years of experience, including a previous term as interim Chief from December 2008 to May 2009. He served as Chief Probation Officer in Ventura County from 1997 to 2007 and most recently served as Acting Chief Probation Officer and Chief Deputy Probation Officer for Los Angeles County.
"Cal Remington is one of the most respected probation leaders in California," said Judge Robert Foiles, incoming Chief Presiding Judge of the San Mateo County Superior Court. "He brings a wealth of experience, while his knowledge of San Mateo County will allow him to hit the ground running."
Remington was selected as 2004 Chief Probation Officer of the Year by the Chief Probation Officers of California and has served on numerous statewide commissions. He also has a deep knowledge of Public Safety Realignment, the 2011 state law that mandates certain low-level offenders are supervised by county probation officers rather than state parole agents.
After earning a degree from San Jose State University, Remington worked as a state parole agent from 1970 to 1974. He then began a 33-year career in the Ventura County Probation Department.
Remington will begin work on Jan. 28 and will serve as interim Chief Probation Officer until the Court selects a new Chief Probation Officer and the permanent Chief begins his or her duties.
Judge Foiles said the search for a permanent Chief is expected to take approximately six months. The Chief Probation Officer is appointed by the Superior Court.
Roy Brasil, who has served as Acting Chief since late December, will resume his role as Deputy Chief of the Institutions Division.
The Probation Department has approximately 400 employees and an annual budget of $76 million.
