On June 19, 2025, UPE met and conferred with the Merced County Probation Department regarding two policy updates. The first policy, for request change of assignment policy 847, relates to how employees can request a change of assignment. This policy outlines that staff may submit a request; however, assignment decisions are made by management based on the department's needs. The County's updated policy indicates that employee preferences are considered, along with factors such as workload trends, training, job performance, and location preferences, among other factors. The Chief Probation Officer makes assignment decisions and is not subject to appeal, despite UPE's proposal to include an appeal process. The updated policy also added that requests must be submitted using the Assignment Preference Form through the chain of command. However, the County has rescinded the revision and now intends to keep Policy 813 unchanged.
The second policy 813 concerns special assignments and promotions. Certain roles within the department, such as task force positions or specialty units, are considered special assignments rather than promotions. Selection for these assignments is based on qualifications, work performance, professionalism, and leadership traits. This policy had a minimal impact on our members, as it applies to probation officers seeking special assignments such as Task Force, Canine Handler, or Professional Standards roles. Notably, the Promotion Process can be found in Merced HR rules and regulations. UPE does not represent probation officers. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact your UPE Business Agent—we're always happy to help and will keep you informed.
UPE WOULD LIKE TO THANK UPE MERCED COUNTY UNIT 3 GOVERNING BOARD MEMBERS MELISA HERNANDEZ AND CARMELITA RODRIGUEZ FOR THEIR ADVOCACY AND PARTICIPATION.
