Chief Don L. Meyer
Don L. Meyer has more than forty years of experience in the field of probation, covering every facet of community corrections and rehabilitation, including institution management, field work, court investigations, special programs, construction projects, work programs, pursuit of grants and alternative funding sources.
Most recently Chief Meyer served as the Chief Probation Officer in Yolo County, establishing his vision of the Restorative Justice Model of Corrections. Part of that vision included implementing Evidence Based Practices, a validated method of providing risk/needs assessments and cognitive behavior treatment programs which reduce recidivism.
Known for his collaborative work style with partner agencies, Meyer was able to secure several grants, including an Adult Mental Health grant and Safe Schools Health Students Grant. Meyer also established wrap-around services for minors at imminent risk for out-of-home placement by working with Yolo County Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health, and the Department of Employment and Social Services.
During is four years with Yolo County, he oversaw the final construction phase and moved into a new Juvenile Hall. Meyer also instituted several improvements utilizing technology such as electronic monitoring and GPS tracking for supervision and initiated the use of laptops and broadband connections for field work.
Before taking the helm at Yolo County, Chief Meyer was Chief Probation Officer for Calaveras County, where he distinguished himself by updating and improving several areas of the Probation Department’s operations, including upgrading security at the juvenile holding facility, establishing use of the Supervised Release File, a substantial increase in collection of restitution for victims and establishing a caseload supervision system to assure court orders were being met by probationers.
The majority of Chief Meyer’s career has been spent with the Sacramento County Probation Department. Beginning in 1966 as an on-call counselor, Meyer steadily gained responsibility and experience serving both as a field and court officer. He was part of the innovative programs of the day including Victim-Witness, Alternative Sentencing and other diversion programs. As a Supervisor, he worked in the institutions at the Juvenile Hall, Warren E. Thornton Youth Center and Juvenile Work Program. In the field, he supervised the Drug Intensive Unit responsible for high risk drug offenders.
As Assistant Chief, and then Chief Deputy Probation Officer, Meyer managed the Sacramento County Boys Ranch, at the time; it was a 100 bed facility for more sophisticated juvenile male offenders. He then took the reins of the Juvenile Hall. His vast experience led him to be charged with creating an 80-hour training program for all new custody staff and lead the management team that prepared the master plan for the expansion and security improvements for the Juvenile Hall. Meyer also served as division manager for Adult Court Investigations, and was responsible for thousands of pre-sentencing investigations.
Don Meyer currently serves as the President of the Chief Probation Officers of California and previously served as President Elect and Secretary of that organization.
He is an award winning weightlifter and in June of 2009, he won two gold medals at the Western States Police and Fire Games held in Santa Clarita, CA. Meyer participated in the World Police and Fire Games in Vancouver BC. in August 2009 where he also won gold for his age divsion in the bench press and push-pull. He is also a motorcycle enthusiast and rides frequently.