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SJC Chief, House Speaker Want Probation Dept. Within Court System

In an unusual alliance, the state's chief justice has joined with the speaker of the House in touting legislation that would keep the beleaguered Probation Department within the court system but overhaul its hiring practices.

The bill that House Speaker Robert DeLeo announced and Justice Roderick Ireland endorsed puts them at odds with Gov. Deval Patrick, the man who nominated Ireland to chief justice last year.

The governor wants the Probation Department under the control of the executive branch. Ireland said the Probation Department belongs where it is.

DeLeo agrees with Ireland. His bill would eliminate rampant patronage by requiring applicants to pass tests before they can ever be interviewed, and to disclose their government contacts.

Another change is that all recommendations for all successful candidates are now public record. This is a major policy change as to how people are hired.

DeLeo is hoping to pass the legislation within weeks.

This program aired on April 22, 2011. The audio for this program is not available.

Headshot of David Boeri

David Boeri Senior Reporter
Now retired, David Boeri was a senior reporter at WBUR.

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