The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors today ratified the appointment of Jamal Rowe as the new Chief Probation Officer.
Rowe’s appointment follows an extensive and competitive recruitment process coordinated by the Sacramento Superior Court. The hiring committee was comprised of Sacramento Superior Court judges and the Deputy County Executive for Public Safety and Justice, Eric Jones.
Following panel interviews, Rowe was identified as the most qualified candidate for the Chief Probation Officer role. His selection was unanimously approved by the Superior Court Executive Committee and subsequently by all Sacramento Superior Court Judges.
“The unanimous support for Mr. Rowe’s appointment by our judicial officers reflects the confidence we have in his leadership, public service experience, and commitment to public safety,” said Sacramento Superior Court Assistant Presiding Judge Lawrence G. Brown. “We are confident he will lead the Probation Department with integrity and vision.”
Rowe brings to the post more than 25 years of experience in public safety, including more than two decades with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. He most recently served as Acting Deputy Director of the Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO), where he provided statewide leadership in operations, policy direction, and executive communications. His career began in Sacramento County, where he served four years as a Probation Assistant at Juvenile Hall, bringing his professional journey full circle with this new role.
“We welcome Jamal Rowe back to Sacramento County,” said Deputy County Executive for Public Safety and Justice Eric Jones. “His extensive background in community corrections, leadership in statewide parole operations, and demonstrated commitment to public safety and rehabilitation make him an outstanding choice to lead our Probation Department.”
Rowe has been recognized for his achievements throughout his career, including being named DAPO’s Professional of the Year in 2022 and serving as a member of the California Sex Offender Management Board from 2018 to 2021. He has led the development of training and policy initiatives, including DAPO’s first POST-certified Parole Academy and a customized Principled Policing training module. Rowe is also a subject matter expert in electronic monitoring and sex offender treatment and a graduate of the Los Angeles Police Department Leadership Program.
Rowe holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from California State University, Sacramento, and is a Senior Fellow with the American Leadership Forum.
“I am honored to return to Sacramento County and serve in this vital role,” said Rowe. “I look forward to working alongside dedicated probation professionals to support our communities, enhance public safety, and expand opportunities for successful reentry and rehabilitation.”
His appointment follows the retirement of former Chief Probation Officer Marlon Yarber in December 2024 and the interim leadership of Assistant Chief Probation Officer Julie Wherry.