Probation and Positive Change

John Keene was appointed Chief Probation Officer in June of 2013. Chief Keene brings more than 20 years of law enforcement experience to his role. Prior to his appointment, he served as Deputy Chief Probation Officer in Alameda County.  The vision of the San Mateo County Probation Department is to be a proactive and innovative agency which facilitates positive changes in offenders' behaviors that reduce recidivism and foster a law-abiding lifestyle.

In a powerful reflection of its mission, the department recently celebrated a major milestone: On May 28, 2025, eight young people graduated from the San Mateo County Youth Services Center. Wearing purple gowns and personalized caps, the graduates were honored alongside their families in a ceremony filled with pride and hope. Among them, three earned college degrees through the Probation Department’s partnership with Project Change’s Rising Scholars Program. Two graduated cum laude and will transfer to San Francisco State University.

https://canadacollege.edu/projectchange/