The COPE Committee is comprised of four chief probation officers and four directors of juvenile court services plus members from the Adult Probation Services and Juvenile Justice Services Divisions of the Administrative Office of the Courts, and members-at-large from the community and the judiciary. Committee members serve three-year terms.

COPE has permanent subcommittees for Curriculum, Review, Detention, Testing, and the Intensive Probation Supervision Institute.

COPE is responsible for statewide certification of adult and juvenile probation officers. As of July 1, 1995, any person hired as a probation officer by any probation department in Arizona is required to attend the Certification Academy. The Certification Academy is designed to provide basic training to all probation officers. Officers who pass the certification test, satisfactorily complete a minimum of one year of employment as a probation officer, and receive a recommendation from their Chief Probation Officer or Director of Juvenile Court Services, are certified by the Arizona Supreme Court as probation officers. Persons hired prior to July 1, 1995 have the option of becoming certified by taking and passing the certification test, provided they have a minimum of one year satisfactory employment in Arizona.

If you have questions or would like more information regarding the Committee on Probation Education email us directly at cope-edu@courts.az.gov