33 years as Federal Officer

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Joseph A. Giacobbe, left, who has retired as the area’s chief federal probation officer, with his successor, Anthony San Giacomo.
Harry Scull Jr./Buffalo News


33 years as federal officer 01.11.2010

Much has changed in the criminal- justice world since Joseph A. Giacobbe became a federal probation officer in New York City in 1976.

In those days, a telephone was the closest thing that Giacobbe had to high-tech equipment as he tried to keep track of accused mobsters and drug dealers who were awaiting trial in the Big Apple.

Today, probation officers use computers, electronic ankle monitors and global positioning systems to keep watch on criminal suspects.

“The job is a lot more complicated today,” Giacobbe said. “But now, the probation officer has more tools than ever to help [him] do the job.”

Giacobbe, 56, recently put in his last day of work after 19 years as the chief probation officer for the federal courts of Western New York.

Probation officer ends a distinguished career : City & Region : The Buffalo News

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