DAJD welcomes new Community Corrections director

Summary 

 The King County Council has confirmed Aaron Parker as director of the Community Corrections Division at the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention.

Story

A new director has assumed leadership at King County's Community Corrections Division under the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD).

The King County Council confirmed Aaron Parker as division director during a vote on Tuesday, March 11. Parker was selected by King County Executive Dow Constantine following a nationwide recruitment process led by the Byers Group. He has been serving as division director designee since Jan 4.

DAJD Director Allen Nance said that Parker has an excellent background to move Community Corrections and King County toward strategic goals.

"During the interview process, Aaron distinguished himself by demonstrating a commitment to using data to drive for results, supporting the success of his team, while also taking a people-centered approach to leadership," Nance said. "Aaron plans to prioritize equitable practices, community safety, and transformative outcomes for individuals involved in the justice system. He also wants to ensure that we implement strategies that reduce recidivism, support rehabilitation, and strengthen community partnerships."

Parker comes from King County Superior Court, where he served as the Juvenile Court services manager, responsible for screening, intake, and supervision services. He also oversaw the Behavioral Health Response program, formally known as juvenile drug court.

Born and raised in Seattle, Parker attended Howard University in Washington, D.C., where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Social Work. When not working, he enjoys coaching Little League baseball and serving on boards in the community.

Parker said that his approach will emphasize cooperation within his team as well as with partners in the criminal legal system.

“We will approach our work with strength — strength in our collective ability to make a difference, and strength in the partnerships we build. We will be proactive, innovative, and compassionate in our approach, always seeking new ways to improve, adapt, and evolve with the needs of those we serve. We will invest in people — our staff, our community partners, and those in our care — knowing that success is rooted in collaboration and mutual respect."

The Community Corrections Division (CCD) is one of five divisions under DAJD. It provides the courts and program participants alternatives to jail, both pretrial and after sentencing. The division’s Electronic Home Detention program served an average monthly population of more than 350 participants last year. The division also is responsible for the Community Center for Alternative Programs, formerly known as Day Reporting, as well as a similar program in south King County called Pretrial Assessment and Linkage Services.

Additionally, CCD's Intake Services Unit and its personal recognizance investigators provide the courts with information that judges use to help determine whether to release defendants from jail while charges are pending.

Deputy CCD Director Ed Carter filled in as interim division director during the past year while the recruitment for a permanent division director was ongoing.

In the coming months, Community Corrections will prioritize expanding the Electronic Home Monitoring program to accommodate growing demand from the courts.