Pictured from left are 2026 CPOC Slate of Officers Chief Tamika Nelson (San Diego), Chief Esa Ehmen-Krause (Contra Costa), and Chief Izen Locatelli (Mendocino). Courtesy photo

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - The Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) has selected its executive leadership team for 2026, naming Chief Esa Ehmen-Krause of Contra Costa County as President, Chief Izen Locatelli of Mendocino County as Vice President, and Chief Tamika Nelson of San Diego County as Secretary/Treasurer.

“California’s probation departments are built on a balance of accountability and opportunity, helping those ready for change while protecting the communities we serve,” Chief Ehmen-Krause said.

“It is a privilege to serve alongside the dedicated leaders of this association. I look forward to strengthening partnerships, advancing effective practices and supporting the incredible work happening in counties across the state.”

Chief Ehmen-Krause, who has served as Chief Probation Officer in Contra Costa County for the last five years, will guide the association during a period of continued evolution in California’s public safety landscape. She brings more than two decades of experience in youth services, community-based interventions and system reform.

Her leadership background includes advancing major reform initiatives as Assistant Chief Probation Officer in Alameda County, as well as earlier roles within the Indiana Department of Corrections’ Division of Youth Services. In Indiana, she earned recognition for implementing the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention’s Performance-based Standards model and developing strategies to safely reduce youth facility populations.

“Chief Ehmen-Krause is a collaborative, thoughtful, and forward-thinking leader,” said 2025 Chief Probation Officers of California President and San Joaquin County Probation Chief Steve Jackson. “She brings people together to support better outcomes for our communities, an approach that will serve both the association and communities across the state.”

The Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) is an association of all 58 counties with a shared identity as law enforcement leaders. Chief Probation Officers of California is committed to a research-based approach to public safety that promotes positive behavior change.

Their leadership guides policy and practice in prevention, community-based corrections, secure detention for youth, and direct human services. Chief Probation Officers of California aims to prevent crime and delinquency, reduce recidivism, restore victims, and promote healthy families and communities.

For more information about The Chief Probation Officers of California, go to www.cpoc.org.