THE Probation Aftercare Officers’ Staff Association has signed the Heads of Agreement with the Government for the 2015/2017 contract period.

Under the two-year agreement, the officers will receive a four per cent salary increase for year one and three per cent in year two. Included in the package is $2 million for the continuing professional development of probation aftercare officers.

Speaking at the signing ceremony held at the Ministry of Finance and Public Service in Kingston Monday, minister of state Rudyard Spencer said the Government regards the advancement of the officers as a priority.

“This is why we have supported education and training, which will enhance the knowledge base of the probation aftercare officers,” he said.

Spencer commended the bargaining group for the cordial and respectful atmosphere in which the negotiations were conducted.

President of the Probation Aftercare Officers’ Staff Association, Kerryann Davis, said that the members will continue to carry out their duties in order to impact positive changes in communities.

“We will do our best to help our clients and the Ministry of National Security to stamp out crime and violence,” she said.

The Probation Aftercare Officers’ Staff Association is an affiliate of the Union of Clerical, Administrative and Supervisory Employees and represents officers employed to the Department of Correctional Services.

They provide supervision of individuals placed on community-based sentences in order to ensure that they operate as law-abiding, peaceful and productive citizens.