Juanita Holmes, commissioner of the New York City Department of Probation and veteran law enforcement officer who served in the Police Department for over 35 years and at one time was that agency’s highest-ranking female officer, is facing criticism for various reasons, including hiring her niece for a senior post. There's also concern about an increase in recidivism among probationers. In a conversation with City & State Holmes reveals her rationale behind her decision-making and her plans to keep the agency moving forward. This interview has been edited for lengthy and clarity.

Commissioner, thank you for speaking with us. If you don't mind, first, please introduce yourself to City & State readers as if they've never heard of you. I am the Commissioner for the New York City Departme

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