Meeting People Where They Are: District Court Initiative

For Victoria Riddle, a Community Supervision Officer in Franklin County District Court, justice is not just about compliance — it’s about connection, accountability, and opportunity. Through her work with Smart Justice Services, Victoria helps individuals navigate the court system while building the skills and stability needed for long-term success.

In her role, Victoria monitors individuals on probation to ensure they are complying with court orders, but her responsibilities extend far beyond reporting facts to the court. She works closely with participants to identify opportunities for growth, helping them remain accountable while addressing the underlying needs that often contribute to justice involvement.

“This role aligns closely with the Smart Justice Initiative because it goes beyond compliance,” Victoria explained. “It focuses on accountability while also addressing the underlying needs that can help individuals build a healthier and more stable lifestyle.”

Victoria’s path to community supervision was driven by a desire to help others in a meaningful way. She wanted to support people not only by connecting them with resources, but also by creating a sense of community within the court system. She believes courts can serve as places of growth and support rather than spaces that feel strictly punitive.

That philosophy shapes how she approaches her work every day. Victoria emphasizes realistic, individualized goal-setting and meets people where they are, understanding that progress looks different for every person. By breaking goals down into manageable steps, she helps participants experience success in ways that feel attainable.

“What resonates most with me about the initiative is how it builds plans around current needs,” she said. “Something as simple as showing up for court or paying reinstatement fees can be a meaningful milestone that leads to bigger achievements, like enrolling in classes to reinstate a driver’s license.”

Victoria engages with participants at least once a month through appointments held in person or by phone, especially when transportation is a barrier. These regular check-ins allow her to track progress, identify challenges, and provide support where it’s needed most. Her assistance ranges from helping individuals understand the steps required to obtain a valid driver’s license, to connecting them with food pantries, counseling services, GED programs, and adult education or trade programs.

Often, support means simply being present.

“Sometimes it looks like sitting with someone while they make an anxiety-provoking phone call,” Victoria shared. “Being present can make a big difference.”

One of the most difficult challenges she sees is how quickly individuals can become discouraged after a setback. Many believe that one mistake means they’ve lost their second chance. Victoria works alongside a supportive court team that understands change takes time and that lasting progress requires patience, resources, and consistent encouragement.

She has seen firsthand how the Smart Justice Initiative can transform lives. One success story that stands out involved a young man with multiple court cases and a long-term driver’s license suspension. Through commitment, consistent communication, and goal-setting, he learned how to turn intentions into action and successfully completed the initiative, gaining skills that will benefit him for the rest of his life.

Victoria believes the impact of Smart Justice Services extends beyond individual participants. “The initiative has the ability to positively impact both individuals and entire communities,” she said. Her vision is for Smart Justice Services to be available in all courts across the state, encouraging collaboration and allowing communities to use available resources to create safer, more supportive environments.

She also sees opportunities for growth within the initiative, including having a dedicated court coordinator in each court. Building trust takes time, she explained, and consistent staffing strengthens relationships and improves outcomes.

For Victoria, communication is the cornerstone of success. Strong, consistent communication between community supervision officers, court staff, and community stakeholders creates the foundation that allows participants to stay engaged and supported.

Her advice to other courts and professionals is simple but powerful: get to know the people you’re serving. Build relationships, partner with local and outside resources, communicate across jurisdictions, and celebrate every success — no matter how small.

What keeps Victoria motivated is the progress she sees every day, even when it’s incremental. Building relationships and hearing participants’ stories continues to inspire her. Even when someone is terminated from the initiative, she remains a source of support, reminding them that resources and guidance are still available.

While the court often measures success by completion of court orders, Victoria measures success through trust and connection. Many individuals who do not complete the initiative still reach out to her later for guidance — a sign that they see her as a bridge between themselves and the court system.

She understands why some people may be skeptical of supportive court programs. Many individuals involved in the justice system have never experienced consistent support, sometimes even from childhood. Through education, structure, and compassion, initiatives like the Smart Justice Initiative teach skills others may take for granted — showing up, planning ahead, and coping in healthy ways.

By meeting people where they are and helping them see options beyond what they’ve known, Victoria Riddle and the Smart Justice Initiative are not only changing individual lives — they are strengthening the safety and wellbeing of the entire Franklin County community.