Tuktoyaktuk (May 05/03) - Winnie Gruben is always watching. If you are on probation or parole, she knows your every move.

But it's only because she cares about the well-being and safety of everyone in her community.

And for that, she was awarded the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal on April 14. If you're in trouble or just need someone to talk to, Winnie is there.

News/North: As a probation officer do you deal with young offenders, adults, or both?

Winnie Gruben: In my job as a probation officer I deal with both young offenders and adult offenders, and also federal parolees.

N/N: What are your primary duties?

WG: My primary duties are to provide supervision to ensure the clients are abiding by their conditions on their probation order.

I have to attend territorial court which is held once a month and is usually held for two or three days. I attend justice of the peace court once a month. I prepare court reports where I have to interview the client, family, friends, victim, RCMP, the school and the local justice committees.

This takes some time, as the report is lengthy and very informative. I also have to conduct home visits, do up referrals and at times provide some counselling. I supervise clients who have community service hours.

N/N: Are there certain times of the year that are busier than others and what could be the reasons for that?

WG: I feel that in the fall when the weather is starting to freeze up, it's dark, there's no road out of here and people tend to get restless and sometimes stressed out.

We all know that communities have problems with alcohol and drugs, and these people have to have money to buy their drugs and alcohol and they will do what they have to do to get it.

N/N: Is a stressful job?

WG: Yes, at times the job can be stressful because of the paperwork and the timelines. Also some clients are not reporting in or not trying to complete their hours. I have clients who are on probation for six months to two years, so we do get to know each other in a personal way.

N/N: What are the most common types of crimes these people have committed?

WG: In court it would be mostly alcohol-related. All alcohol-related. If it wasn't for the alcohol and drugs there would be no spousal assaults and break-ins.

N/N: So alcohol is the devil's potion?

WG: Yes. Even the judge says that. If it wasn't for the alcohol ... It's all related to alcohol and drugs.

N/N: Is there anything that can be done to defeat that problem?

WG: I think that each person has to look at themselves. Really take a good hard look because the government can't sober you up. Jails can't sober you up. But I think they have to look at themselves and really do a personal reflection -- what I need to do, what I want to do, and have a plan. If you work all winter for your cheque and blow it all in one night, what do you have for tomorrow? And that's usually what you see.

N/N: Have probation orders changed over time to allow more freedom to carry on a traditional lifestyle, such as going hunting or spending time out on the land?

WG: You have that with parolees. They have a condition that they can't be so many miles from town. But if they let us know in advance that they are going to go somewhere, generally we will do it. But they can't just be gone and sneak out of town. We know all that. We know their every movement.

N/N: So in a small town it's easy to track these people?

WG: Yes. You see them. Even if you don't want to see them, you see them. You're walking home from work and they're there and it's good in a way. You see them and say 'hey, don't forget to come and see me tomorrow.'

N/N: What do you do if somebody doesn't comply with conditions?

WG: That's few and far in between, but we explain to them what probation is all about and tell them what they have to do. If they are really not listening you try to do it two or three times maybe the first three months and after that maybe once a month.

I have two clients that I know that I have to sit and talk with and explain the consequences. Maybe I have to get the RCMP in with me just so that they know.

N/N: Do people consider you an authority figure in Tuk? Do they respect you and look up to you because of your position?

WG: My clients are aware that there are consequences to their behaviour if they do not report in as directed and do not follow their probation conditions. So together we try to ensure everything is spelled out and understood.

I had one client who finished and told me "I wish I was still on probation..." I always try to treat people how I want to be treated. You treat them with respect and you get that same courtesy back.

N/N: Does living in a small community make it easier to keep track of clients and ensure they are living up to their probationary terms?

WG: When we have court sittings here in Tuktoyaktuk, the residents come out and listen. The names of who attends court are posted on the door and everyone knows who is going up for what charge and they hear what the judge says when he sentences a person.

When I go shopping, check my mail or attend a community event, I see my clients almost daily. In a small community, we have problems with gossiping and one just has to check out both sides of the story and keep on top of things.

N/N: So people tell you if somebody is not doing what they have been ordered to do?

WG: Well, you know in a small town everybody gossips. And then you hear so-and-so did this. I don't get too excited. I just pick up the phone and I check.

N/N: How long have you been a probation officer and why did you decide on that profession?

WG: I started in the field of social work back in 1972. Back then social services supervised probationers. I attended Red Deer college and received my social work diploma. I quit my job in 1991, but stayed on as a casual and was just hired back on in February 2001.

I enjoy working as a probation officer as every day is different. It is not hum-drum. Some days I go out on home visits, check things out with the local detachment, visit the agencies that deal with the hours or check with the school.

N/N: How do you feel about receiving the Golden Jubilee Medal?

WG: I have mixed feelings about the Golden Jubilee Medal as there are others who deserve it, but I am honoured that I was chosen. I will wear it proudly. I was very surprised as I do what I have to do and try to get the job done. I thank the good lord daily for being a big part of my life.