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Special Session: Preventing and Eliminating Staff Sexual Misconduct (Invite Only)
SESSION INFO
Sunday, August 24, 2025
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Session Type: Special Session
Most community corrections officers perform their duties in keeping with the law and their agency’s policies and procedures. However, staff who misuse their power and authority by engaging in sexual misconduct with probationers compromise the legitimacy of their profession, putting undue strain on the already challenging task of promoting individual accountability and rehabilitation. They also victimize and potentially traumatize individuals under their supervision and expose themselves and their agency to civil and criminal liability. With support from the National Institute of Corrections, this session will examine SSM through the lens of organizational leadership—highlighting how leaders can proactively address misconduct, reinforce ethical culture, and ensure appropriate prevention, detection, and response strategies. Attendees will explore practical tools and policy considerations to mitigate risk, protect individuals, and strengthen public trust in community corrections.
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SESSION PRESENTERS
Gene Cotter
Probation Administrator, NE Supreme Court Office of Probation Administration
Gene is the Probation Administrator with the Nebraska Administrative Office of the Courts and Probation. He has worked in community corrections for more than 35 years as a probation officer, chief probation officer and in the administrative office as an assistant and deputy administrator where he oversaw human resources, public information, performance management, research and data and interstate compact. He holds a master’s degree in Critical and Creative Thinking with an emphasis on Organizational Science and Leadership from the University of Nebraska Omaha and is an Adjunct Professor of Criminal Justice for the University of Nebraska System. Gene is a long-time member of the National Association of Probation Executives (NAPE) and the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA) and is a graduate of the APPA Leadership Institute and has also served on the APPA Board of Directors for several years as a Regional Representative.
Dr. Carmen Z. Gomez
Deputy Commissioner for Pretrial Services, MA Probation Service/MA Trial Court/Office of Commissioner of Probation
Carmen Z. Gomez, PhD is a Criminal Justice professional with over 27 years of experience in the Judicial system. She serves as Deputy Commissioner for Pretrial Services for the Massachusetts Probation Service. She holds a PhD in Philosophy concentrating in Law, Policy, and Society. She has served as an adjunct professor at several colleges and universities and as a consultant to local, state, and federal entities, providing expertise in the areas of leadership capacity, DEI, sex crimes, and serial killings. Dr. Gomez serves as an APPA Leadership Institute Coordinator and is the recipient of the 2024 Probation and Parole Association Carmen Rodriquez Member of the Year Award. Dr. Gomez also serves on the National Association of Probation Board of Directors. She has devoted most of her life to public service, civil rights, wellness, leadership, and community engagement. She is a professional disrupter and change agent.
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