Advancing Probation through Innovative Training

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Assistant Commissioner Kory L. Blackwell is a seasoned criminal justice professional with over 20 years of service in public safety, leadership, and law enforcement training. In his current role leading the Division of Staff and Organizational Development (DSOD), he oversees all training initiatives for new recruits, in-service staff, and specialized units in Adult, Juvenile, and Intelligence Operations. AC Blackwell has led the modernization of the Department’s training infrastructure, spearheading the development of a state-of-the-art Academy, a Virtual Reality Tactical Training Program, and new standards in leadership and tactical readiness. He restructured DSOD into three key branches: Academy Operations, Staff Development & Training, and the Armorer’s Unit. Prior to this role, he served as Branch Chief of Bronx Adult Operations and as a Supervising Probation Officer in the Intelligence Unit, managing critical investigations and high-risk responses citywide. A certified IDC Trainer and Firearms Instructor, AC Blackwell is a respected mentor and expert in defensive tactics and arrest procedures. He is known for his visionary leadership, professionalism, and commitment to accountability and service. His impact continues to shape a culture of excellence within the NYC Department of Probation.

Kimberly J. Irby is currently the Director of Training for the New York City Department of Probation. Her career path led her to the probation department over thirty years ago. Kimberly acclimated herself to the role of probation officer rather quickly. Working with some of the most violent juvenile offenders in New York City. This afforded Kimberly the opportunity to work closely with the courts as well as many community stakeholders to determine the best services and outcomes for justice involved youth. Never shying away from a challenge, Kimberly entered a supervisory role working closely with supervision officers as well as their clients. Over the years, Kimberly has worked on various committees, work groups, and panels to aid in the development of new probation practices. Kimberly works tirelessly to foster training programs that allow staff the opportunity to challenge their own thinking and work towards becoming agents of change. Kimberly is committed to tunneling through barriers, and motivating people to be their very best. Impossible is not an option, only a moment in time. With that she says, “If we can save one life, grant one opportunity, open one door, help others to dream, then none of this is in vain.”

Supervising Probation Officer Michael Tarello currently leads the NYC Department of Probation’s Intelligence Division-Cyber Unit, which he founded in 2018 focusing on social media investigations. Under his leadership, the unit restructured traditional intelligence reporting by introducing the Cyber Intelligence Report to enhance situational awareness and support operational needs. In 2022, SPO Tarello established the Department’s first Digital Forensics Unit, a major advancement in the agency’s capability to combat cyber-enabled crimes, leading to the apprehension of offenders engaged in crimes against children. With over 18 years of service, SPO Tarello began his career supervising high-risk individuals within the Special Offenders Unit. He was later selected to join the Department’s inaugural Sex Offender Containment Unit, specializing in managing high-risk sex offenders. Following his success in supervision, he transitioned to the Intelligence Division, where he contributed to high-risk warrant executions, gang and firearm investigations. He has also led and coordinated joint operations with various local and federal law enforcement agencies. Currently, SPO Tarello and his team are collaborating with the Department’s Training Division to design and implement Virtual Reality training scenarios for probation officers. He also supports agency-wide training efforts by delivering presentations on arrest procedures and cyber awareness, identifying high-risk applications and online predator tactics.