Placer County is set to see a change in its Probation Department's leadership. Brian Passenheim, who has served as Assistant Chief Probation Officer, will step up to the role of the chief effective March 8. This transition is happening in light of Chief Probation Officer Marshall Hopper's retirement, which is scheduled to happen next week.
A statement from Placer County celebrated the work of the outgoing Chief Hopper, who, after a commendable tenure beginning in 2011, leaves, according to County Executive Officer Daniel Chatigny, "incredibly big shoes to fill." Chatigny expressed confidence to Placer County's official announcement that "under Chief Passenheim they will continue to build on that legacy." Having been with the department since 2004, Passenheim climbed the ranks from a deputy probation officer and has been readying himself as assistant chief probation officer since 2021.
With strong local ties, being a graduate of Woodcreek High School in Roseville, Passenheim began his law enforcement career at the Brooking County Detention Center in South Dakota as a correctional officer. Following that, he returned to California after serving as a parole agent in South Dakota. His educational credentials were further burnished with the attainment of a Master of Science degree in law enforcement and public safety leadership from the University of San Diego in 2023.
In a testament to the ongoing commitment to community and service, Passenheim expressed his sense of honor by the trust placed in him, "I couldn’t be more honored by the faith our leadership has placed in me to serve in this position," he shared with the official Placer County announcement. He emphasized the Probation team's life-changing work through "a balanced approach of supervision, coaching, services and accountability," highlighting the ethos whereby the success of their clients enhances community safety.
Hopper's departure marks the close of a nearly 28-year long chapter of service with Placer County, having begun his career in law enforcement with Shasta County Probation at only 19. His career included a stretch with El Dorado County Probation before joining Placer County Probation in 1997. During his tenure with Placer County, Hopper was instrumental in initiatives aimed at tackling homelessness and reducing systemic barriers to justice. His commitment to service extended beyond civilian life, with an eight-year term serving as a military policeman in the California Army National Guard. Reflecting on his time as chief, Hopper told the county board, "Serving as Placer County's chief probation officer has been a true honor... I'm incredibly proud of the compassionate work our team does every day and the real difference we make in our communities. I know the department is left in good hands with Chief Passenheim, and I'm confident he'll continue to strengthen our relationships and build on our achievements."
