[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 162 (Wednesday, October 24, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2227]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN HONOR OF JAMES ROWLAND AND THE DESIGNATION OF THE JAMES ROWLAND 
                      ASSISTANCE CENTER IN FRESNO

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 24, 2007

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate James Rowland 
of Fresno, California. A great honor is being bestowed upon James, as 
the new Fresno County Probation Department Crime Victim Assistance 
Facility will be officially named the James Rowland Crime Victim 
Assistance Center.
  James Rowland began his career as the Fresno County chief probation 
officer on October 2, 1972. His efforts to give crime victims the 
consideration, fairness, and support they so desperately deserve has 
been instrumental in changing the way the justice system perceives and 
treats crime victims. In 1976 James Rowland created the first victim 
impact statement to provide the judiciary with an objective inventory 
of victim injuries and losses at sentencing. The victim impact 
statement has brought not only nationwide but worldwide recognition 
that crime victims need additional assistance. This happened through 
James Rowland's resolve and fierce determination to provide appropriate 
and comprehensive services to Fresno County crime victims.
  After 10 years of service as Fresno County's chief probation officer, 
James Rowland went on to serve as the director of the California Youth 
Authority and the director of the California Department of Corrections. 
He also established the Office of Victims of Crimes in both State 
agencies. Furthermore, he instituted classes in State prisons where 
inmates learned firsthand the impact of their crimes on their victims.
  James Rowland took responsibility for changing the justice system to 
accommodate and respond to the suffering and trauma of those victimized 
by crime. He has received prestigious awards from both Pepperdine and 
Harvard Universities, as well as various criminal justice and private 
agencies for contributions to the field of corrections worldwide. He is 
now known internationally as a crime cictim advocate.
  Although James Rowland is now retired after 40 years of public 
service, he continues to provide direction and assistance to persons 
and agencies that change the justice system. It is with great pride 
that I congratulate him for receiving this distinguished honor and for 
all that he has done on behalf of the county of Fresno.

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