Probation Officer Sues for Law Enforcement Disability

By Matt Green

Published on October 17, 2005

On Oct. 10, probation officer Kay Apa filed a lawsuit requesting law enforcement disability, which gives employees their full salary and benefits for up to a year if they miss work due to injury. Currently, she and other probation officers are only eligible for traditional worker compensation, which pays far less.

Apa has missed work on several occasions because of injuries sustained during an auto accident in 2004. She requested the Tazewell County Board to grant her comprehensive disability, but was denied.

Illinois law doesn't specify whether probation officers should receive comprehensive disability. It currently covers only police, firefighters and state mental hospital workers.

Apa said she deserves inclusion because her job duties resemble those of other law enforcement officers. For instance, probation officer must receive training, take an oath of office, and arrest those violating their probation.

If granted comprehensive coverage, Apa will receive her full annual salary of roughly $35,000. With traditional worker compensation benefits, she'll be paid about $10,000 less a year.

Comment on this article →