Tom Whitworth recognized for dedicated service in annual State of the Kansas Judiciary address

TOPEKA—Chief Justice Lawton R. Nuss recognized Probation Officer Tom Whitworth in his State of the Kansas Judiciary address delivered February 3 in the Supreme Court courtroom in Topeka to an audience of Kansas legislators, judicial branch employees and key constituent groups.

"The judicial branch is fortunate to employ so many faithful professionals who have dedicated their entire careers to providing Kansans fair and impartial courts," said Nuss. "It is my pleasure to recognize a few, like Tom Whitworth, who is just one example of the state's many judicial branch employees committed to public service."

Whitworth, an Army veteran, has been a probation officer in Johnson County and is part of the new Veterans Treatment Court for the 10th judicial district.

"I have been a Kansas court services officer in Johnson County for 17 years. My caseload has been primarily domestic violence offenses. During that time I have worked with Safehome, and served on several Community Violence Action Council committees. I am presently the community supervision officer for Veterans Treatment Court. I consider this to be a highlight of my career, and I feel very privileged to do so," said Whitworth.

The Kansas judicial branch is made up of one Supreme Court, one Court of Appeals, and more than 100 district courts. Its courts employ more than 250 judges and 1,600 court administrators, court clerks, court reporters, court services officers, and other support staff in communities all across Kansas. Together, they process nearly 400,000 cases a year such as criminal, civil, juvenile, probate, child in need of care, domestic, traffic, and adoptions.