Justice … Is Just Us

About the Book

Gee Brooks is a young, idealistic probation officer in Maryland who wants to make a difference. She’s one of the few officers who doesn’t think a new case is a new burden. Gee believes most offenders have positive attributes, but she is caught in a criminal justice system that tries to catch offenders failing and then send them back to prison. Harsh punishment for offenders is the norm—the accepted culture.

A tragic event with a parolee under her supervision propels Gee to confront both the system and the emotional scars buried within her. Enraged by the external tragedy, she erupts into an abrasive public confrontation with a powerful state parole commissioner. Gee and her officer friends—Huggie, Pepe, and Hattie—known as the Cuatro Amigos, spontaneously forge an unstoppable grassroots uprising. The humanistic revolution, as it’s sarcastically referred to by the press, is on. The Cuatro Amigos hope to survive the punishment that managers and state officials have planned for them long enough to gain the support of the community.

A story of friendship, healing, and leaning into conflict, Justice…Is Just Us demonstrates the power of support in changing behavior—from the mighty to the meek.

About the Author

Harold B. Wooten began public service as a probation officer in Montgomery County, Maryland. A creative innovator, he served as chief of operations for the Federal Probation System and is recognized nationally as a community justice expert. He is a management consultant and presentation coach.