Merrimack Valley

Sharon Crowley: An award-winning probation officer in the Merrimack Valley

By Jill Harmacinski
Staff writer
Published: April 13, 2008

Sharon Crowley often spent her school vacations in a courtroom gallery. She'd listen as her father, the late Charles Crowley Jr., a medical malpractice and civil attorney, litigated. Her fascinating childhood experiences helped shape her future law enforcement career as a probation officer in the Merrimack Valley.

Crowley, 56, will be honored during a Statehouse ceremony in May for her dedication to her profession. Crowley, a probation officer at Haverhill District Court, is one of five probation officers statewide being praised for their professionalism, diligence and professionalism.

William Moynihan, Haverhill District Court probation chief, says Crowley "handles the most dangerous of offenders — her caseload consisting of sex offenders, domestic violence, and people with assaultive and aggressive behavior ... the most dangerous on the District Court level. This caseload requires the most demanding of training, knowledge and experience to ensure the protection of the public."

A Lawrence native, Crowley is fiercely proud of her roots. She attended St. Francis kindergarten, St. Patrick Elementary School and graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1970. She's lived in both north and south Lawrence. Her mother was Eileen Halloran Crowley, and she was one of six Crowley children: Eileen, Caroleann, Andrea, Cynthia and her brother, the late Charles (Chuckie).

"I grew up in Lawrence, and I'm so proud of that. Some people try to hide that fact, but I'm very proud of it," Crowley said.

Today, Crowley holds bachelor's and master's degrees in criminology from Suffolk University and Anna Maria College. But, back when she went to school, Crowley said, criminology courses were few and far between. Suffolk, in Boston, was one of the first schools to offer a program, she said.

"I took a few classes, and I just knew it. I decided this would be the right course for me," Crowley said.

Crowley is also thinking about the future of her profession. She's a member of the Massachusetts Association of Women in Lawrence, a networking group that promotes the advancement of women in jobs just like hers.

Tell me about a success story, a case where you really felt like you accomplished something with someone on probation.

There are many actually. In general, it's when a person with a substance-abuse problem finally understands they need help and they work on themselves through counseling and treatment ... when I see them back with their family and back working. Sometimes you don't even recognize them. They come out of the darkness and realize there's a real life. ... That's very rewarding.

What don't people know about working in a probation department?

We are all educated and loyal to the system and each other. The people of Haverhill District Court are more than co-workers. They are also my friends. We are all part of a brotherhood and sisterhood.

How do you measure the progress of your clients?

When they say thank you to me after the probationary period ends. Sometimes I get Christmas cards from them. They feel comfortable enough they can do that. They know they had to struggle to come out feeling better than they ended up coming into the system. Most of my clients are adults. ... There's a lot of pain out there.

How do you deal with the work?

I'm fair, and I treat people the want I would want to be treated myself.

What's the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Just remember who you are and be proud of the Crowley name. Be true to yourself. My father told me that.

Was your father your inspiration to pursue this job?

He was and he still is. Every day.

What's your advice to young women interested in a law enforcement career?

Each day is different, and that's what I love about it. You have to take on difficult cases and be thick-skinned and compassionate at the same time. Always remember that honesty is the name of the game. Finally, go for it!