PATRICIA COMBS
Louisville,Kentucky
Summary
Over 30 years of experience in the criminal justice field, with 17 years in public defense investigation.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
SPECIAL INVESTIGATOR / STAFF INVESTIGATOR
Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy / Louisville Metro Public Defender
Louisville, Kentucky
10.2009 - Current
- Conduct criminal defense investigations on behalf of attorneys and clients
- Locate and interview clients, witnesses, and prospective witnesses
- Review discovery, conduct background research, and identify additional investigative leads
- Locate and obtain documents, records, and other evidence relevant to the defense
- Prepare investigative reports, memoranda, exhibits, and other case materials
- Testify in court and provide investigative support during hearings and trial
- (Louisville Metro Public Defender merged with the Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy in 2024).
BRANCH MANAGER
Probation and Parole
Louisville, Kentucky
05.2004 - 07.2008
- Managed twelve Probation and Parole offices across the state
- Oversaw caseloads, client supervision, staff performance, and office operations to ensure compliance with state regulations
- Reviewed and implemented policies and procedures to enhance operational efficiency and address issues
- Acted as community liaison, fostering partnerships and engaging in committees to support local initiatives
PAROLE BOARD MEMBER
Justice Cabinet
Frankfort, Kentucky
01.2002 - 05.2004
- Conducted parole hearings and finalized parole revocation hearings to determine inmate status
- Reviewed inmate files and interviewed inmates to inform release decisions
- Prepared and issued parole violation warrants to initiate legal proceedings. and participated in board meetings
DISTRICT SUPERVISOR
Probation and Parole
Louisville, Kentucky
04.1997 - 01.2002
- Managed a large urban Probation and Parole office with 22 staff
- Oversaw caseloads, staff performance, and office operations to ensure compliance with regulations
- Reviewed policies and procedures to identify and implement workflow improvements
- Served on local and statewide committees to strengthen community partnerships and enhance service delivery
ASSISTANT SUPERVISOR
Probation and Parole
Louisville, Kentucky
06.1995 - 04.1997
- Supported five District Supervisors in streamlining daily office operations
- Coordinated training for new officers and created training and community resource manuals to enhance onboarding
PROBATION AND PAROLE OFFICER
Probation and Parole
Louisville, Kentucky
04.1989 - 06.1995
CORRECTIONAL OFFICER
Probation and Parole
Louisville, Kentucky
06.1988 - 03.1989
Education
Bachelor of Science - Corrections/Psychology
Eastern Kentucky University
05-1988
Skills
- Discovery and Case Preparation
- Effective Oral & Written Communication
- Witness/Client Interviewing
- Resourceful
- Team Oriented
Timeline
SPECIAL INVESTIGATOR / STAFF INVESTIGATOR
Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy / Louisville Metro Public Defender
10.2009 - Current
BRANCH MANAGER
Probation and Parole
05.2004 - 07.2008
PAROLE BOARD MEMBER
Justice Cabinet
01.2002 - 05.2004
DISTRICT SUPERVISOR
Probation and Parole
04.1997 - 01.2002
ASSISTANT SUPERVISOR
Probation and Parole
06.1995 - 04.1997
PROBATION AND PAROLE OFFICER
Probation and Parole
04.1989 - 06.1995
CORRECTIONAL OFFICER
Probation and Parole
06.1988 - 03.1989
Bachelor of Science - Corrections/Psychology
Eastern Kentucky University