Coakley Launches Probation Department Probe

BOSTON (AP) -- Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley has launched an investigation into the state Probation Department following the release of a scathing report on the agency's hiring practices.

Coakley confirmed Friday that her office has begun an investigation to determine the scope of any violations of state law by the department, in response to a letter from Republicans in the Massachusetts Senate.

She also said investigators have taken steps to preserve evidence and have been in contact with U.S. Attorney Carmen Ortiz's office.

The independent report released by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court faulted the department for disproportionately favor politically connected candidates in hiring decisions.

Coakley said the scheme outlined in the report compromised public safety.

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