Dr. Michael Neeki Appointed Chief Medical Officer

Dr. Michael Neeki has been appointed the Chief Medical Officer for the San Bernardino County Probation Department. Chief Probation Officer Michelle Scray Brown made this appointment as part of a significant advancement in the department’s medical operations. Dr. Neeki is a former Iranian political prisoner and veteran of the 1980’s Iran-Iraq war. He subsequently immigrated to the United States via Sweden, became a U.S. citizen, and attended medical school at Ohio University. He completed his residency in Toledo, where he also trained as a flight surgeon with extensive field trauma exposure. He is board certified as an Emergency Physician and is a fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians. Dr. Neeki is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine at Western University in Pomona and the Director of Clinical Research in the Emergency Residency Program at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC), where he also works as an emergency room physician. Dr. Neeki’s past experience with trauma led to his interest in SWAT and police special operations tactics. He volunteers with the Inland SWAT teams of Rialto, Fontana, and Colton Police Departments, where he actually deploys with the teams and teaches trauma medicine to SWAT officers. It was through these credentials that he came to the attention of the Probation Department, and began teaching trauma first aid to Probation Officers in 2013, free of charge. The San Bernardino County Probation Department operates medical clinics for detained youth in each of its Juvenile Detention Facilities. This medical care is critical, as a substantial number of youth have neglected medical issues for years prior to their arrest and detention in probation department facilities. Dr. Neeki plans to expand the scope of medical services available through the Juvenile Detention Facility Clinics. This will prevent the need to treat youth in outpatient ARMC facilities, reducing medical costs and the expenses involved with transporting and guarding youth when they are taken for outpatient medical care. Additionally, Dr. Neeki plans to visit and treat youth in the detention facility, focusing on becoming a role model for the minors and educating them on preventative medicine and making healthy choices. In the department’s field service divisions, he will continue to teach trauma first aid to Probation Officers and consult with any medical questions officers may have. Chief Probation Officer Michelle Scray Brown stated, “We are fortunate to have appointed a physician of this esteem as our Chief Medical Officer. Beyond the advancements in our medical program and cost savings associated with his care, Dr. Neeki will profoundly improve the lives of youth in our care; while also impacting the knowledge and safety of our officers.” The Chief commented that Dr. Neeki was already forming professional relationships with probation officers.