Body of News Release
San Rafael, CA -- On September 12, the Marin County Probation Department conducted countywide unannounced checks on local probationers who had previous convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Out of 18 random residence checks, only one probationer was found to be in violation.
The goal of the DUI operations is to enhance community safety by ensuring that past defendants remain in compliance with their terms of probation. The unannounced sweeps require a search probationers’ residences.
The multi-agency operation involved the Probation Department, Marin County Sheriff's Office (COPE), and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation K-9 Unit. The team searched the 18 residencies for possession of alcohol and other illegal substances.
The one probationer found to be under the influence of alcohol was brought to a local detoxification center. Probationers who are found to be out of compliance may have escalating consequences, which may include the installation of a continuous alcohol monitoring device, treatment, or incarceration as needed to ensure public safety.
According to Healthy County Marin, over 1 in 4 driving-related deaths in Marin are direct results of driving under the influence. Marin Probation seeks to prevent deaths by stopping intoxicated drivers from getting on the road, and helping those dependent on alcohol and drugs get the treatment they need.
The DUI sweeps are made possible by the Office of Traffic and Safety grant, which Marin County Probation first received in June 2019. The department continues to receive funding due to the program’s success in supervising high-risk DUI offenders.