San Rafael, CA – An unannounced check on local probationers with previous convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs resulted in one arrest June 25 by Marin County Probation Department officers.
Probation Department officers check documentation prior to the DUI compliance sweep on June 25, 2021.One offender was found in violation for being under the influence of alcohol and for alcohol being found in the home. The person was transported to a local hospital for medical clearance and subsequently sent to Helen Vine Recovery Center in San Rafael. A date is scheduled in Marin County Superior Court to discuss possible jail sanctions for the offender.
Probation officers planned a sweep of 20 DUI offenders’ residences to check on compliance with the terms of their probation. Twelve offenders were not home, and seven of the remaining eight were found to be compliant. Two teams of three officers handled the searches.
“With public health sheltering orders lifted June 15, it was imperative that we immediately conduct in-person compliance checks,” Probation Chief Marlon Washington said. “These operations continue to be paramount to promoting community safety and ensuring compliance.”
In June 2019, County Probation was notified that they were one of the recipients of the Office of Traffic and Safety grant for supervision of high-risk DUI offenders. The grant funding empowers the department to provide quality-intensive supervision rather than having many of those convicted receiving minimal contact. Probation has been successful in meeting the requirements of that grant and allows it to continue to receive funding.
Probation has committed to DUI offender sweeps quarterly, unannounced probation searches, chemical testing, checks on interlock ignition devices and encouraging treatment would be the main focus points of supervision.