San Rafael, CA – Prepared for the unexpected, the Marin County Probation Department, the Coordination of Probation Enforcement unit, San Rafael Police Department and Novato Police Department conducted unannounced searches March 27 on adult and juvenile probationers who have ties with local gangs, have DUI cases and/or are considered high-risk offenders.
Three law enforcement officers in full protective gear get ready to knock on a front door during the March 27 probation check. The searches were conducted in Novato, San Rafael, San Anselmo, Greenbrae and Marin City.
While starting off the search, one Probation officer went above and beyond when he witnessed a hit-and-run collision in the Canal neighborhood of San Rafael. The officer relayed the incident and vehicle information to an emergency dispatcher and San Rafael Police. The driver was stopped, detained and found to be a probationer. The driver was suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and taken into custody by San Rafael Police.
Two arrests were made during the unannounced probation searches, one a juvenile and one a high-risk adult male. Although the juvenile was uncooperative during the initial contact, barricading himself in his bedroom, all parties involved were unharmed and the juvenile was taken into custody on a bench warrant without further incident. The high-risk male adult was found to be in violation of his conditions of probation and was booked on new drug-related charges after attempting to run and hide from the officers.
In addition to the two arrests, 15 gang members offenders, three DUI offenders and two high-risk offenders were contacted and searched. Officers found a gun, which belonged to a probationer’s family member and was properly registered, but no further incidents or actions were taken. Two juvenile probationers were found to be in violation of their curfews, with one non-probation juvenile cited for possession of marijuana. Several empty shotgun cartridges were confiscated from the home of a gang members/associate. No further incidents occurred.
The Probation Department will continue to focus resources on and provide the highest level of supervision to the offenders with the highest likelihood of reoffending. The department’s main goal is to collaborate with the offender’s treatment program and make every effort to assist in with rehabilitation. The department offers a balance between public safety, offender accountability, rehabilitative services and restorative practices.
The Probation Department would like to thank all law enforcement agencies involved in keeping Marin County safe.