San Rafael, CA – The Marin County Probation Department conducted a sweep of DUI offenders’ residences March 30 to make contact and check on compliance with the terms of their probation. All 16 offenders were compliant with court terms and no arrests were necessary.
Probation officers make unannounced searches of offenders' homes on a quarterly basis to make sure those previously arrested remain in compliance with the terms of their probation.Four teams of four deputy probation officers conducted unannounced searches of offenders who were convicted for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. According to health studies, Marin County’s per-capita alcohol consumption is higher than 80% of the counties in the state, and binge drinking is an ongoing public health concern. Probation Chief Marlon Washington said it was a good sign that no probation violations were found during the surprise checks.
“The COVID-19 pandemic fueled spikes in alcohol consumption, which has necessitated increased monitoring,” Washington said. “Probation continues to focus on limiting alcohol-related incidents and ensuring compliance. Zero violations is an indicator that our programs and resources have been effective in maintaining our clients’ success.”
In June 2019, County Probation was notified that it was one of the recipients of the Office of Traffic and Safety grant for supervision of high-risk DUI offenders. The funding from the grant empowers Probation 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, which allows the department 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.
Typically, offenders who are found in violation of probation terms – including for being under the influence of drugs or alcohol or in possession of such products – the subject would be transported to a local hospital for medical clearance and subsequently booked into Marin County Jail.