County Probation Receives Funding to Fight Repeat DUI's

The Tulare County Probation Department has been awarded a new traffic safety grant for a year-long program aimed at preventing deaths and injuries resulting from driving under the influence (DUI).  

The $77,882 grant awarded by the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to Tulare County will aid in the county’s ongoing effort to improve traffic safety and the quality of life. Special probation supervision measures will target high-risk, felony and repeat DUI offenders in Tulare County.  The Probation Department will also work with other local law enforcement agencies on anti-DUI efforts as part of an ongoing commitment to keep our roadways safe through both enforcement and education.

"The intent of the Tulare County DUI Probation Supervision Program is to respond quickly and aggressively to felony DUI offenders through the assignment of a full-time Probation Officer," Chief Myer said.  "Felony Driving Under the Influence is a serious offense and convicted offenders require close probation supervision to ensure compliance with the terms of their release and immediate consequences for violations - including re-arrest.  Probation Officers have been working DUI checkpoints with local law enforcement agencies for several years.  Involvement by the Probation Department has resulted in the arrest of probation violators, increased program involvement, greater collaboration among law enforcement and safer communities.”

The California Office of Traffic Safety will fund 14 county probation departments to target repeat DUI offenders who violate probation terms or who fail to appear in court. Funded strategies include intensive supervision, unannounced home contacts and searches, surveillance operations, highly publicized warrant service operations, alcohol and drug testing, and the distribution of “Hot Sheets” to local law enforcement agencies.

The grant will assist in efforts to deal with high risk DUI offenders who pose a significant risk to our communities.  Funded activities will include the increased monitoring of treatment and DUI program participation, warrant sweeps, unannounced residence searches, and random alcohol/drug testing to ensure compliance with court-ordered terms of probation.