County Receives Grant to Supervise DUI Offenders

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY — Contra Costa County's Probation Department received a $376,241 grant to monitor high-risk probationers who have repeated convictions for driving under the influence (DUI).

Currently, the Probation Department is supervising 218 people on probation for DUI convictions.

The grant will be used to make sure those on probation are following court-ordered terms of their probation, including home, work, and office visits, alcohol testing, and warrant service operations.

The money will also be used to develop “Hot Sheets” that identify repeat DUI offenders to local law enforcement agencies.

This grant is aimed at reducing the number of people killed and injured in alcohol-related collisions as well as lower DUI recidivism rates.

“Supervision programs help make sure DUI offenders are held accountable for their actions and not putting others at risk,” said California Office of Traffic Safety Director Barbara Rooney, which made the grant. “Our coordinated effort with the Contra Costa County Probation Department reduces the chances of probationers re-offending.”

“Reducing the traumatic impact that impaired driving causes across our community contribute to improving public safety,” said Chief Probation Officer, Esa Ehmen-Krause,

Specific probation department actions include conducting unannounced fourth amendment waiver home searches, random alcohol and drug testing, and ensuring those on probation are attending court-ordered DUI education and treatment programs. It will also fund the continued training of the Probation Department personnel in an effort to keep up with current trends and equipment use.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.