Probation Officers Conduct Surprise Searches in San Anselmo, Fairfax

PHOTO: Marin County Probation deputies make a compliance check on December 18, 2015. CREDIT: COUNTY OF MARIN.

The following was submitted for publication by the County of Marin:

In support of National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, the Marin County Probation Department conducted 25 unannounced searches of residences December 18 for probationers who had a lengthy history of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Just one person was found to be in violation of court orders.

With assistance from the Novato Police Department, County Probation officers made the searches in unincorporated areas of Marinas well as in Novato, San Rafael, Fairfax, San Anselmo and Sausalito. Deputy Probation Officer Jennifer Saldana designed the operation based on offenders’ DUI histories and whether they were considered to be dangerous to the community should they consume alcohol and have access to a vehicle.

Deputies searched residences and vehicles specifically for alcohol and conducted random testing of probationers for alcohol use. Probationers found to be out of compliance are subject to sanctions that included a stay at the Helen Vine Detox Facility or time atMarin County Jail. The one adult offender was found to be in violation of his court orders will have to appear in Marin CountySuperior Court within the next two weeks. Probationers found in compliance or doing exceedingly well were rewarded with verbal praise and department incentives.

The holiday season operation was unique because it was a collaborative effort that included searches of both juvenile and adult offenders by more than more a dozen Probation deputies.

Chief Probation Officer Michael Daly said his department will continue to provide positive incentives and support offenders who have made positive changes in their lives. The use of graduated sanctions has been a common practice in an effort to address offender addictions with treatment rather than incarceration.

The Probation team makes it a priority to focus resources on, and provide the highest level of supervision, to those offenders with the highest likelihood of reoffending. It is the department’s objective to play a role in keeping the community safe, especially during festive holidays when temptations are heightened. Additionally, the department supports and collaborates with treatment programs and services designed to effectively assist in the rehabilitation of these offenders.