Grant allows probation department to monitor high-risk DUI offenders

November 13, 2014

SOLANO COUNTY – The Solano County Department of Probation aims to reduce DUI related traffic accidents with a $252,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS).

Felony and repeat misdemeanor DUI offenders are over represented in traffic crashes involving alcohol and other drugs, often with tragic results.  In 2012, seven people were killed and 165 more were injured in DUI involved accidents.

The Intensive Probation Supervision for High-Risk Felony and Repeat DUI Offenders grant is aimed at reducing the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol and other drug related collisions in the county.  Funding allow officers to intensely monitor drivers on probation for felony DUI or multiple misdemeanor DUI convictions, ensuring that high-risk offenders are monitored and comply with all court orders.

"The California Office of Traffic Safety has provided Solano County the opportunity to hire two probation officers who will focus on supervising high risk DUI offenders in the community," said Christopher Hansen, Chief Probation Officer for Solano County.  “The probation officers will focus on the enforcement of court orders along with substance abuse treatment in the hope of reducing repeat DUI offenses and positively changing the lives of those under supervision.”

Supervision for high-risk offenders includes:
- Unannounced home searches
- Random alcohol and drug testing
- Special monitoring to ensure compliance with court-ordered DUI education and treatment programs

“California's roadways are still among the safest in the nation,” said OTS Director Rhonda Craft.  “But to meet future mobility, safety, and sustainability objectives, we must create safer roadways for all users.  The Solano County Probation Department will be using these and other resources to reach the vision we all share – Toward zero deaths, every one counts.”

Funding for the grant is from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.