San Bernardino County is taking definitive steps to address the issue of high-risk DUI offenders by accepting a $645,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS). The fund, specifically allocated for an extensive probation supervision scheme, is aimed at making sure probationers adhere to court-directed terms and keep re-offending incidences to a bare minimum according to the official website.
The approach is to closely monitor individuals with recurrent DUI convictions, with an emphasis on prevention over reaction. "Prevention is an effective, proactive tool to address the often-tragic consequences of impaired driving," OTS Director Barbara Rooney emphasized.
The San Bernardino County Probation Department will utilize the funding for running operations, including warrant tasks targeting probation violations, alcohol tests, assuring compliance with treatment, enforcing DMV restrictions, and conducting special operations during weekends, evenings, and holidays. Highlighting the intent behind the monitoring scheme, Chief Probation Officer Tracy Reece has said, "The goal is that with additional supervision and treatment options, it will reduce the number of probationers who are re-arrested for DUI offenses."
The grant program, backed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, is set to run on Thursday until September 2024.
