The Santa Barbara Probation Department has received funds for an intensive probation supervision program for high-risk DUI offenders with multiple DUI convictions or DUIs that resulted in injuries.

The $187,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) will be used to ensure probationers are following court-ordered terms of their probation and attempt to prevent probationers from re-offending.

“This grant will allow us to tackle the complex issues surrounding repeat DUI offenders, providing vital resources and guidance to break the cycle of alcohol-related offenses,” said Holly Benton, chief of the Santa Barbara County Probation Department.

“With this funding, we have the opportunity to enhance road safety and improve community well-being in Santa Barbara County by effectively reducing DUI incidents,” she said.

“The intensive supervision programs are critical to reducing the devastating consequences of DUI offenses,” said OTS director Barbara Rooney. “Prevention is an effective, proactive tool to address the often tragic consequences of impaired driving.”

The probation grant will also pay for warrant operations targeting probation violations and/or individuals convicted of a DUI who do not appear in court, alcohol testing, officer training in the use and calibration of Portable Alcohol Screening (PAS) devices, and relevant statutes pertaining to DUI offenders, distribution of DUI “Be On the Lookout” (BOLO) alerts, and collaborating with courts and prosecutors to establish probation orders.

The grant program runs through September 2024. Program funding was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.