Los Angeles County has been awarded a $299,377.00 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety to the county Probation Department, ensuring that high-risk, repeat DUI offenders with suspended or revoked licenses are complying with all court orders.

“The Los Angeles County Probation Department is pleased to again be a recipient of the Office of Traffic Safety grant,” stated Chief Probation Officer Terri L. McDonald. “These funds allow us to continue providing officers dedicated to promote public safety and provide for healthier and safer communities.”

The grant will fund Probation Department personnel to monitor drivers on probation for felony DUI or multiple misdemeanor DUI convictions, including conducting unannounced Fourth Amendment waiver home searches, random alcohol and drug testing, and making sure those on probation are attending court-ordered DUI education and treatment programs.

This grant is aimed at reducing the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol and other drug-related collisions in Los Angeles County by preventing DUI offenders with suspended or revoked licenses from getting behind the wheel and violating the terms of their probation. In 2016, 97 were killed and 6,691 injured in such crashes in Los Angeles County.

“Intensive supervision of DUI offenders helps ensure that these offenders are not a risk to themselves or others,” OTS Director Rhonda Craft said. “Our coordinated effort with the Los Angeles County Probation Department to keep a close eye on DUI offenders reduces their chance of re-offending, making roadways safer for everyone.”

While alcohol remains the worst offender for DUI crashes, the Los Angeles County Probation Department supports efforts from OTS that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” Prescription medications and cannabis can also be impairing by themselves, or in combination with alcohol, and can result in a DUI arrest.

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