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OVERVIEW
The Probation Department has more than
8,000 cases under supervision for criminal convictions. Of this number,
18% (1,477) of the total caseload deals with motor vehicle offenses
involving alcohol. Moreover, felony cases comprise 61% (910) of that
number. To be convicted of a felony for an alcohol related driving
offense, there must exist a documented history of prior Drunk Driving
convictions. The Probation Department recognizes that these probationers
are a serious threat to the safety of the community and that they require
high-risk supervision.
PROGRAM CRITERIA
The DWI Probationer exhibits three general characteristics. First, there
is a tendency to deny the seriousness of their alcohol abuse. Second,
there is a denial of the severity of the crime, and third, there exists a
belief that he/she is not a criminal. These factors compound the problem
of supervision and enforcement since they contribute to a negative
attitude toward probation and a non-acceptance of the restrictions imposed
by the sentencing court. The negative attitude displays itself in the
frequency with which driving with a revoked license occurs, the repeated
re-arrests for drinking and driving and superficiality with which court
mandated treatment and education program participation are pursue
PROGRAM JURISDICTION
Two DWI units supervise probationers throughout Westchester County. They
have conducted surveillances and arrests in every community in the county.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
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To conduct
surveillance on probationers assigned to the unit, both randomly and
in response to suspected violations
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To confront and
take immediate, appropriate action with probationers who are found to
be driving without a license
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To confront and
arrest probationers who are found to be consuming alcohol and/or
illicit substances in violation of their court order and conditions of
probation
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To ensure full
compliance with treatment conditions through close coordination with
treatment agencies and support groups
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To monitor and
insure payment of Court imposed fines and the $30.00 per month
administrative fees
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To maintain a
contact level of at least one home visit and two office visits, one
collateral contact with treatment agencies or police agencies, and one
collateral contact with a family member or significant other per
probationer, per month
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To establish,
provide, and maintain a record of unit activities for ongoing
evaluative purposes |
OFFENDER BENEFITS
The DWI Units balance their protection of the community with assisting
probationers deal with their substance abuse or alcoholism through a
comprehensive program of counseling and referral to treatment and
self-help support organizations such as Alcoholics Anonymous. The units
also administer a Victim Impact Program in cooperation with Mothers
Against Drunk Driving MADD in an effort to prevent future drunk driving
offenses.
COMMUNITY BENEFITS
Community Protection is enhanced by reducing incidents of Driving While
Intoxicated and Aggravated Unlicensed Operator among probationers
convicted of Vehicular Manslaughter, Driving While Intoxicated, and
Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle.
ACCOUNTABILITY
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Conducting
surveillances to determine probationers’ compliance with Vehicle and
Traffic Laws
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Conducting
residence checks during both day and night hours to determine if the
probationer is maintaining a sober lifestyle
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Executing
Probation Search Orders to confiscate alcohol, drugs, and weapons that
should not be possessed by probationers
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Arresting
probationers found to be driving in violation of Vehicle and Traffic
Laws and/or Conditions of Probation
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Issuing uniform
Traffic Tickets to probationers found to be driving in violation of
Vehicle and Traffic Laws
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Intervening in the
relapse cycle by taking probationers to treatment facilities if they
return to substance abuse
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Enforcing
compliance with Interlock Devices installed in probationers vehicles.
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Monitoring and
enforcing compliance with curfews, when Probation Electronic Home
Monitoring (PEHM) is mandated as a condition of Probation
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SUMMARY
The department has two DWI units made up of senior officers and
supervisors who have extensive experience in arrest techniques and in
dealing with those offenders involved with drugs and alcohol. They work
closely with County and local police agencies to insure that probationers
who drive without a license are caught and dealt with appropriately.
There are no “DWI Accidents” There are only “DWI Crimes
DWI Offender Enforcement Unit
Ed Varela, Supervision Probation Officer
112 East Post Road, White Plains, New York 10601
(914) 995-3526
DWI Offender Supervision Unit
Robert Watson, Supervising Probation Officer
112 East Post Road, White Plains, New York 10601
(914) 995-3505
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