Supervision Increases for Domestic Violence Probationers

People released from jail following felony domestic violence convictions will receive intensified supervision from the Santa Barbara County Probation Department. The Batterers Enhanced Supervision and Treatment Program will help deputy probation officers work more closely with violent offenders such as domestic abusers and stalkers. GPS technology will be used to trace movements of high-risk offenders to help protect their victims from potential harm.

With increased supervision from probation officers and the community, probationers will be held more accountable for attending treatment programs, testing for drugs and alcohol, and working toward education and career goals. The new program is made possible through a $100,000 per year grant for three years from the Violence Against Women Act, and the funding will be administered by California’s Emergency Management Agency.

The County Board of Supervisors approved the acceptance of the program’s grant on October 12.