California
California DUI Court Uses Technology to Lower Repeat Drunk Driving
66%
Reduction in DUI Arrests
3,600+
Program Completions
46%
Fewer Alcohol-Involved Collisions
California
Reduction in DUI Arrests
Program Completions
Fewer Alcohol-Involved Collisions
San Joaquin County, located in California's Central Valley just east of the San Francisco Bay area, faced one of the highest rates of DUI recidivism in the state prior to 2008. Repeat DUI offenders were placed on traditional probation with little follow-up or accountability for completing their requirements. The lack of structured supervision meant offenders often cycled through the system without meaningful intervention.
In 2008, San Joaquin launched the San Joaquin DUI Monitoring Court (SJDMC) with grant funding from the California Office of Traffic Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The court implemented a comprehensive alcohol monitoring program using SCRAM Systems technology, including SCRAM Continuous Alcohol Monitoring (SCRAM CAM), SCRAM Remote Breath testing, and ignition interlock devices. This technology-driven approach enables the court to supervise all repeat DUI offenders, not just a fraction of them.
The SJDMC requires all individuals convicted of a second or subsequent DUI to participate in the program. At any given time, approximately 500 active participants are monitored, and they may only exit upon successful completion of all requirements. The program uses a two-track system based on the DUI-RANT Assessment, matching supervision intensity to each participant's risk level and treatment needs.
“This is what we are trying to do. We are having a hard time finding repeat offenders to put up front and use as an example. The trend is pretty dramatic.”
“Supervising only 15% or 20% of repeat DUI offenders doesn't sufficiently improve public safety in my opinion. You have to supervise all of them. You wouldn't run a drug court without testing the clients. Why should alcohol offenders be any different when it comes to monitoring? Every DUI/DWI court should be using monitoring technology.”
Prior to the SJDMC, San Joaquin County had one of the highest rates of repeat drunk driving offenses in California. Traditional probation provided minimal accountability, and offenders frequently reoffended without consequence.
Repeat DUI offenders were placed on probation with little follow-up. Without consistent monitoring or court appearances, participants had no incentive to comply with their requirements or address underlying alcohol issues.
Alcohol-Involved Crashes and Public Safety Concerns
Drunk driving had long been a significant issue in the county, contributing to preventable crashes, injuries, and deaths. The community needed a more effective approach to protect public safety.
The court needed to supervise a wide range of offenders, from low-risk individuals who could comply with minimal oversight to those with alcohol dependence requiring intensive treatment. A one-size-fits-all approach would not address the varied needs of this population.
Implement universal monitoring for all repeat DUI offenders to ensure accountability and reduce the likelihood of reoffense.
Use alcohol monitoring technology to prevent impaired driving and reduce alcohol-involved crashes, injuries, and deaths in the community.
Assign participants to appropriate tracks based on assessment results, ensuring those who need treatment receive it while allowing compliant participants to progress efficiently through the program.
The SJDMC implemented a suite of SCRAM Systems alcohol monitoring technologies to supervise its diverse participant population. The court uses a combination of devices and testing methods tailored to each participant's track assignment and individual circumstances.
Track 1 participants who do not have a vehicle are assigned SCRAM CAM to ensure they cannot circumvent the court's universal monitoring requirement. Track 2 participants requiring intensive supervision also use SCRAM CAM for 24/7 alcohol detection. The continuous monitoring provides objective data that helps the court identify participants who are struggling or who require further assessment for alcohol dependence.
Track 2 participants submit to frequent SCRAM Remote Breath testing as part of their intensive monitoring requirements. The remote testing supports the outcomes of other services, including in-patient or out-patient treatment and support groups. Participants can test from their location, reducing the burden of in-person appointments while maintaining accountability.
Track 1 participants with vehicles are supervised with ignition interlock devices to ensure public safety. This approach prevents impaired driving while allowing participants to maintain employment and fulfill daily responsibilities. The interlock serves as both a supervision tool and a deterrent against drinking and driving.
All alcohol-involved SJDMC participants are placed on alcohol monitoring. Judge Richard Vlavianos notes that monitoring data serves as more than a supervision method: it is an important diagnostic tool for assessing participants' needs over time.
The data helps the court identify participants who are struggling or who require further assessment for alcohol dependence or addiction. Track 1 clients who test positive for alcohol consumption can be stepped up to Track 2 to receive additional services and supervision. Similarly, participants are incentivized by the opportunity to step down from Track 2 to Track 1 if they demonstrate positive progress and compliance.
In general, clients pay all fees associated with their monitoring. However, the court has grant funding available to assist indigent clients with the costs of monitoring.
Track 1: Accountability Track
The majority of participants enter the Accountability Track and are subject to alcohol monitoring and/or drug testing depending on the substance involved in their arrest. These offenders must appear in court at one month, six months, and one year following enrollment. Clients who are compliant with their requirements, including monitoring, impaired driver education, and court hearings, can finish the program in 12 months.
Participants who repeatedly fail alcohol or drug testing, who are not compliant with court orders, or who are assessed as alcohol or drug dependent are placed in the Treatment Track. These participants are often referred for intensive in-patient or out-patient treatment and must submit to more rigorous forms of alcohol or drug monitoring. They also appear in court more frequently, starting at once a week for newer participants and scaling back to once a month for those who demonstrate extended compliance.
The SJDMC is committed to continuous improvement based on data and outcomes. Several research entities have analyzed the court's efficacy and provided recommendations the program uses to further improve.
In 2012, TIRF conducted a qualitative study to address more effective interventions tailored to female drunk drivers, who account for nearly 20% of all DUI arrests. Through focus groups, TIRF found that female participants were more forthcoming and willing to discuss trauma or other factors contributing to their alcohol use when placed in single-gender settings. Based on these findings, the SJDMC divided Track 2 into gender-specific groups and has seen outcomes improve for female participants.
NPC Research, an independent firm that has conducted over 125 evaluations of drug courts, evaluated the SJDMC in 2012. The evaluation found that SJDMC participants:
The SJDMC has achieved significant, measurable outcomes since its inception:
San Joaquin County law enforcement has embraced the program and works closely with the SJDMC as they experience the positive impact it has on the community. The program's success has inspired several courts in California, Texas, and Utah to pursue funding to implement their own DUI Monitoring Courts using a track-based system.
Note: Specific cost savings data was not available in the source material for this case study.