Special Programs

Substance Abuse Treatment Court
Since March 1996, the Santa Barbara County Probation Department has operated a Drug Court Program in conjunction with the Santa Barbara Superior Court, the Santa Barbara County District Attorney and Santa Barbara Public Defender Offices.  The Santa Barbara and Santa Maria Judicial Branches serve offenders who abuse drug and alcohol substances, and are referred to as “Substance Abuse Treatment Courts” (SATC).  The goal is to reduce recidivism and substance abuse among non-violent offenders by using tools such as:

Early, continuous, and judicially supervised treatment;
Mandatory periodic drug testing; and
Graduated rewards and sanctions.

This program relies upon countywide networking and cooperation of county agencies for support and success.

Once charges are filed against an individual, if the offender is eligible and chooses to participate, they enter this highly structured treatment program, which lasts from 12 to 18 months.  If the offender successfully completes the program, the charges are dismissed. Conversely, prosecution is reinstated if the offender fails to attend the program or if urine testing repeatedly indicates the offender is using drugs or alcohol.

In FY 2007-08, there was an average monthly caseload of 88 offenders in the SATC program of which approximately 96.6% maintained sobriety each month.

Post-Plea Dual Diagnosis Court
The Dual Diagnosis Treatment Court is a post plea adjunct to Substance Abuse Treatment Court (SATC) and serves a smaller population of felony offenders experiencing co-occurring disorders of mental illness and substance abuse.

Santa Barbara Regional Narcotic Enforcement Team (SBRNET)
The Santa Barbara Regional Narcotic Enforcement Team, otherwise known as SBRNET, is the "majors" team for Santa Barbara County in narcotic suppression.  SBRNET's mission is to significantly diminish the availability and use of illegal drugs in the County of Santa Barbara and city boundaries designated by each participating agency's involvement, and apprehend the responsible offenders, thereby increasing public safety.  SBRNET will target, investigate and prosecute individuals who organize, direct, finance or otherwise engage in high-level drug trafficking enterprises or money laundering.  SBRNET will place a high priority on those subjects engaged in the importation and distribution of drugs into or within Santa Barbara County and to interdict such illicit supply lines and seize their drugs and assets derived through drug trafficking.

Formed in March of 1996, SBRNET is comprised of a member from Santa Barbara County Probation Department, Santa Barbara Sheriff's Office, Santa Barbara Police Department, Guadalupe Police Department, and the District Attorney's Office, and it is led by the Department of Justice, Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement. The Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement enables SBRNET to address drug trafficking as effectively and efficiently as possible by providing information, techniques, and State and Federal resources outside Santa Barbara County, to adjust to the changing methodology used by drug traffickers.  SBRNET is committed to remaining current in law enforcement practices and using new and innovative approaches to dismantle illicit drug organizations operating throughout Santa Barbara County.

In addition, SBRNET is also the County coordinator for the Drug Endangered Children (DEC) program as it is implemented in Santa Barbara County.  SBRNET provides training to County law enforcement agencies, as well as community and other public service groups, to create awareness as to the needs of the children affected by drugs, specifically methamphetamine use and sales.

Specialized Sex Offender Supervision
This component of the Adult Supervision Units provides for specialized supervision of sex offenders using field contacts, searches for pornography, evidence of victim contact, evaluation of Internet usage and auditing of computer drives for pornographic content.  All offenders engage in therapy designed to enable them to effectively manage their propensity for sexual abuse.  The assigned Deputy Probation Officers work closely with the therapists to reduce the risk of re-offense to the greatest extent possible.

Probation Officers ensured that 82 registered sex offenders were registered per 290 P.C. with a current address each month during FY 2007-08.

Domestic Violence Caseloads
Five Deputy Probation Officers countywide are assigned to caseloads comprised exclusively of probationers who have committed domestic violence offenses and who are considered at a moderate to high risk to re-offend.  Offenders must complete a 52-week Batterer’s Intervention Program.  Probation Officers complete lethality assessments, make regular home visits, remain in contact with victims and attend weekly court hearings to review the offender’s progress on probation and in treatment.

130 offenders countywide successfully completed the Batterer’s Intervention Program during FY 2007-08.

The Interstate Compact for Adult Offender Supervision (ICAOS) is a federal program that requires active supervision of certain offenders who wish to move to a state other than the one in which they were convicted.  In 2004, ICAOS established strict guidelines for travel and transfer of offenders across state lines.

County Parole
Probation Officers are assigned to investigate and supervise offenders committed to the County Jail who are eligible for early release under the parole program.  Those applicants who are considered to be acceptable risks are released with specific conditions of parole.  This enables them to maintain employment, pay fines and restitution and support their families.  If parole is violated, the parolee is immediately returned to jail.