Enhanced Supervision of Domestic Violence Offenders

The Edward Byrne Memorial Discretionary Grants Program (Byrne Discretionary Program) helps local communities improve the capacity of local justice systems and provides for national support efforts. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 08 Congressional Budget. Funds should be used for purposes recommended by Congress.

The Solano County Probation Department (SCPD) will use the grant funds to support the Enhanced Supervision of Domestic Violence Offenders project in its mission to hold offenders accountable for their behavior and to provide more contact between probation officers and victims. The SCPD recently realigned its Domestic Violence Unit, allowing the domestic violence supervision officers to make field visits in addition to office visits. Field and office visits provide the officers with an opportunity to observe the offender as he or she interacts with the victim and/or children.

Project funds will provide equipment and tools to aid the officers as they make field visits. Funds will be used to purchase a vehicle, which is a necessity in making field visits, and to purchase electronic devices that allow the officers to make notes while out on a visit. In addition, the grant funds will allow two officers to receive training and attend a conference on violence, abuse, and trauma.

NCA/NCF