Partnering with the probation officers from the Los Angeles County Department of Probation, they conducted probation compliance checks on 55 locations throughout the Santa Clarita Valley to find out which probationers were naughty or nice this past year. The purpose of the operation was to make sure the probationers were in compliance with the terms and condition of their probation. Two hours into the operation, the word apparently got out that law enforcement was out in force in the community and were conducting the compliance checks. That didn’t save one probationer, it was too late for him as he received a text message from a friend warning him that the “cops were out in force.” Unfortunately, the probationer received this text message after his residence had already been visited. He was in the booking area at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station’s jail when the text came in.
When the operation concluded, 12 naughty probationers had been arrested – six adults and six juveniles. Five adult probationers were dreaming of different white Christmas; they were found in possession of methamphetamine, cocaine, and more than a pound of marijuana. Another adult probationer was found to be in unlawful possession of prescription medication. They were all booked at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station on felony drug charges. They are each being held without bail pending probation violation proceedings. Four juveniles were found to be in possession of marijuana and two were in possession of vandalism tools.
Deputies also recovered one firearm. In any operation of this magnitude deputies and probation officers are also operating under the Los Angeles County Department of Probation DISARM program which aims at Developing Increased Safety through Arms Reduction Management.
In 2009 the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station, in conjunction with other law enforcement entities, conducted nearly 60 probation and parole compliance operations at more than 500 locations.
The operations are part of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station’s on-going proactive efforts to ensure that convicted criminals living in the Santa Clarita Valley are in compliance with the terms and conditions of their probation after release from jail.
“We don’t slow down during the holidays and these guys know how proactive we are,” said Captain La Berge of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station. “We will be out in force tonight protecting shoppers and the community at large! Stay safe and happy holidays from the Santa Clarita Sheriff’s Station,” added La Berge.
The investigations are continuing and there is no further information available at this time.
If You See Something, Say Something! Report non-emergency crime anonymously by visiting the following link: Crime Tips or calling (661) 284-2-TIP / (661) 284-2847.