New SJPD program aims to keep first-time misdemeanor DUI offenders out of jail

SAN JOSE – The San Jose Police Department is rolling out a new program that will give officers the option of taking first-time misdemeanor DUI offenders to a recovery facility instead of jail.

The program aims to hold offenders accountable while also providing them with services they need to recover and change their behavior, police said in a statement.

Officers will have the discretion to take offenders to the Mission Street Recovery Station. The Santa Clara County-operated facility provides drug, alcohol and mental health triage and support services. Stays are voluntary and limited to 24 hours.

The program will be limited to individuals who are non-violent and facing their first misdemeanor DUI arrest. It will not be available to anyone who has other charges, are non-compliant, have warrants and cannot be cited and released, are charged with felony DUI, cannot be properly identified, or have prior DUI cases within the last 10 years or are on the facility’s prohibited list. Individuals can also request to be booked.

In its statement, the police department said the program will save arresting officers “significant amounts of time by allowing them to avoid the often lengthy booking process at jail,” and allow them to return more quickly to their beats.

Officers will issue criminal citations to individuals who are placed at the facility, and staff members will provide follow-up instructions along with service referrals, police said.

“This process will greatly benefit the community by providing a social service based approach for eligible candidates as an alternative to incarceration,” San Jose Police Chief Anthony Mata said.

The program, Mata continued, is intended to hold offenders accountable while also providing services to help them change their behavior and enable their recovery.

Santa Clara County Office of Diversion and Reentry Services Director Javier Aguirre said he expects the program to improve the health and safety of all residents.

“We value this collaboration with SJPD officers as it provides us all another alternative to incarceration and an effective tool to enhance an individual’s ability to recover and seek help,” Aguirre said.