Driving Under the Influence: Spotlight: California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS)- Justice Journal Episode 56
Release Date: 09/13/2023
A Preventable Tragedy: The Reality of DUI Cases
Off the Record
Episode Title: A Preventable Tragedy: The Reality of DUI Cases Description: In this special episode of Off the Record, Sacramento County Deputy District Attorney Courtney Martin walks listeners through the tragic reality of DUI-related incidents. This episode includes real body worn camera footage from an investigation involving a driver whose choices led to devastating consequences. We are sharing this material to raise awareness about the real-life impact of impaired driving. A life was lost from a single decision that also...
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Click with Caution: Keeping Kids Safe from Online Exploitation (Part One)
Off the Record
Show Notes In this powerful two-part special, Deputy DA Catrina Ranum spoke with ICAC detectives and prosecutors on Safer Internet Day to shed light on the dark reality of online predators. This discussion reveals the critical work being done to protect children from internet crimes and the dangers lurking in digital spaces. Viewer discretion is advised. Part One: Covers the case background, including how these investigations start and the strategies law enforcement uses to track down online predators. Part Two: Features an in-depth conversation with an...
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Did You Know? How to Spot & Stop Hate Crimes
Off the Record
Episode Title: Did You Know? How to Spot & Stop Hate Crimes Description: In this episode, we explore the legal distinctions between hate crimes and non-hate crimes, and the complexities involved in proving a hate crime. Our expert guests explain how hate crimes are defined, how intent and motivation play a role, and the impact that a hate crime enhancement can have on sentencing. Additionally, they offer important advice for the public on how to report crimes, stay vigilant, and access support throughout the investigative and legal processes. Key Highlights: ...
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Inside the Case: Sarah's Story
Off the Record
Podcast Description: Welcome to the first-ever episode of Off the Record, the official podcast from the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office! Hosted by Deputy District Attorney Catrina Ranum, this brand new podcast dives into the inner workings of our justice system and showcases the dedicated professionals working to keep Sacramento safe. In this premiere episode, Catrina is joined by Deputy District Attorney Courtney Martin and Sacramento City Police Department Detective Jason Collins to discuss how prosecutors and law enforcement collaborate to pursue justice and protect the...
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Driving Under the Influence: Surviving Family & MADD Candlelight Vigil – Justice Journal Episode 61
Off the Record
Video available on Description: Discussion with parents who lost their young daughter to a repeat DUI offender and her sister, who is now a MADD victim advocate. The family shares how their loss has impacted their lives and how MADD has helped them through the years. Show Notes: Larry and Kathy Harris talk about their 12-year-old daughter, Irene, who was killed by a repeat DUI offender in 1981. They recount the day Irene was killed, the circumstances of what happened, how they found out and how the loss of Irene forever changed their family and lives. They also talk about the...
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Episode 60: Driving Under the Influence: California Highway Patrol’s Drug Recognition Experts & Field Sobriety Tests
Off the Record
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Driving Under the Influence-Spotlight: Department of Motor Vehicles Consequences and Accountability - Justice Journal Episode 59
Off the Record
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Driving Under the Influence-Spotlight: DUI Offender Program - Justice Journal Episode 58
Off the Record
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Driving Under the Influence-Spotlight: Misdemeanor DUI Deputy District Attorneys - Justice Journal Episode 57
Off the Record
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Driving Under the Influence: Spotlight: California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS)- Justice Journal Episode 56
Off the Record
Description: Discussion with longtime driving under the influence (DUI) prevention partner the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) about how the organization works to protect the safety of all those on our highways and roads as well as pedestrians. Show Notes: Guest Deputy Director of Marketing & Public Affairs Tim Weisberg from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and Lead Deputy District Attorney Gregory Hayes introduce themselves – their backgrounds and current roles. Weisberg describes his past professional background and his current role managing...
info_outlineDescription: Discussion with longtime driving under the influence (DUI) prevention partner the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) about how the organization works to protect the safety of all those on our highways and roads as well as pedestrians.
Show Notes: Guest Deputy Director of Marketing & Public Affairs Tim Weisberg from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and Lead Deputy District Attorney Gregory Hayes introduce themselves – their backgrounds and current roles.
Weisberg describes his past professional background and his current role managing all OTS marketing, media campaigns and outreach programs.
Hayes explains his past professional background and current role related to DUI cases and the DUI/DUID prosecution and Education Outreach program. Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Weisberg provides background on OTS – its mission, history and how it’s working to keep people safe on our roads and highways. He also details what types of organizations OTS most often partners with and how they support them. One of the ways OTS supports organizations is through grants.
Host, Shelly Orio, discusses how OTS has supported the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office for many years – with grants totaling nearly $8.75 million since 2010. These grants have funded the prosecution of DUI/DUID cases, training for law enforcement officers on DUI/DUID investigations, prevention programs, Crime Lab purchases of specialized equipment to test for certain drugs, many new breath alcohol testing devices and an instrument to analyze alcohol (gas) in blood samples. OTS grants have also funded Crime Lab staff overtime costs to provide on-site assistance at DUI checkpoints.
Hayes shares his experience facilitating the OTS grant, how he has seen these grant dollars put into action and the impact the grant work has had on prosecutions and student education.
Weisberg explains the other types of grants OTS funds and for what types of organizations as well as how organizations can apply for OTS grants.
Weisberg and Hayes talk about new issues and challenges with DUI/DUID trends. They both agree driving under the influence of drugs is the most pressing challenge. Hayes adds that the legalization of marijuana also poses challenges to cases of driving under the influence of marijuana. Weisberg then explains how OTS sets mission priorities and counter measures to different issues impacting road safety.
Weisberg shares what outreach OTS is currently conducting -including PSA campaigns and safety programs such as Go Safely. He also shares other resources available through OTS on driving safety information.
Hayes and Weisberg close by giving their key takeaways from this discussion.
RESOURCES:
OTS on social media Facebook @CaliforniaOTS and Instagram and Twitter @ots_ca.