Probation sweep saves infant girl, keeps violators in line.
Sheriff’s deputies working with the Probation Department took a six-month-old girl into protective custody Thursday night when her mother was discovered using methamphetamine.
Sophie Germaine Rousset was arrested for drug use and probation violation and her young daughter was turned over to the county’s Department of Children and Family Services. Rousset is being held without bail.
Sgt. John Bomben of the Santa Clarita Station’s Community Intervention Team said that the infant was found during a routine compliance check of probationers.
“We were glad to get the kid out that environment,” Bomben said. “And it’s good that both of them are going to get help.”
During another recent sweep, deputies found a parolee at large (wanted), a cocaine user and a runaway – all in one location.
Bomben said that the reasons for probation run the gamut, from tagging to assault and narcotics use or sale. The compliance checks, or “sweeps,” are a good way of keeping tabs on violators and targeting potential hot spots before crime occurs.
The sweeps are done on a semi-regular basis, depending on need, available personnel and sometimes, state budget monies.
“The budget crisis has affected the program, definitely,” he said. “But it’s time and effort well-spent. There are so many people on probation, it’s in the hundreds – never any shortage of people to check on.”
Bomben said that not all of the probationers are in violation, in fact, several are working to comply with the conditions of their sentences. He also said that the interagency teamwork makes everyone’s job easier.
“The task simply couldn’t be completed if we didn’t work together. We go out and check on people, sometimes we make arrests, probation can update their files and sometimes we’re able to get help for people who need it.”