Program Helps Catch DUI Drivers

San Andreas, CA — Calaveras County has rewarded approximately $15,000 over the past 20 years to residents that have helped catch DUI drivers.

The Driving Under The Influence Reporter’s Reward Program was established in 1983, and gives out $100 rewards to residents that provide information that leads to a DUI arrest.

The program was implemented by Sheldon Bissell, and it is operational in seven counties in Northern California. If motorists spot a DUI driver they must call 911 to report it. If they reach a dispatch center other than the Sheriff’s Office, they must then call the Sheriff’s Dispatch Center, and let them know they want to be a part of the reward program. The dispatcher will provide a secret code number, and the reporting party will need to call back at another time to learn if an arrest was made.

Sheriff’s Office Spokesperson Chris Hewitt notes that it is a non-profit program that relies on donations. Contributors can make donations by writing a check to “DUIRR Program of Calaveras” and present it to the Sheriff’s Office, who will then deposit it into the program account.