June 23, 2005

‘Dead-Beat Dads’

operation declared a success by sheriff’s office

Last weekend, the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office conducted a major warrant sweep in honor of the Father’s Day weekend, specifically targeting dead-beat dads.

Working in partnership with the Department of Family Support Services, the Sheriff’s Office wanted to get the word out that failure to pay child support would no longer be ignored.

The sweep was conducted on both Saturday and Sunday and netted a total of 60 arrests, including one female. There were an additional 15 arrests made during the week proceeding the sweep and aside from the 75 child-support warrants cleared, there were an additional 29 criminal warrants cleared from these arrests.

During the research of these warrants, it was determined that numerous suspects had fled the area and in a couple of cases the individuals actually fled the country. In these cases, proper authorities were contacted and the search will be conducted in that jurisdiction.

Capt. Lindley Zink, who headed this weekend sweep, said, “the sheriff’s office wants to emphasize that we feel very strongly about this issue and that last weekend’s warrant sweep was just the beginning.”

Board of Supervisors Chair Liz Kniss agreed. “As a parent, the responsibility to care for ones child can not be overlooked nor does it negate itself after a family breaks up. Unfortunately, because some parents are willing to simply walk away, our justice system has to get involved.”

“Fatherhood is both a joy and a responsibility that most men accept willingly. Unfortunately, some guys need the kick-in-the-pants reminder that only a bench warrant can deliver,” added Supervisor Jim Beall.