News: Press Releases
For Release: May 14, 2003 - Contact: Larry Traylor, (804) 674-3574Walt Pulliam, Community Corrections (804) 674-3557
DOC Launches Operation Consequences XXIV in City of Harrisonburg, Rockingham County and Page County
RICHMOND – Virginia Department of Corrections' Director Gene Johnson announced the successful implementation of Operation Consequences XXIV, a massive unannounced substance abuse testing effort of targeted parolees and probationers in the City of Harrisonburg, Rockingham County and Page County. The first operation of this type was conducted in December 1996 in the City of Richmond. A similar operation was carried out in Harrisonburg and Staunton in June 1999.
This twenty-fourth mass testing was conducted at Adult Probation and Parole District #39 Office in Harrisonburg in close coordination with local law enforcement agencies and other Department of Corrections' staff including K-9 officers, Harrisonburg Diversion Center and the local Rockingham County Jail authorities.
The fifty-five (55) targeted offenders possessed a history of substance abuse and violent offenses. They also had prior drug tests and are suspected of continuing substance abuse. Three (3) of the probationers tested positive and were arrested and taken to jail with violation proceedings to commence in the sentencing court. One (1) probationer failed to show up and he will be aggressively sought by law enforcement. One (1) parolee refused to cooperate and was immediately taken into custody and transported to jail. He will face violation hearings before the Virginia Parole Board. No serious incidents were reported and the operation was considered a major success.