Advisory board recommends suspension with probation for Sacramento deputy after repeated DUI convictions

The advisory board recommended a suspended three‑month certification suspension with a period of probation for Sacramento County deputy Matt White after hearing POST investigators describe repeated DUI conduct.

Rick Collins, law enforcement consultant for the Professional Conduct Northern Bureau, summarized administrative and criminal records showing a 2024 arrest with a 0.11% BAC and a 2016 conviction. Collins said POST found clear and convincing evidence that the repeated impaired‑driving conduct violated Penal Code §13510.8 (acts that violate the law) and recommended suspension or revocation of POST certificates.

Deputy White and his attorney, Joe Hoppin, described a sequence of rehabilitation steps: residential treatment, ongoing therapy, Alcoholics Anonymous attendance, an ignition interlock device and reassignment to a non‑driving jail assignment. "I absolutely love them," White said of his department and described his recovery efforts as life‑changing. White's counsel asked the board to recommend probation or a suspension with conditions rather than revocation.

Board members discussed SB 2 obligations requiring consideration of unlawful conduct that demonstrates a pattern. Several members commended White's rehabilitation; others emphasized the seriousness of repeated DUI conduct by a peace officer. The board moved and passed a recommendation for a three‑month suspension stayed subject to a period of probation and standard probationary terms, including substance‑use monitoring. The motion passed with four votes in favor, one opposed and one abstention.