Gran Jurado del Condado de Humboldt
2019-2020
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Hallazgos & Recomendaciones
3 hallazgos
F1:
The mission of the County government is to serve the public; however, few departments surveyed by the Civil Grand Jury have a written policy for receiving and processing citizen input relative to service provided. (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5)
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors establish standards for a citizen complaint/comment process (positive and negative) and then direct each department within the County to develop a written policy and publish a citizen complaint/comment process to be approved by the Board. This should be completed by February 1, 2021. (F-1, F-3)
F2:
Customer satisfaction surveys are useful for monitoring an organization's effectiveness; however, only one of the County departments surveyed by the Civil Grand Jury has a customer satisfaction survey in place. (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5)
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R2:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors direct each department within the County to develop and utilize a customer satisfaction survey with the intent that each department work towards continued improvement. This should be completed by February 1, 2021. (F-2)
F3:
When citizens do not know how to complain to a specific department, they may bypass that department and go to the Board of Supervisors, the Chief Administrative Officer, or the Civil Grand Jury. This denies an opportunity for the department to become aware of and address potential problems. (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5) RECOMMENDATIONS
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R3:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors require citizen complaint/comment forms and customer satisfaction survey forms to be easily accessible in electronic and paper formats, as part of County standards. This should be completed by February 1, 2021. (F-1, F-2, F-3)
Recomendaciones adicionales
2
No vinculadas a hallazgos específicos.
R4:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors require citizen complaint/comment policy to include a process acknowledging receipt, as part of County standards. This should be completed by February 1, 2021. (F-1, F-2, F- 3)
R5:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors require each department that has a complaint/comment policy or a customer satisfaction survey to report the findings to the Board of Supervisors at least annually. This should be completed by February 1, 2021. (F-1, F-2, F-3) Required Responses Humboldt County Board of Supervisors (F-1, F-2, F-3, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5)
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Hallazgos & Recomendaciones
5 hallazgos
F1:
The Public Guardian Office is understaffed. (R1, R2, R3) 16 Privacy and Security Training: Department of Health and Human Services: 8. 15
Recomendaciones relacionadas (3)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors ensure that adequate funding is budgeted for the hiring of an additional deputy public guardian. (F1, F2, F3)
R2:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Department of Health and Human Services hire an additional (fourth) deputy public guardian in order to ensure the office can manage its caseloads. (F1, F2, F3)
R3:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Department of Health and Human Services develop and implement a process to mitigate the effects of the increased workload on remaining staff when a staff member takes an extended leave. (F1, F2, F3, F4)
F2:
Mental Health, which administers the Public Guardian Office, did not take sufficient proactive measures to help the Public Guardian Office manage the increased caseload when a key staff member took extended leave. (R1, R2, R3)
Recomendaciones relacionadas (3)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors ensure that adequate funding is budgeted for the hiring of an additional deputy public guardian. (F1, F2, F3)
R2:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Department of Health and Human Services hire an additional (fourth) deputy public guardian in order to ensure the office can manage its caseloads. (F1, F2, F3)
R3:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Department of Health and Human Services develop and implement a process to mitigate the effects of the increased workload on remaining staff when a staff member takes an extended leave. (F1, F2, F3, F4)
F3:
The present Public Guardians are unable to meet their obligations to clients adequately because they are burdened with inordinately high caseloads. (R1, R2, R3)
Recomendaciones relacionadas (3)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors ensure that adequate funding is budgeted for the hiring of an additional deputy public guardian. (F1, F2, F3)
R2:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Department of Health and Human Services hire an additional (fourth) deputy public guardian in order to ensure the office can manage its caseloads. (F1, F2, F3)
R3:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Department of Health and Human Services develop and implement a process to mitigate the effects of the increased workload on remaining staff when a staff member takes an extended leave. (F1, F2, F3, F4)
F4:
The Humboldt County Memorandum Of Understanding with employees has language that restricts the replacement of employees when a full-time employee is out on prolonged medical leave. (R3)
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R3:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Department of Health and Human Services develop and implement a process to mitigate the effects of the increased workload on remaining staff when a staff member takes an extended leave. (F1, F2, F3, F4)
F5:
The Mental Health administration’s interpretations of confidentiality create obstacles that prevent the Patients’ Rights Advocate from serving clients’ needs despite the Advocate’s having signed a confidentiality agreement and having undergone the County’s annual HIPAA training. (R4, R5, R6, R7)
Recomendaciones relacionadas (4)
R4:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that Mental Health ensure that the Patients’ Rights Advocate have full access to patient information relative to their duties. (F5)
R5:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that Mental Health ensure that the Patients’ Rights Advocate be provided with an unredacted census daily. (F5)
R6:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that Mental Health ensure that the Patients’ Rights Advocate be provided unredacted denial-of-rights reports with patient information. (F5)
R7:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that Mental Health welcome the Patients’ Rights Advocate to the entirety of Continuous Quality Improvement meetings without restrictions. (F5) 16
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Hallazgos & Recomendaciones
9 hallazgos
F1:
The use of outside, for-profit contractors to provide medical and mental health practitioners may shield the County from lawsuits, but such contracts may sacrifice quality of care, as numerous lawsuits against those contractors throughout the country have alleged. (R1)
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department use outside, for-profit contractors to fill vacant staff positions for mental health services only when exhaustive efforts of recruitment have failed. Such contracts should be well- scrutinized to assure quality, cost-effectiveness, adequate oversight, and accountability, effective October 1, 2020. (F1)
F2:
Lengthy vetting, onboarding, recruitment and retention problems in both the Humboldt County Correctional Facility and Humboldt County Mental Health impede the effective delivery of mental health care. (R2)
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R2:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Human Resources Department and Department of Health and Human Services thoroughly examine and improve their effectiveness in hiring, onboarding, and recruitment processes to better fill vacancies. These changes should be implemented by January 1, 2021. (F2)
F3:
Use of a local Competency Restoration Program would improve service to inmates in need of mental health support prior to court appearances and could reduce cost to the County. (R3)
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R3:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department proceed with implementation of a State approved Competency Restoration Program in coordination with Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Service, effective January 1, 2021. (F3)
F4:
Increasing the training and certification of Substance Use Disorder Counselors in Juvenile Hall should increase effectiveness of treatment for juvenile detainees. (R4)
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R4:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends Humboldt County Probation Department provide trained and certified Substance Use Disorder counselors to increase effectiveness of treatment for detainees in Juvenile Hall, effective January 1, 2021. (F4)
F5:
Sempervirens Psychiatric Health Facility has a physical atmosphere that is not conducive to mental health rehabilitation. This facility needs to be replaced with a larger, modern facility designed to accommodate both adults and juveniles for the patients’ well-being. (R5)
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R5:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends Humboldt County Board of Supervisors complete and approve the comprehensive infrastructure plan relative to County buildings and grounds, and specifically include Sempervirens Psychiatric Health Facility as a high priority project. This plan should be completed by January 1, 2021. (F5)
F6:
Mental health services would be improved if step-down housing was provided for patients as they exit secure facilities. (R6)
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R6:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services integrate the use of step-down housing for patients being discharged from secure facilities. These services should be available to all patients by January 1, 2021. (F6)
F7:
Increasing the Mobile Response Team hours of availability would improve service to those in need of immediate mental health intervention while reducing the burden incurred by law enforcement and hospital emergency rooms. (R7)
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R7:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services expand staffing of the Mobile Response Team to around-the-clock (24/7/365), effective October 1, 2020. (F7)
F8:
Laura’s Law (AB1421) has been found to be beneficial in the California counties that have adopted it. Adoption of Laura’s Law by Humboldt County would provide a major option for treatment of people suffering from mental illness. (R8)
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R8:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends Humboldt County Board of Supervisors adopt and implement the components of Laura’s Law (AB1421) as another option for evaluation and treatment by mental health professionals, effective January 1, 2021. (F8)
F9:
Opportunity for self-improvement of youths housed in the Humboldt County Juvenile Hall would improve if volunteer-community organizations were able to provide additional learning programs. (R9)
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R9:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends Humboldt County Probation Department proactively seek volunteer-community organizations that can provide learning opportunities to the youths housed in the Humboldt County Juvenile Hall. (F9)
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Hallazgos & Recomendaciones
12 hallazgos
F1:
The Southern Humboldt Unified School District is in need of effective leadership with a clear vision from all stakeholders. (R-1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8)
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R2:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Southern Humboldt Unified School District Board of Trustees articulate and publish a clear vision for the future of the District. This process should be completed by the beginning of spring semester 2021. (F-1, 2)
F2:
The Board of Trustees is in need of leadership with new ideas. (R- 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8)
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R2:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Southern Humboldt Unified School District Board of Trustees articulate and publish a clear vision for the future of the District. This process should be completed by the beginning of spring semester 2021. (F-1, 2)
F3:
There is a need for more community involvement in school-related issues and activities. (R- 1, 3, 6)
Recomendaciones relacionadas (2)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Southern Humboldt Unified School District Board of Trustees offer a public information meeting. This meeting will engage and educate the public on how to become more involved in activities of the school board, including considering running for a seat on the school board. The meeting should be held before November 1st, 2020. (F-1, 2, 3, 4)
R3:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Southern Humboldt Unified School District Board of Trustees create an easy-to-navigate section on the District website detailing how to become a board member, as well as the need for citizen participation. This portion of the website should be completed by November 1, 2020. (F-1, 2, 3)
F4:
Some Board members are either unfamiliar with or do not always adhere to the requirements of the Brown Act. (R-1, 4)
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R4:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Southern Humboldt Unified School District Board of Trustees attend training regarding their legal responsibilities to the community, including the Brown Act, and establish a policy that all new board members attend such training. Cost of the seminars to be covered by the District. The training and new policy should be completed by November 1, 2020. (F-1, 2, 4)
F5:
Discipline policy and procedures are not adhered to by the Board, administration, staff, parents and students. Therefore, discipline is not enforced consistently throughout the District. (R-5, 8)
Recomendaciones relacionadas (2)
R5:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends discipline policy and procedures be standardized throughout the Southern Humboldt Unified School District and implemented in a consistent manner. Training regarding discipline should be provided to all personnel of the District, classified, certificated, and volunteers. These training sessions should be open to the public. Training should be completed by November 1, 2020. (F-5, 7)
R8:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Office of Education perform an intervention with Southern Humboldt Unified School District in order to assist the District in achieving financial stability, a district-wide positive behavior program, and academic rigor. These efforts are to be ongoing, with implementation starting by the start of the 2020/2021 school year. (F-1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12) REQUEST FOR RESPONSES Pursuant to Penal Code section 933.05, the Grand Jury requests responses as follows: Southern Humboldt Unified School District Board of Trustees (F-1, F-2, F-3, F-4, F-5, F-6, F-7,
F6:
Local economic downturn and declining student population within Southern Humboldt County in recent years has adversely affected the SHUSD finances. (R-6, 7, 8)
Recomendaciones relacionadas (3)
R6:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Southern Humboldt Unified School District must more aggressively pursue creative funding ideas from a variety of sources, including federal and state grants, charitable donations from private businesses, and local benefactors. The Board should make an announcement about their search for community volunteers to spearhead the fundraising efforts. The announcement should be made on local media, inviting public participation. After the fundraising personnel are announced, the Board will work closely with them, keeping in mind their common goals. The Board should then instruct the Superintendent to write an annual report detailing these fundraising efforts. This report should be produced for the public no later than June 1 of every school year. (F-1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 12)
R7:
The Humboldt CountyCivil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Office of Education become more proactive in its responsibility to examine and approve the Southern Humboldt Unified School District budget. Budget oversight should be ongoing. HCOE should collaborate with the District, effective at the start of 2020/2021 school year. (F-6, 7, 8, 9)
R8:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Office of Education perform an intervention with Southern Humboldt Unified School District in order to assist the District in achieving financial stability, a district-wide positive behavior program, and academic rigor. These efforts are to be ongoing, with implementation starting by the start of the 2020/2021 school year. (F-1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12) REQUEST FOR RESPONSES Pursuant to Penal Code section 933.05, the Grand Jury requests responses as follows: Southern Humboldt Unified School District Board of Trustees (F-1, F-2, F-3, F-4, F-5, F-6, F-7,
F7:
Southern Humboldt Unified School District is a geographically large district creating difficulty for serving the needs of students, parents and employees. (R-5, 6, 7, 8)
F8:
The Humboldt County Board of Education is required to provide oversight to school district budgets and intervene preemptively when necessary. SHUSD may be in need of intervention. (R- 7, 8)
Recomendaciones relacionadas (2)
R7:
The Humboldt CountyCivil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Office of Education become more proactive in its responsibility to examine and approve the Southern Humboldt Unified School District budget. Budget oversight should be ongoing. HCOE should collaborate with the District, effective at the start of 2020/2021 school year. (F-6, 7, 8, 9)
R8:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Office of Education perform an intervention with Southern Humboldt Unified School District in order to assist the District in achieving financial stability, a district-wide positive behavior program, and academic rigor. These efforts are to be ongoing, with implementation starting by the start of the 2020/2021 school year. (F-1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12) REQUEST FOR RESPONSES Pursuant to Penal Code section 933.05, the Grand Jury requests responses as follows: Southern Humboldt Unified School District Board of Trustees (F-1, F-2, F-3, F-4, F-5, F-6, F-7,
F9:
Establishment of a Charter school through the Humboldt County Board of Education will have a negative financial impact on Southern Humboldt Unified School District. (R-7, 8)
F10:
A Charter School, independent from the Southern Humboldt Unified School District will not be eligible for transportation funding. This will cause increased financial strain on parents.
F11:
The Civil Grand Jury was unable to identify specific instances of nepotism or corruption.
F12:
The region has a small trained labor pool which limits Southern Humboldt Unified School District’s recruitment and retention options. (R-6, 8) RECOMMENDATIONS
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Hallazgos & Recomendaciones
5 hallazgos
F1:
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Conservation Camps provide crucial trained forces for fires and disasters, as well as needed community projects, while providing excellent and diverse rehabilitation opportunities for inmates. (R-1, R-2, R-3)
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation review their classification guidelines and housing score sentencing to ensure optimized use of Conservation Camps. This would provide benefits to the State and to inmates. These changes should be implemented by January 1, 2021. (F-1, F-2)
F2:
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Conservation Camps have become understaffed with inmates as a result of changes in sentencing and the realignment of inmates as mandated by AB109, Propositions 47 and 57, and Inmate Housing Score guidelines. (R-1, R-2, R-3)
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R2:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office coordinate to identify willing and qualified inmates for shorter work assignments that do not require extensive training. These discussions should be initiated by October 1, 2020. (F-1, F-2, F-3)
F3:
The Humboldt County Correctional Facility is often near capacity (and on rare occasions, over capacity) while the Conservation Camps do not have enough qualified inmates to fill fire crews, yet the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office and California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation do not maintain an ongoing discussion regarding inmate availability. (R-1, R-2)
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R3:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation request the California Legislature amend regulations regarding qualifications for Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) to allow former inmates who have served twelve months or more in a CDCR Conservation Camp be allowed to earn an EMT certification. Recommendations to the legislature should be made by January 1, 2021. (F-1, F-2,
F4:
There are multiple examples of former inmates from Conservation Camps becoming employed in federal, state, and private fire service. However, California regulations restrict a person who has been convicted of some felonies being certified as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and EMT certification is required for municipal fire service agencies. Therefore, it is difficult for former inmates who were trained and functioned as firefighters to be employed in municipal fire agencies. (R-3)
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R4:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation establish, maintain, and publish data regarding Conservation Camp operations and effectiveness of rehabilitation. This program should be started by January 1, 2021. (F-5) REQUEST FOR RESPONSES Pursuant to Penal Code section 933.05, the Grand Jury requests responses as follows: Humboldt County Sheriff (F-3, R-2) California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (F-2, F-3, F-4, F-5, R-1, R-2, R- 3, R-4) INVITED RESPONSES None Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Penal Code section 929 requires that reports of the Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Grand Jury. BIBLIOGRAPHY ABC10 News, October 29, 2019, California’s Inmates Firefighters: 9 Things to Know www.abc10.com/article/news/local/wildfire/california-inmate-firefighters/103-0fdfca69-2f30- 4abe-99a1-838364d395e6 ABC10 News, October 28, 2019, California is Using Inmates to Fight Wildfires Across the State www.abc10.com/article/news/local/wildfire/california-inmate-firefighters/103-4de7e76a-7cac-4ff4-8053- 09812d7d4276 ACLU National Prison Project, Accessed April 18, 2020, www.aclu.org/other/aclu-national- prison-project California Board of State and Community Corrections, “Jail Inspection Handbook for Grand Jurors”, Accessed April 22, 2020, https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Fcgja.org%2Fsites%2Fdefa ult%2Ffiles%2Fjail_inspection_handbook.doc California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Fact Sheet, “2011 Public Safety Realignment,” December 19, 2013 California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation,July 13, 2018, 2 Former Fenner Canyon Fire Camp Inmates Tell of Success in Finding CalFire Jobs www.cdcr.ca.gov/insidecdcr/2018/07/13/2-former-fenner-canyon-fire-camp-inmates-tell-of-success-in- finding-cal-fire-jobs/ California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, May 2019, Spring 2019 Population Projections www.cdcr.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/174/2019/06/Spring-2019-Population- Projections.pdf California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Mission, Vision, Values, and Goals, Accessed April 18, 2020, https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/about-cdcr/vision-mission-values/ California Penal Code 919 (b). Accessed April 18, 2020, https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/penal-code/pen-sect-919.html Goodman, P. (2012), “Another Second Chance”: Rethinking Rehabilitation through the Lens of California's Prison Fire Camps,” Social Problems 59: 437-458 Google Earth, Updated, April 21, 2019 Imai, K. (2018), Analysis of 2017 Inmate Mortality Reviews in the California Correctional Healthcare System Imai, K. (2019), Analysis of 2018 Inmate Mortality Reviews in the California Correctional Healthcare System KQED NEWS, July 25, 2014, California Leans Heavily on Thousands of Inmate Firefighters www.kqed.org/science/19607/california-leans-heavily-on-thousands-of-inmate-firefighters KQED News, November 1, 2019, Inmates Saved Homes in the Kincade Fire. They’ll Face an Uphill Battle Getting Firefighter Jobs After Release https://www.kqed.org/news/11784042/inmates-saved- homes-in-the-kincade-fire-theyll-face-an-uphill-battle-getting-firefighting-jobs-after-release KQED News, November 15, 2018, More Than 1,000 Inmate Firefighters are Helping Battle Camp, Woolsey Blazes www.kqed.org/news/11706219/more-than-1000-inmate-firefighters-are-helping-battle- camp-woolsey-blazes LA Times, November 1, 2019, Editorial: Inmates Risk Their Lives to Fight California’s Wildfires Deserve a Chance at Full-Time Jobs www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2019-11-01/california-inmate- firefighters Laura’s Law Link, Accessed, April18, 2020, https://www.treatmentadvocacycenter.org/component/content/article/180-fixing-the-system/2009-lauras- law Legislative Analyst’s Office report, Improving California’s Prison Inmate Classification System, May 2, 2019 https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4023 Pro Publica, How to Navigate California County Jails Inmates Loved Ones Guide, January 13, 2020 https://www.propublica.org/article/how-to-navigate-california-county-jails-inmates-loved- ones-guide?utm_source=Essential+California&utm_campaign=6671937d43- EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_01_15_01_07&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_6e35f7f 85b-6671937d43-75196497 Vesoulis, A., Time Magazine, 16 November 2018, https://time.com/5457637/inmate-firefighters- injuries-death/
F5:
There is insufficient data being collected and published regarding Conservation Camp social equitability and rehabilitative effectiveness. (R-4) RECOMMENDATIONS
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Hallazgos & Recomendaciones
5 hallazgos
F1:
The handling of large sums of cash used by applicants to conduct transactions with the Planning and Building Department lacks transparency and creates the perception of potential for fraud. (R-2, 3, 4)
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R1:
The Humboldt County Planning and Building Department website should be updated to make relevant information regarding permit applications for cannabis cultivation easily searchable. Information presented on the website should be regularly updated to reflect any change in relevant regulations. This should be addressed by September 1, 2020. (F-5)
F2:
Cash transactions jeopardize the safety of the public and department personnel due to a lack of robust security infrastructure. (R-2, 3, 4)
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R2:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Planning and Building Department have an audit conducted by the Auditor/Controller’s office of all incoming receipts collected for each fiscal year. This assessment should be presented to the Board of Supervisors and made public. This should be done starting fiscal year 2020-2021. (F-1, 2, 3)
F3:
Lack of transparent accounting for cannabis-related revenues (permit fees, Trust Fund monies, fines) makes it difficult to determine the economic impact of the legalization of the cannabis industry on the county. (R-2, 3)
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R3:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Planning and Building Department have a dedicated accountant on staff to organize and maintain current financial records. This person should be a fresh hire with proven experience and necessary credentials. This should be done by January 1, 2021. (F-1, 2, 3)
F4:
The cumbersome permitting process defeats the purpose of legalization. It creates the incentive for cultivators to remain in the illicit market.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R4:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Humboldt County Planning and Building Department direct customers paying in cash to remit said payments directly through the Treasurer-Tax Collector’s office. Payment receipts will be accessible to the Humboldt County Planning and Building Department. This should be in effect by January 1, 2021. (F-1, 2) REQUEST FOR RESPONSES Pursuant to Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, the Civil Grand Jury requests responses as follows: From the following governing bodies within 90 days: Humboldt County Board of Supervisors (F-1, F-2, F-3, F-4, F-5; R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 ) Humboldt County Planning and Building Department (F-1, F-2, F-3, F-4, F-5; R-1, R-2,
F5:
The Planning and Building Department website is not user-friendly. Applicants are disadvantaged by lack of access to clear instructions and guides. Some information also appears to be out of date. (R-1) RECOMMENDATIONS
Hallazgos & Recomendaciones
15 hallazgos
F1:
The Arcata Police Department was not prepared to manage and investigate a large, violent crime scene of the magnitude of the David Josiah Lawson homicide. (R4)
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R4:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury strongly urges the Arcata Police Department to utilize the Major Crimes Incident Team in large or complex crime scenes as they have agreed to in their Memorandum of Understanding. (F1, F4, F7, F8, F9,
F2:
The Civil Grand Jury found no direct evidence of racial bias or corruption within the police response.
F3:
In the initial minutes of the incident, officers at the scene focused on life-saving procedures at the expense of crime scene management. (R1)
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the City of Arcata ensure sufficient funds are available to APD to continue training and maintain critical core staff such as evidence technicians. (F3, F5, F9, F12)
F4:
Chief Chapman was not there to manage the homicide scene. His absence contributed to the discoordinated response. (R4)
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R4:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury strongly urges the Arcata Police Department to utilize the Major Crimes Incident Team in large or complex crime scenes as they have agreed to in their Memorandum of Understanding. (F1, F4, F7, F8, F9,
F5:
Though every officer receives basic evidence handling training during POST, the Arcata Police Department had no designated Evidence Technician available on April 15, 2017, leading to poor execution of evidence preservation and failed chain of custody at the crime scene. (R1)
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the City of Arcata ensure sufficient funds are available to APD to continue training and maintain critical core staff such as evidence technicians. (F3, F5, F9, F12)
F6:
Securing the crime scene, specifically detaining potential witnesses, protecting physical evidence and properly preserving the weapon was not followed at the homicide of David Josiah Lawson. 17 https://www.northcoastjournal.com/NewsBlog/archives/2020/05/30/humboldt-county-law-enforcement-responds-to-death-of-george- floyd 12
F7:
Arcata Police Department did not identify and question all potential witnesses in the David Josiah Lawson homicide after the arrival of emergency medical responders. (R4)
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R4:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury strongly urges the Arcata Police Department to utilize the Major Crimes Incident Team in large or complex crime scenes as they have agreed to in their Memorandum of Understanding. (F1, F4, F7, F8, F9,
F8:
Despite most Arcata Police Department officers having little experience navigating complex homicide cases, Chief Chapman declined multiple offers of additional help from other local law enforcement agencies with more experience in investigation and case review. (R4)
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R4:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury strongly urges the Arcata Police Department to utilize the Major Crimes Incident Team in large or complex crime scenes as they have agreed to in their Memorandum of Understanding. (F1, F4, F7, F8, F9,
F9:
The City of Arcata police officers lacked effective leadership and received insufficient training during the later tenure of Chief Chapman. (R1, R4)
Recomendaciones relacionadas (2)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the City of Arcata ensure sufficient funds are available to APD to continue training and maintain critical core staff such as evidence technicians. (F3, F5, F9, F12)
R4:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury strongly urges the Arcata Police Department to utilize the Major Crimes Incident Team in large or complex crime scenes as they have agreed to in their Memorandum of Understanding. (F1, F4, F7, F8, F9,
F10:
A retired FBI agent provided pro bono investigative consultation to the City of Arcata and Arcata Police Department. The Civil Grand Jury independently evaluated the agent’s public assessments that the APD had poor management, lack of training, inadequate staffing and demonstrated a lack of transparency. We found these conclusions to be accurate.
F11:
The current Arcata Chief of Police is focusing on strengthening community relationships, substantially increasing training, and diversifying the pool of officers and staff. He has also begun community policing and leadership development as part of the nationwide effort to reform policing. (R2, R3, R6, R7)
Recomendaciones relacionadas (4)
R2:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the City of Arcata and Arcata Police Department, even in the case of economic downturns and budgetary constraints, to continue pursuing Cultural and Bias Education, Diversification of Staff and 13 Community Engagement. (F11)
R3:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the City of Arcata and Arcata Police Department should engage in community outreach by creating brief biographies for law enforcement officers, on their website. (F11)
R6:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the City of Arcata create a diverse Citizens Advisory Board to the Arcata Police Department which specifically reviews police conduct and service. (F11)
R7:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Arcata Police Department utilize minority interns through ongoing contact with Humboldt State University students. (F11)
F12:
The current Arcata Chief of Police has created an investigations division and brought on an evidence technician in an effort to complete their investigative team. (R1)
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R1:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the City of Arcata ensure sufficient funds are available to APD to continue training and maintain critical core staff such as evidence technicians. (F3, F5, F9, F12)
F13:
A decentralized dispatch system hampered communication and added delays to the emergency and law enforcement response. (R5)
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R5:
The Humboldt Civil Grand Jury recommends Humboldt County and local area cities establish a centralized dispatch communications center that would shorten response times. (F13)
F14:
Any determination that the David Josiah Lawson homicide was not a hate crime is premature. (R8)
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R8:
The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury recommends the final determination of hate crime designation should be withheld until a perpetrator is charged, and the intent and motivation for David Josiah Lawson's homicide is fully explored. (F14)
F15:
The District Attorney's office created the Major Crimes Incident Team, a multi- agency collaborative response of which APD is a signatory of a Memorandum of Understanding. It has been used successfully multiple times since then for the resolution of crimes. (R4)