Imperial County 2017-2018 - California Grand Jury Reports

June 27, 2018 — Final Report 2017–2018*

45 pages 4 findings 5 recommendations

Findings & Recommendations 4 findings

F1: advantage in reducing contraband. The housing facilities were well-run by the officers. It was noted that officers were well-

Related Recommendations (1)

R1: quarterly meetings of the Measure H Oversite Advisory Committee. The Committee should be supplied with relevant city financial reports and be able to meet with the City Manager and Finance Manager for the City of Calexico, as needed. The Civil Grand Jury recommends that the City of Calexico should add the findings and

F2: equipped to respond to emergencies.

Related Recommendations (1)

R2: expenditures of the Measure H funds its annual "State of the City" address, as to inform citizens of where funds are allocated. That current and future Oversight Advisory Committee members adhere to their bylaws.

F3: in 2000. There are marked differences in the two areas of the facility. The older sections of the facility are in need of repair and upkeep, while the newer sections (Control 2) are in better overall condition and have better security and surveillance.

Related Recommendations (1)

R3: RESPONSE REQUIRED: The Civil Grand Jury requires a written response to this report from the City of Calexico within ninety (90) days of the official release date. Responses are to be directed to the Civil Grand Jury for the review of the Presiding Judge of the California Superior Court in Imperial County. 2017-2018 IMPERIAL COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT RERIAL COUNTY CALIFORNIA Imperial County 2017-2018 IMPERIAL COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT BACKGROUND: Westmorland, CA., is a city of just over 2,444 citizens. There are twelve (12) full time city employees. The city does not have a Planning, Building, or an Engineering department; these services are outsourced to other city entities. The City of Westmorland is managed by an elected City Council. Westmorland City Hall has two full time employees: City Clerk and an Office Clerk. OVERVIEW: Two written complaints against the City of Westmorland's hiring practices were received by the CGJ in August 2017. The complaints alleged that the hiring of the new Chief of Police was fixed, and other, more qualified, candidates were not selected. The complainants stated that the selection was done by the "good-ole buddy system". In addition, the complainants allege that a City Council member had a conflict of interest and should not have been allowed to break the tied vote to move forward with the hiring of the new Chief of Police. As part of the investigation, the CGJ reviewed numerous documents, conducted interviews with relevant parties, and made multiple site visits. The following documents were requested as part of the investigation: All hiring policies and procedures – Not Received Past practice hiring procedures – Not Received Standard of wages, city employee handbook – Not Received . City Council agendas and minutes reflecting policies and hiring practices - Not Received . Job duties for the Westmorland City Clerk, Police Officers, and Chief of Police The CGJ based their conclusion on the information provided. CONCLUSION: The CGJ finds that the City of Westmorland did not violate any hiring policy or procedures on the basis that the City of Westmorland has no set hiring policy or procedures in place. The City's hiring practices, which lack written minimum standards, consistency, and transparency, have led to the perception that no fair opportunity is available during the selection/hiring process. These perceptions are compelling reasons for the City of Westmorland to enact minimum standards for hiring, and require a Human Resource Department/Committee for oversight, to ensure appropriate Legal Compliance, Fairness, and Morale issues. The complaint regarding a City Council member and their alleged conflict of interest in the hiring process was not substantiated. The CGJ did not find sufficient evidence to support an allegation of wrongdoing. RECOMMENDATIONS: The CGJ recommends that the City of Westmorland immediately create comprehensive written guidelines covering department promotions/hiring, and to provide appropriate training to department hiring managers and oral interview panelists. These guidelines will provide transparency and restore trust that the hiring process is operating in a fair manner. 2017-2018 IMPERIAL COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT It is recommended the following be included in the promotions/hiring guidelines: How position is posted and a description of the job duties. The Minimum Qualifications (MQ) for the position. Who receives the application (i.e., Human Resources, City Clerk, etc.). . How the applicants are screened to determine candidates meeting MQs. Which department reviews the list of eligible candidates and reviews the applications. . Clarify the Hiring Authority for the City of Westmorland

F4: The food preparation area (Kitchen) had received a grant from the USDA, and has upgraded its cooking facility. This was a well-maintained and clean area of the facility. The kitchen staff are able to feed all of the Wards, as well as be available to assist under numerous mutual aid compacts (i.e., agreements to assist other agencies during times of crisis).

Related Recommendations (1)

R4: have some type of key retention tool on their person. Keys should not be carried in hands or pockets. It is the Grand Jury's recommendation that the Control Tower video surveillance camera

Additional Recommendations 1

Not linked to specific findings.

R5: be replaced with higher quality equipment. The current equipment records very grainy footage that is difficult to review. RESPONSE REQUIRED: The Imperial County Civil Grand Jury requires the Imperial County Jail respond to the recommendations within (90) ninety days from issuance of the report. Please submit an official response to the Civil Grand Jury Foreperson, P.O. Box 2011, El Centro, and CA. 92243. 2017-2018 IMPERIAL COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT SERIAL COUNTY CALIFORNIA Imperial County 2017-2018 IMPERIAL COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT BACKGROUND: Authority and Facility Responsibility The Imperial County Juvenile Hall (JH) operates under the auspices of the Imperial County Probation Department. The JH serves as a care facility for detained minors. Minors being held in JH are either awaiting a decision on their future, or have been sentenced by the Court in Imperial County to a one-year, or less, time period. Assessment and Evaluation All new Juvenile Hall Court referred minors are given a pre-screen Positive Achievement Change Tool (PACT) Risk/Needs Assessments by the Probation Department. There are also Full-PACT Risk/Needs Assessments on all cases set for disposition or deferred entry of judgment. In addition to the PACT Assessments, the intake process includes a Massachusetts Adolescent Youth Screening Instrument (MAYSI) assessment of their mental health, and the computerized Detention Risk Assessment Instrument (DRAI) evaluation, which is based on prior and current convictions and offenses. The staff acknowledge they are in full compliance with Local, State and federal guidelines and compliant with Juvenile correctional standards. This facility is also inspected by the Board of State Community Corrections. Case Plans Individualized case plans are developed for minors and families based on the Probation Department's assessment of needs and strengths. Incarceration Once minors are detained and become Wards, staff members attend to discipline and security, personal hygiene, clean clothing and bedding, mental health and/or drug counseling, work programs, recreational exercise, and visitation with parents/guardians. Most Wards, after a short stay, go on to probation. The determination for probation is made by a Judge, based on the recommendations from the JH staff and other factors. OVERVIEW: Purpose JH is committed to enhancing public safety through the reduction in the number of repeat offenders. This is done by motivating behavioral change, while enforcing court orders and advocating for victims. Place JH is located directly behind the main building of the Imperial County Probation Department on Applestill Road near the corner of McCabe and Clark Roads, in El Centro, California. 2017-2018 IMPERIAL COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT The facility consists of five (5) dorms to house the juvenile Wards, a central center, classrooms, a medical room, recreation areas, a cafeteria, and other offices used for services offered to the Wards (i.e. Counseling, social services interviews). Some of the security features in this facility include security cameras, electronic detection, and reinforced fencing. In addition to the JH Applestill location, field supervision by Imperial County Sherriff's employees is provided to the Imperial County Office of Education Academies, DEJ, Wraparound Services, Moderate to High Risk Youth, and an Evening Learning Center. The JH Facilities also include Medical Services and Food Service. Medical Services are provided at a nursing station, where a nurse is on-duty four hours each day. A doctor can be called, or a Ward can be transported to a hospital if more serious medical attention is warranted. On-call Behavioral Health Services are also available for assistance with mental health problems. Food is prepared for the Wards in a kitchen. It is then transported to the JH cafeteria, where it is kept warm at food-warming stations until served to the Wards. The JH food facilities have passed inspections by State and County Departments People Standards set by the Title 15 of the California Code of Regulations require one (1) staff member for every ten (10) minors in detention. There are twenty-six (26) staff members at the JH, including one (1) facility manager, one (1) shift supervisor, and three (3) full-time staff members. Additional help is provided through outside programs, including a Grandparent Volunteer Program. The Grandparent Volunteer Program is an outstanding group of three volunteers that have over thirty years of experience volunteering with the JH. Programs Educational Program - There are two education classrooms at the JH. The teachers for these classrooms hold valid California Teaching Credentials. Computers are provided for school assignment preparation, but access to the Internet is limited due to potential security concerns. JH maintains compliance with California State Educational Standards, and offers a High School Diploma Program, or the General Equivalency Diploma (GED). Because the stay for each Ward is relatively short, the classroom teachers try to maintain pace with what would be taught at their home schools. Schooling is provided for three and a half hours per day. Foster Grandparents Program - Volunteer grandparents provide support and acceptance by listening to what the Wards have to say, and providing counseling as needed. They are also available to help with schoolwork, to replicate a more home-like environment. Gardening Program - A garden has been established within the outside yard of the JH. The garden provides Wards with the opportunity to assist in the growing of vegetables, including cherry tomatoes, carrots, and kale. Performance Wards are responsible for keeping their rooms clean, and have specific work responsibilities assigned to them at the facility. The JH staff uses a point rewards program to control behavior in 2017-2018 IMPERIAL COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT a positive way. Wards may accumulate daily points based on behavior, attitude, work performance, grooming, manners, and room maintenance. Staff report they are considering opening an "Honors Wing" (separate housing area), to entice the wards to excel in all facets while at the facility. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the staff of the Imperial County Juvenile Hall are doing well to ensure that their Wards understand what is expected of them. Wards of the JH are provided with several beneficial programs to make their stay positive, including High School classes taught by credentialed teachers, support from the Foster Grandparents Program, and outside activities, such as a vegetable garden.

* This report's PDF did not contain easily extractable text and required Optical Character Recognition (OCR) for analysis. There may be minor errors in the extracted findings and recommendations due to OCR limitations with scanned documents.