Imperial County Grand Jury
2018-2019
Findings & Recommendations
3 findings
F1:
Adding an X-Ray machine into the Receiving and Release area has given CAL an advantage in reducing contraband.
F2:
The housing facilities are well-run. Officers are well-equipped to respond to emergencies.
F3:
The Grand Jury was able to inspect CAL without restrictions. Staff was open to answering any questions.
Additional Recommendations
1
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
Maintain the expanded medical care to the inmate population and keep staffing levels appropriate for the safety and security of the local public. REQUIRED RESPONSES: No response is required, as Calipatria State Prison is part of a State Agency. -32-
Findings & Recommendations
4 findings
F1:
There is a lack of oversight/review into new and ongoing cases of public assistance benefits by the managers and supervisors of the Department of Social Services.
F2:
Department of Social Services fraud investigators are not meeting the timeline for eligibility determination set by the state of California.
F3:
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that the Department of Social Services has with the Imperial County District Attorney’s office does not appear to serve the needs of the community. Requests for more staff have been denied.
F4:
There is insufficient interaction between the District Attorney’s office and the Department of Social Services, which strains the positive working relationship needed to properly investigate fraudulent claims.
Additional Recommendations
5
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
The Department of Social Services should create a review and tracking system of all cases of public assistance at the supervisory and management level, with a dedicated system to ensure proper timelines and mandates set by the state are being met.
R2:
The Department of Social Services Fraud unit should conduct an internal review of how it intakes, reviews, and assigns investigations to the District Attorney’s office. Procedures should be set in place to accurately reflect the actual dates of work being processed and the completion of each portion of the investigation.
R3:
The current Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Department of Social Services and the District Attorney’s Office should be reviewed and updated to reflect the current needs of these departments. Additional investigative staff, perhaps those dedicated to only public assistance issues, would alleviate the workload and help ensure state- mandated timelines are met. REQUIRED RESPONSES: Pursuant to Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, the Grand Jury requests responses as from the following governing bodies within 90 days: • Imperial County Department of Social Services: F1, F2, F4, R1, R2, R3 Please submit an official response to the Civil Grand Jury Foreperson, P.O. Box 2011, El Centro, CA, 92244 INVITED RESPONSES: The following governing bodies are invited to respond to the Grand Jury report: • Imperial County District Attorney’s Office: F3, F4, R3 • Imperial County Board of Supervisors: F3, R3 DISCLAIMER: 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. THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK Imperial County 2018-2019 Civil Grand Jury El Centro Fire Department MATRIX INSPECTION JUSTIFICATION County and City agencies are under a matrix for the Civil Grand Jury (Grand Jury) to inspect on a regular schedule. It has been at least 8 years since a review has been completed on this agency. BACKGROUND: The El Centro Fire Department (ECFD) was established in May of 1908 as a Volunteer Fire Department. Today the department is directed by a Chief and three Battalion Chiefs. ECFD currently responds to over 4,600 emergency calls each year and provides fire protection to over 42,000 El Centro residents, in excess of 11 square miles. Mission Statement The ECFD Mission Statement is: “Protect life, property, and environment through mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery actions”. They accomplish their mission through: • Mitigation – Action taken to prevent future emergencies and disasters and/or action taken to minimize their effect. • Preparedness – Action taken to prepare to handle an emergency or disaster. • Response – Action taken during the emergency or disaster. • Recovery – Action taken recovering from an emergency or disaster. Core Values The Core Values of ECFD are as follows: • Integrity – We hold each other accountable for adherence to a standard of high moral and ethical values. • Trust – We rely on, and have confidence in, the character, abilities, strength, and truthfulness of all our members. • Respect – We regard and treat each other as professionals. • Excellence – We strive to continually improve and to provide the best service possible. Motto The Motto of ECFD is "Courage to Act, Commitment to Serve" Personnel and Locations The ECFD staffs three fire stations, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with a minimum of 10 personnel. There are forty-one staff members working for ECFD: thirty-eight sworn safety officers, one Fire Chief, three Battalion Chiefs, ten Captains, nine engineers, and fifteen firefighters. There are also two clerical assistants and one staff assistant. Fire Station 1 Fire Station 1 was built in 1946 and is located at 775 State Street. It is currently being retro fitted in electrical areas. Security is also being increased. Due to its age, the repair work is a lengthier process. A shutoff system for the gas line is being added to the kitchen, to improve safety in the event of an emergency. The beds for personnel are in the process of being replaced; in the meantime, firefighters are using cots. This is the busiest station of ECFD due to its location in downtown El Centro. Emergency generators are tested for thirty-minutes every Friday. Fire Station 2 Fire Station 2 was built in 1984 and is located at 900 S. Dogwood Avenue. It features the Burn Institute Fire Safety Car, which is a mobile emergency car that holds the equipment and supplies that cannot be placed in the fire engines. Fire Station 2 is adjacent to Gomez Park, which is named after fallen ECFD member Lieutenant David Gomez, who passed away in the line of duty in 1976. The park contains a plaque and monument in memory of fallen members. ECFD personnel see this park as part of their station and they take pride in keeping it clean. Fire Station 3 Fire Station 3 is located at 1910 N. Waterman Avenue. It was built in 2014. As the newest fire station, it is the most state-of-the-art. It features classroom areas open to the public. It also houses the administrative offices of ECFD and stores equipment for all three stations. METHODOLOGY: A committee of the Civil Grand Jury (Grand Jury) conducted numerous interviews and visited the three fire stations for the City of El Centro as part of this investigation. They based their conclusions on information obtained during their interviews. INVESTIGATION: Throughout interviews, members emphasized the importance of maintaining equipment and stocking an appropriate amount of equipment necessary to aid firefighters in their service to the public. Personnel & Facilities: All three fire stations share space with American Medical Response (AMR) members. There are 10 fire personnel operating ECFD on a daily basis. Firefighters are grouped in a 3-3-3 distribution along with the Fire Chief. Firefighters rotate through each station for 6-months. The benefit of the rotation means that members are familiar with each other and each station. ECFD Firefighters are trained for all duties to be well-rounded, which is beneficial if there are staff shortages. They have the capacity for 12 total members and are in the process of hiring two new members to completely staff their needs. The ECFD is staffed with three arson investigators. All members are trained hazmat technicians, which is invaluable in situations involving chemicals or natural disasters. Members are also trained on OSHA Law and Regulations and sexual harassment policy. There is also a strike team that can be called as needed. The strike team is trained for crucial moments, such as assisting in large fires or helping other local agencies (e.g., U.S. Customs & Border Protection). Each fire station contains at least two restrooms, showers, and a kitchen. The restrooms have inner locks to accommodate female members as needed. Stations also contain a small living room for the firefighters to use. All stations are being upgraded for increased security, including access codes for gates, security cameras, and new sprinkler systems inside of the buildings. According to interviewed personnel, with the addition of the two soon-to-be-hired personnel, ECFD will be maintaining an appropriate number of firefighters to meet the needs of the City of El Centro. The facilities of each station are adequate for members. Equipment: Each station has a fire engine, with two in reserve. The frontline fire engines used by ECFD include two Pierce engines (2015) and one KME engine (2017). There are also two American LaFrance engines (2005) on reserve. All firefighters are assigned their own radios so that they can always be alerted of emergencies, even at home. Firefighters each have their own uniform, and there are additional uniforms available if needed. The additional uniforms are older uniforms that have been removed from regular use but are still within the limits of safety. According to the interviewed personnel and Grand Jury inspection, older equipment (e.g., protective personal gear) is often reused as needed or until deemed no longer safe. Due to budgetary constraints and the overall high cost of fire equipment, the ECFD tries to utilize equipment for as long as possible before ordering replacements. Maintenance Schedule: Firefighting uniforms are replaced every 10 years (max). Firefighters must report any rip or tear in their uniforms, as this decreases safety. Equipment must be replaced every 15 years (max). Water hoses are replaced every 10 years (max). Frontline fire engines are replaced every 8 years (max). Weekly checks of all equipment and hoses are performed, in addition to daily checks of uniforms and fire engines. There is also a five-year assessment performed to see which materials or equipment will be needed, and which will be put out of commission. When the Grand Jury visited Station 1, in April 2019, hoses were stamped 2018 as the last date of inspection. No hose had a 2019 stamp. According to interviewed personnel, ECFD is on-time with their maintenance schedules. CONCLUSION: It was determined by the Grand Jury that the El Centro Fire Department is following their policies and procedures. There appears to be a need for additional equipment, as often times, outdated equipment is used as backup until they can be replaced.
R4:
Utilize key retention This recommendation will be implemented. tools.
R5:
Increase quality of This recommendation is in the process of video surveillance being implemented. The Sheriff’s Office has equipment. been working with Public Works and the CEO’s Office to pursue a Capital Improvement Plan for facilities. Subject of Investigation: Imperial County Juvenile Hall Recommendations Responses Date Respondent Received by Grand Jury
Findings & Recommendations
4 findings
F1:
Older equipment is being used until replacements are available, even if they have been pulled from regular use due to age/wear.
F2:
The El Centro Fire Department has now hired the last two members needed to be staffed with the appropriate number of personnel to meet the needs of the City of El Centro. -26- 2018-2019 IMPERIAL COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT
F3:
The El Centro Fire Department is on-time with their maintenance schedule.
F4:
While visiting Fire Station 1, hoses were stamped 2018 as the last date of inspection. No hose had a 2019 stamp.
Additional Recommendations
1
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
The El Centro Fire Department should budget for surplus equipment so that when items break down, firefighters are not forced to use outdated equipment until replacements can be ordered. RESPONSE REQUIRED: Pursuant to Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, the grand jury requests responses from the following governing bodies within 90 days: • El Centro Fire Department: F1, F4, R1 You are required to submit your official response to the Imperial County Civil Grand Jury Foreperson on behalf of the superior court to: P.O. Box 2011. El Centro, California 92244.
Findings & Recommendations
4 findings
F1:
There is a lack of oversight/review into new and ongoing cases of public assistance benefits by the managers and supervisors of the Department of Social Services.
F2:
Department of Social Services fraud investigators are not meeting the timeline for eligibility determination set by the state of California.
F3:
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that the Department of Social Services has with the Imperial County District Attorney’s office does not appear to serve the needs of the community. Requests for more staff have been denied. -20- 2018-2019 IMPERIAL COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT
F4:
There is insufficient interaction between the District Attorney’s office and the Department of Social Services, which strains the positive working relationship needed to properly investigate fraudulent claims.
Additional Recommendations
3
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
The Department of Social Services should create a review and tracking system of all cases of public assistance at the supervisory and management level, with a dedicated system to ensure proper timelines and mandates set by the state are being met.
R2:
The Department of Social Services Fraud unit should conduct an internal review of how it intakes, reviews, and assigns investigations to the District Attorney’s office. Procedures should be set in place to accurately reflect the actual dates of work being processed and the completion of each portion of the investigation.
R3:
The current Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Department of Social Services and the District Attorney’s Office should be reviewed and updated to reflect the current needs of these departments. Additional investigative staff, perhaps those dedicated to only public assistance issues, would alleviate the workload and help ensure state- mandated timelines are met. REQUIRED RESPONSES: Pursuant to Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, the Grand Jury requests responses as from the following governing bodies within 90 days: • Imperial County Department of Social Services: F1, F2, F4, R1, R2, R3 Please submit an official response to the Civil Grand Jury Foreperson, P.O. Box 2011, El Centro, CA, 92244 INVITED RESPONSES: The following governing bodies are invited to respond to the Grand Jury report: • Imperial County District Attorney’s Office: F3, F4, R3 • Imperial County Board of Supervisors: F3, R3 DISCLAIMER: 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. -21-
Quick View
Full Details →
Findings & Recommendations
3 findings
F1:
CEN Staff in leadership positions are very well-informed and knowledgeable about laws and regulations for the State of California.
F2:
The Correctional Treatment Center is well-staffed and ready to treat inmates. It is well- equipped to handle emergencies.
F3:
The Grand Jury was able to inspect CEN with no restrictions. Staff was very open to answering questions.
Additional Recommendations
2
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
It is recommended that administrative staff continue to value and provide appropriate training and professional development to prison staff.
R2:
It is recommended that the same level of staffing and training be maintained, to ensure the same quality of treatment and supervision is provided for inmates. REQUIRED RESPONSES: No response is required as Centinela State Prison is a State Agency. DISCLAIMER: 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. -38- 2018-2019 IMPERIAL COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT Imperial County 2018-2019 Civil Grand Jury Imperial County Jail ANNUAL INSPECTION JUSTIFICATION California State Law mandates that the Civil Grand Jury (Grand Jury) will inspect all prison and jail facilities on a yearly basis. -39- 2018-2019 IMPERIAL COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT BACKGROUND: The Imperial County Jail is operated by the Corrections Division of the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office (ICSO). The ICSO employs 132 individuals, including 1 Chief, 3 Lieutenants, 12 Sergeants, 11 Corporals, 67 Correctional Officers, 14 Clerical Staff, and 24 Support Staff. These employees work among the three facilities adjoining the main ICSO building. The three facilities include the Herbert Hughes Correction Center (HHCC), built in the 1960s, the Regional Adult Detention Facility (RADF), built in the 1970s, and the Oren Fox Detention Center (OFDF), which became operational in 2018. Regional Adult Detention Facility Incarceration admission occurs at the RADF. The process is as follows: First, individuals are booked and given a brief medical screening; Then, they are put into a temporary holding cell; Next, they are sent to a dressing room and issued clothing; Then, if needed, inmates are sent to the medical treatment center; Finally, inmates are placed in an incarceration cell. At the RADF, there are twelve separate cell modules, each consisting of ten to twenty cells. These modules are known as pods. The RADF has a capacity of 279 inmates, both male and female. The general population is made up of those who are unsentenced. There are also groups of sentenced inmates, including those under administrative segregation, those with special needs, and those who are high risk. Herbert Hughes Correctional Center The HHCC contains two dormitories and a multipurpose room, which were added to the facility in 1989. The dormitories are divided into six separate dormitories and have the total capacity to house 314 inmates. Originally, the HHCC was intended to house county inmates who had been sentenced for a period of up to one year. However, with the passing of Assembly Bill (AB) 109 in 2011, state-sentenced inmates may be housed in the HHCC facility for as long as twenty-two years. AB 109 transferred responsibility for supervising certain kinds of felony offenders and state prison parolees from state prisons and state parole agents, to county jails and probation officers. Oren Fox Detention Facility The Oren Fox Detention Facility is an 8,000 square foot medium security facility named after retired Imperial County Sheriff Oren R. Fox, who served 23 years in the ICSO, and who dedicated his life protecting the community among his 40 years in law enforcement. The $33 million facility was funded by the State through AB 900. It started housing inmates in September 2018. OFDF features six housing pods, which can each house 45 inmates. There are four additional medical beds designated for treating inmates. It has a capacity of 274 inmates. In addition to -40- 2018-2019 IMPERIAL COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT housing, it can provide healthcare, rehabilitative programs, educational programs, intake and release, and is the site of administrative and support service offices. OFDF is designed to encompass a new concept of detention in the Imperial County. The new concept, called Direct Supervision, will have a correctional officer stationed inside a pod 24 hours a day along with the inmates. This interaction has been proven to lower assaults and lower tension within a detention facility. Currently, much of the OFDF is unused. Due to funding limitations, it cannot operate at full capacity, and instead operates only one pod at a time (housing only 36 inmates). The other pods are empty. Although it was designed to improve and streamline the booking, intake, and health screening processes, these services continue to be performed at the RADF. The Imperial County Jail will trial the booking and intake process at the OFDF in the future and determine what services can be moved to this new building. METHODOLOGY: The Imperial County Civil Grand Jury (Grand Jury) conducted an inspection of the Imperial County Jail that included a tour of major areas of the facilities. Prior to their tour, the Grand Jury were given a presentation outlining the present and future goals of the jail. The Jail staff encouraged questions and answered them fully, providing backup statistics, as well as general information in writing. The Grand Jury used a checklist, developed by previous members, to guide their inspection. The checklist included, but was not limited to, the general safety and security of the facility, food services, medical services, as well as key and tool control. The Grand Jury toured various areas of each facility. All staff members encountered were courteous and open to answering questions posed by the Grand Jury. The Grand Jury found many staff members to be bilingual in English and Spanish, which appeared to be an asset in the Imperial County. The Grand Jury also learned that there are language services available for communicating with inmates who speak other languages. When asked, multiple staff members stated that the jail is often understaffed. DISCUSSION: Medical Care Physical Health The Imperial County Jail has medical staff on duty twenty-four hours daily for inmate injuries -41- 2018-2019 IMPERIAL COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT and illnesses. The county contracts with outside medical care services to evaluate the physical health needs of inmates. Medical services are part of the admission process, where a pre- medical questionnaire is filled out during booking. If the questionnaire indicates possible medical problems, after receiving their clothing, new inmates are sent to the medical treatment center for evaluation and screening. Mental Health The Imperial County Jail contracts with an outside mental health service to help evaluate the mental health needs of its inmates. There were reportedly 306 inmate mental health contacts up to the date of the Grand Jury tour. It was explained that the early diagnosis of mental health problems can be facilitated by having inmates sign a HIPAA waiver form. By alerting Imperial County Jail staff in advance of any medical diagnoses or issues, problems can be addressed before they arise. Food Preparation/Services The Imperial County Jail serves approximately 56,155 meals per year. Jail staff reported that the cost of each meal was about $2.30. Correctional staff serve meals in the pods directly, where the inmates are housed. The Grand Jury observed the food preparation area which appeared to be clean and sanitary. Some of that area appeared to be worn but still usable. Jury members did not notice any kitchen appliances to be deficient. The meals have a balanced calorie count and meal temperatures are recorded before serving. Safety and Security In each part of the jail, cameras have been installed so staff can monitor the inmates. Some of the cameras can zoom and pan-in to help increase safety and security. The OFDF has an Officer working in a control center in a second level located above the pod, allowing them to monitor and ensure the safety of both Correctional Officers and inmates. Recidivism Prior to the tour, the jury was given a presentation outlining the present and future goals of the Imperial County Jail. Some goals related to assisting inmates in not returning to jail (recidivism). This is targeted by helping inmates develop life skills through counseling with various issues, including drug and alcohol dependency, as well as family relationship counseling. The presentation outlined classes available to inmates, including education classes, cooking, yoga, electrician apprenticeship, graphic design, landscaping, choir, small engine repair, basic construction, and solar panel work. In addition, mentoring is provided by successful former inmates. Spiritual guidance is available through community volunteers. -42-
Findings & Recommendations
4 findings
F1:
There is a lack of oversight/review into new and ongoing cases of public assistance benefits by the managers and supervisors of the Department of Social Services.
F2:
Department of Social Services fraud investigators are not meeting the timeline for eligibility determination set by the state of California.
F3:
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that the Department of Social Services has with the Imperial County District Attorney’s office does not appear to serve the needs of the community. Requests for more staff have been denied.
F4:
There is insufficient interaction between the District Attorney’s office and the Department of Social Services, which strains the positive working relationship needed to properly investigate fraudulent claims.
Additional Recommendations
5
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
The Department of Social Services should create a review and tracking system of all cases of public assistance at the supervisory and management level, with a dedicated system to ensure proper timelines and mandates set by the state are being met.
R2:
The Department of Social Services Fraud unit should conduct an internal review of how it intakes, reviews, and assigns investigations to the District Attorney’s office. Procedures should be set in place to accurately reflect the actual dates of work being processed and the completion of each portion of the investigation.
R3:
The current Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Department of Social Services and the District Attorney’s Office should be reviewed and updated to reflect the current needs of these departments. Additional investigative staff, perhaps those dedicated to only public assistance issues, would alleviate the workload and help ensure state- mandated timelines are met. REQUIRED RESPONSES: Pursuant to Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, the Grand Jury requests responses as from the following governing bodies within 90 days: • Imperial County Department of Social Services: F1, F2, F4, R1, R2, R3 Please submit an official response to the Civil Grand Jury Foreperson, P.O. Box 2011, El Centro, CA, 92244 INVITED RESPONSES: The following governing bodies are invited to respond to the Grand Jury report: • Imperial County District Attorney’s Office: F3, F4, R3 • Imperial County Board of Supervisors: F3, R3 DISCLAIMER: 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. THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK Imperial County 2018-2019 Civil Grand Jury El Centro Fire Department MATRIX INSPECTION JUSTIFICATION County and City agencies are under a matrix for the Civil Grand Jury (Grand Jury) to inspect on a regular schedule. It has been at least 8 years since a review has been completed on this agency. BACKGROUND: The El Centro Fire Department (ECFD) was established in May of 1908 as a Volunteer Fire Department. Today the department is directed by a Chief and three Battalion Chiefs. ECFD currently responds to over 4,600 emergency calls each year and provides fire protection to over 42,000 El Centro residents, in excess of 11 square miles. Mission Statement The ECFD Mission Statement is: “Protect life, property, and environment through mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery actions”. They accomplish their mission through: • Mitigation – Action taken to prevent future emergencies and disasters and/or action taken to minimize their effect. • Preparedness – Action taken to prepare to handle an emergency or disaster. • Response – Action taken during the emergency or disaster. • Recovery – Action taken recovering from an emergency or disaster. Core Values The Core Values of ECFD are as follows: • Integrity – We hold each other accountable for adherence to a standard of high moral and ethical values. • Trust – We rely on, and have confidence in, the character, abilities, strength, and truthfulness of all our members. • Respect – We regard and treat each other as professionals. • Excellence – We strive to continually improve and to provide the best service possible. Motto The Motto of ECFD is "Courage to Act, Commitment to Serve" Personnel and Locations The ECFD staffs three fire stations, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with a minimum of 10 personnel. There are forty-one staff members working for ECFD: thirty-eight sworn safety officers, one Fire Chief, three Battalion Chiefs, ten Captains, nine engineers, and fifteen firefighters. There are also two clerical assistants and one staff assistant. Fire Station 1 Fire Station 1 was built in 1946 and is located at 775 State Street. It is currently being retro fitted in electrical areas. Security is also being increased. Due to its age, the repair work is a lengthier process. A shutoff system for the gas line is being added to the kitchen, to improve safety in the event of an emergency. The beds for personnel are in the process of being replaced; in the meantime, firefighters are using cots. This is the busiest station of ECFD due to its location in downtown El Centro. Emergency generators are tested for thirty-minutes every Friday. Fire Station 2 Fire Station 2 was built in 1984 and is located at 900 S. Dogwood Avenue. It features the Burn Institute Fire Safety Car, which is a mobile emergency car that holds the equipment and supplies that cannot be placed in the fire engines. Fire Station 2 is adjacent to Gomez Park, which is named after fallen ECFD member Lieutenant David Gomez, who passed away in the line of duty in 1976. The park contains a plaque and monument in memory of fallen members. ECFD personnel see this park as part of their station and they take pride in keeping it clean. Fire Station 3 Fire Station 3 is located at 1910 N. Waterman Avenue. It was built in 2014. As the newest fire station, it is the most state-of-the-art. It features classroom areas open to the public. It also houses the administrative offices of ECFD and stores equipment for all three stations. METHODOLOGY: A committee of the Civil Grand Jury (Grand Jury) conducted numerous interviews and visited the three fire stations for the City of El Centro as part of this investigation. They based their conclusions on information obtained during their interviews. INVESTIGATION: Throughout interviews, members emphasized the importance of maintaining equipment and stocking an appropriate amount of equipment necessary to aid firefighters in their service to the public. Personnel & Facilities: All three fire stations share space with American Medical Response (AMR) members. There are 10 fire personnel operating ECFD on a daily basis. Firefighters are grouped in a 3-3-3 distribution along with the Fire Chief. Firefighters rotate through each station for 6-months. The benefit of the rotation means that members are familiar with each other and each station. ECFD Firefighters are trained for all duties to be well-rounded, which is beneficial if there are staff shortages. They have the capacity for 12 total members and are in the process of hiring two new members to completely staff their needs. The ECFD is staffed with three arson investigators. All members are trained hazmat technicians, which is invaluable in situations involving chemicals or natural disasters. Members are also trained on OSHA Law and Regulations and sexual harassment policy. There is also a strike team that can be called as needed. The strike team is trained for crucial moments, such as assisting in large fires or helping other local agencies (e.g., U.S. Customs & Border Protection). Each fire station contains at least two restrooms, showers, and a kitchen. The restrooms have inner locks to accommodate female members as needed. Stations also contain a small living room for the firefighters to use. All stations are being upgraded for increased security, including access codes for gates, security cameras, and new sprinkler systems inside of the buildings. According to interviewed personnel, with the addition of the two soon-to-be-hired personnel, ECFD will be maintaining an appropriate number of firefighters to meet the needs of the City of El Centro. The facilities of each station are adequate for members. Equipment: Each station has a fire engine, with two in reserve. The frontline fire engines used by ECFD include two Pierce engines (2015) and one KME engine (2017). There are also two American LaFrance engines (2005) on reserve. All firefighters are assigned their own radios so that they can always be alerted of emergencies, even at home. Firefighters each have their own uniform, and there are additional uniforms available if needed. The additional uniforms are older uniforms that have been removed from regular use but are still within the limits of safety. According to the interviewed personnel and Grand Jury inspection, older equipment (e.g., protective personal gear) is often reused as needed or until deemed no longer safe. Due to budgetary constraints and the overall high cost of fire equipment, the ECFD tries to utilize equipment for as long as possible before ordering replacements. Maintenance Schedule: Firefighting uniforms are replaced every 10 years (max). Firefighters must report any rip or tear in their uniforms, as this decreases safety. Equipment must be replaced every 15 years (max). Water hoses are replaced every 10 years (max). Frontline fire engines are replaced every 8 years (max). Weekly checks of all equipment and hoses are performed, in addition to daily checks of uniforms and fire engines. There is also a five-year assessment performed to see which materials or equipment will be needed, and which will be put out of commission. When the Grand Jury visited Station 1, in April 2019, hoses were stamped 2018 as the last date of inspection. No hose had a 2019 stamp. According to interviewed personnel, ECFD is on-time with their maintenance schedules. CONCLUSION: It was determined by the Grand Jury that the El Centro Fire Department is following their policies and procedures. There appears to be a need for additional equipment, as often times, outdated equipment is used as backup until they can be replaced.
R4:
Utilize key retention This recommendation will be implemented. tools.
R5:
Increase quality of This recommendation is in the process of video surveillance being implemented. The Sheriff’s Office has equipment. been working with Public Works and the CEO’s Office to pursue a Capital Improvement Plan for facilities. Subject of Investigation: Imperial County Juvenile Hall Recommendations Responses Date Respondent Received by Grand Jury
Findings & Recommendations
3 findings
F1:
The Imperial County Jail is well-run. Officers appear well-equipped to handle emergencies.
F2:
There are numerous programs available at the Imperial County Jail to reduce recidivism among inmates.
F3:
Funding limitations hinder maximum use of the newly constructed Oren Fox Detention Facility.
Additional Recommendations
3
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
Maximize the use of the Oren Fox Detention Facility, as allowed by the budget. REQUIRED RESPONSES: Pursuant to Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, the grand jury requests responses from the following governing bodies within 90 days: • Imperial County Jail: F1, R1 Please submit an official response to the Civil Grand Jury Foreperson, P.O. Box 2011, El Centro, CA, 92244 DISCLAIMER: 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. -43- 2018-2019 IMPERIAL COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT Imperial County 2018-2019 Civil Grand Jury Imperial County Juvenile Hall ANNUAL INSPECTION JUSTIFICATION California State Law mandates that the Civil Grand Jury investigate and report on the state prisons and jail facilities each year, this mandate includes the Imperial County Juvenile Hall. -44- 2018-2019 IMPERIAL COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT BACKGROUND: The Imperial County Juvenile Hall (JH) operates under the authority of the Imperial County Probation Department. The JH serves as a care facility for detained minors. Those held by the JH are either awaiting a decision on their future or have been sentenced by the Imperial County Court to a one-year, or less, time period. 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. Standards set by the Title 15 of the California Code of Regulations require one (1) staff member for every ten (10) minors in detention. Additional help is provided through outside programs, such as the Grandparent Volunteer Program. The average stay for Wards is 13 to 18 days. JH is committed to enhancing public safety through the reduction in the number of repeat offenders. This is done by motivating behavioral changes, while enforcing court orders and advocating for victims. METHODOLOGY: The Imperial County Civil Grand Jury (Grand Jury) conducted an inspection of the JH that included a tour of major areas, as well as staff interviews. They focused their inspection on the Facilities, Assessment and Evaluation, Incarceration, Performance Expectations, and Programs offered to the Wards of the JH. At the time of the Grand Jury inspection, there were 47 Wards in residence. DISCUSSION: Facilities The JH Facility consists of five (5) different dormitories, where Wards sleep, a central center, classrooms, a medical room, recreation areas, a cafeteria, and other offices used for services offered to Wards (e.g., counseling, social services interviews). Security features of the Facility include security cameras, electronic detection, and reinforced fencing. At the time of the inspection, only three dormitories were in use, including one used as a co-ed wing. The co-ed wing housed two female Wards, while the other occupants were male. Some walls of the dormitories were cracked or in need of repainting. Some showers had visible mildew growth. Medical & Food Service -45- 2018-2019 IMPERIAL COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT Medical Services are provided at a nursing station, where a nurse is on-duty for four hours each day. A doctor can be called, or a Ward can be transported to a local 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 at food-warming stations until served. The JH food facilities have passed inspections by State and County Departments. Assessment and Evaluation All new Juvenile Hall Court referred minors are given a pre-screen Positive Achievement Change Tool (PACT) Risk/Needs Assessment by the Probation Department. There are also Full-PACT Risk/Needs Assessments on all cases set for arrangement 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. Individualized case plans are developed for minors and families based on their assessment of needs and strengths. When asked, JH staff acknowledge that they are in full compliance with Local, State, and Federal guidelines and compliant with Juvenile Correctional Standards. The Facility is routinely inspected by the Board of State Community Corrections. Incarceration Once minors are detained as 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, as well as based on the Ward’s behavior and willingness to make appropriate changes in their lives. Performance Expectations Wards are assigned specific work responsibilities at the Facility. They are responsible for keeping their rooms clean. JH staff use a point rewards program to control behavior in a positive way. Wards are able to accumulate daily points based on behavior, attitude, work performance, grooming, manners, and room maintenance. Staff report there is an “Honors Wing” (separate housing area) to entice Wards to excel in all areas. The “Honors Wing” includes unique items -46- 2018-2019 IMPERIAL COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT only available to those with enough points. Points expire every week. Some of these items include different snacks (i.e., chips, granola bars, sports drinks), as well as higher-quality basic daily necessities, such as an extra pair of sandals or hair products. Programs Educational Programs There are two education classrooms at the JH. The teachers of 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). Teachers try to maintain pace with what would be taught at their home schools, as Wards are typically in JH for a relatively short period of time. Schooling is provided for three and a half hours per day. Career outreach programs for Wards appeared limited. Grandparent Program The Grandparent Volunteer Program is led by three volunteers with over thirty years of experience volunteering with the JH. They are available to listen to Wards, assist in schoolwork, and help to replicate a more home-like environment. The volunteers indicate that their services help the Wards feel like they are not alone, and that they have someone to support them. Gardening Program Wards are able to help grow vegetables in a garden to better understand the natural order of plants and vegetables, as well as their growth cycle. It was reported that Wards benefit from the garden because they are able to do something for themselves and feel accomplished in seeing how the things they grow can be put to use. Vegetables grown include cherry tomatoes, carrots, and kale. Tai Chi Program A Tai Chi instructor provides classes to Wards, in order to “return balance” to their daily schedules. The class is designed to inspire a better mental and physical state of mind. Wards are able to learn methods to remain calm in difficult situations.
R2:
Walls and flooring with peeling paint, cracks, or mildew should be repaired.
R3:
Make use of all dormitories in order to enhance privacy and prevent unwanted behavior issues among Wards. REQUIRED RESPONSES: Pursuant to Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, the grand jury requests responses from the following governing bodies within 90 days: • Imperial Valley Juvenile Hall: R1, R2, R3 Please submit an official response to the Civil Grand Jury Foreperson, P.O. Box 2011, El Centro, CA, 92244 DISCLAIMER: 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. -48-
Quick View
Full Details →
Findings & Recommendations
4 findings
F1:
There is a lack of oversight/review into new and ongoing cases of public assistance benefits by the managers and supervisors of the Department of Social Services.
F2:
Department of Social Services fraud investigators are not meeting the timeline for eligibility determination set by the state of California.
F3:
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that the Department of Social Services has with the Imperial County District Attorney’s office does not appear to serve the needs of the community. Requests for more staff have been denied.
F4:
There is insufficient interaction between the District Attorney’s office and the Department of Social Services, which strains the positive working relationship needed to properly investigate fraudulent claims.
Additional Recommendations
5
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
The Department of Social Services should create a review and tracking system of all cases of public assistance at the supervisory and management level, with a dedicated system to ensure proper timelines and mandates set by the state are being met.
R2:
The Department of Social Services Fraud unit should conduct an internal review of how it intakes, reviews, and assigns investigations to the District Attorney’s office. Procedures should be set in place to accurately reflect the actual dates of work being processed and the completion of each portion of the investigation.
R3:
The current Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Department of Social Services and the District Attorney’s Office should be reviewed and updated to reflect the current needs of these departments. Additional investigative staff, perhaps those dedicated to only public assistance issues, would alleviate the workload and help ensure state- mandated timelines are met. REQUIRED RESPONSES: Pursuant to Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, the Grand Jury requests responses as from the following governing bodies within 90 days: • Imperial County Department of Social Services: F1, F2, F4, R1, R2, R3 Please submit an official response to the Civil Grand Jury Foreperson, P.O. Box 2011, El Centro, CA, 92244 INVITED RESPONSES: The following governing bodies are invited to respond to the Grand Jury report: • Imperial County District Attorney’s Office: F3, F4, R3 • Imperial County Board of Supervisors: F3, R3 DISCLAIMER: 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. THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK Imperial County 2018-2019 Civil Grand Jury El Centro Fire Department MATRIX INSPECTION JUSTIFICATION County and City agencies are under a matrix for the Civil Grand Jury (Grand Jury) to inspect on a regular schedule. It has been at least 8 years since a review has been completed on this agency. BACKGROUND: The El Centro Fire Department (ECFD) was established in May of 1908 as a Volunteer Fire Department. Today the department is directed by a Chief and three Battalion Chiefs. ECFD currently responds to over 4,600 emergency calls each year and provides fire protection to over 42,000 El Centro residents, in excess of 11 square miles. Mission Statement The ECFD Mission Statement is: “Protect life, property, and environment through mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery actions”. They accomplish their mission through: • Mitigation – Action taken to prevent future emergencies and disasters and/or action taken to minimize their effect. • Preparedness – Action taken to prepare to handle an emergency or disaster. • Response – Action taken during the emergency or disaster. • Recovery – Action taken recovering from an emergency or disaster. Core Values The Core Values of ECFD are as follows: • Integrity – We hold each other accountable for adherence to a standard of high moral and ethical values. • Trust – We rely on, and have confidence in, the character, abilities, strength, and truthfulness of all our members. • Respect – We regard and treat each other as professionals. • Excellence – We strive to continually improve and to provide the best service possible. Motto The Motto of ECFD is "Courage to Act, Commitment to Serve" Personnel and Locations The ECFD staffs three fire stations, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with a minimum of 10 personnel. There are forty-one staff members working for ECFD: thirty-eight sworn safety officers, one Fire Chief, three Battalion Chiefs, ten Captains, nine engineers, and fifteen firefighters. There are also two clerical assistants and one staff assistant. Fire Station 1 Fire Station 1 was built in 1946 and is located at 775 State Street. It is currently being retro fitted in electrical areas. Security is also being increased. Due to its age, the repair work is a lengthier process. A shutoff system for the gas line is being added to the kitchen, to improve safety in the event of an emergency. The beds for personnel are in the process of being replaced; in the meantime, firefighters are using cots. This is the busiest station of ECFD due to its location in downtown El Centro. Emergency generators are tested for thirty-minutes every Friday. Fire Station 2 Fire Station 2 was built in 1984 and is located at 900 S. Dogwood Avenue. It features the Burn Institute Fire Safety Car, which is a mobile emergency car that holds the equipment and supplies that cannot be placed in the fire engines. Fire Station 2 is adjacent to Gomez Park, which is named after fallen ECFD member Lieutenant David Gomez, who passed away in the line of duty in 1976. The park contains a plaque and monument in memory of fallen members. ECFD personnel see this park as part of their station and they take pride in keeping it clean. Fire Station 3 Fire Station 3 is located at 1910 N. Waterman Avenue. It was built in 2014. As the newest fire station, it is the most state-of-the-art. It features classroom areas open to the public. It also houses the administrative offices of ECFD and stores equipment for all three stations. METHODOLOGY: A committee of the Civil Grand Jury (Grand Jury) conducted numerous interviews and visited the three fire stations for the City of El Centro as part of this investigation. They based their conclusions on information obtained during their interviews. INVESTIGATION: Throughout interviews, members emphasized the importance of maintaining equipment and stocking an appropriate amount of equipment necessary to aid firefighters in their service to the public. Personnel & Facilities: All three fire stations share space with American Medical Response (AMR) members. There are 10 fire personnel operating ECFD on a daily basis. Firefighters are grouped in a 3-3-3 distribution along with the Fire Chief. Firefighters rotate through each station for 6-months. The benefit of the rotation means that members are familiar with each other and each station. ECFD Firefighters are trained for all duties to be well-rounded, which is beneficial if there are staff shortages. They have the capacity for 12 total members and are in the process of hiring two new members to completely staff their needs. The ECFD is staffed with three arson investigators. All members are trained hazmat technicians, which is invaluable in situations involving chemicals or natural disasters. Members are also trained on OSHA Law and Regulations and sexual harassment policy. There is also a strike team that can be called as needed. The strike team is trained for crucial moments, such as assisting in large fires or helping other local agencies (e.g., U.S. Customs & Border Protection). Each fire station contains at least two restrooms, showers, and a kitchen. The restrooms have inner locks to accommodate female members as needed. Stations also contain a small living room for the firefighters to use. All stations are being upgraded for increased security, including access codes for gates, security cameras, and new sprinkler systems inside of the buildings. According to interviewed personnel, with the addition of the two soon-to-be-hired personnel, ECFD will be maintaining an appropriate number of firefighters to meet the needs of the City of El Centro. The facilities of each station are adequate for members. Equipment: Each station has a fire engine, with two in reserve. The frontline fire engines used by ECFD include two Pierce engines (2015) and one KME engine (2017). There are also two American LaFrance engines (2005) on reserve. All firefighters are assigned their own radios so that they can always be alerted of emergencies, even at home. Firefighters each have their own uniform, and there are additional uniforms available if needed. The additional uniforms are older uniforms that have been removed from regular use but are still within the limits of safety. According to the interviewed personnel and Grand Jury inspection, older equipment (e.g., protective personal gear) is often reused as needed or until deemed no longer safe. Due to budgetary constraints and the overall high cost of fire equipment, the ECFD tries to utilize equipment for as long as possible before ordering replacements. Maintenance Schedule: Firefighting uniforms are replaced every 10 years (max). Firefighters must report any rip or tear in their uniforms, as this decreases safety. Equipment must be replaced every 15 years (max). Water hoses are replaced every 10 years (max). Frontline fire engines are replaced every 8 years (max). Weekly checks of all equipment and hoses are performed, in addition to daily checks of uniforms and fire engines. There is also a five-year assessment performed to see which materials or equipment will be needed, and which will be put out of commission. When the Grand Jury visited Station 1, in April 2019, hoses were stamped 2018 as the last date of inspection. No hose had a 2019 stamp. According to interviewed personnel, ECFD is on-time with their maintenance schedules. CONCLUSION: It was determined by the Grand Jury that the El Centro Fire Department is following their policies and procedures. There appears to be a need for additional equipment, as often times, outdated equipment is used as backup until they can be replaced.
R4:
Utilize key retention This recommendation will be implemented. tools.
R5:
Increase quality of This recommendation is in the process of video surveillance being implemented. The Sheriff’s Office has equipment. been working with Public Works and the CEO’s Office to pursue a Capital Improvement Plan for facilities. Subject of Investigation: Imperial County Juvenile Hall Recommendations Responses Date Respondent Received by Grand Jury