2016/2017 Del Norte County Grand Jury

Conclusions 1

• CL1
  Fire Districts have an effect on everyone that is anywhere in the county. Wherever you are, if there is an emergency, whether it is a fire, a medical event or flooding they respond. This includes being at a home, outside, in a car, or at a public place-anywhere. It was an honor to meet the people we talked to in our investigation. The volunteers, Board Members, and all the fire staff put so much selfless time and energy into helping with emergencies for everyone in Del Norte County. It is hard to put into words the respect we feel for them and the work they do. Without them, peoples’ safety in Del Norte County would be put in jeopardy. We cannot thank them enough. They are all heroes. They have helped make a difference in so many people’s lives. We would like to thank all of the people who gave us their time to answer our questions. This report would not be possible without them. 6 Code Enforcement Summary Del Norte County boasts a tremendous variety of natural beauty. Rugged coastal vistas, towering redwoods, remote mountain trails, and pristine rivers and streams attract visitors from around the globe. Unfortunately, Del Norte County experiences blight in both the city and surrounding rural areas. A drive through town or outlying areas frequently reveals household yards littered with trash, broken down cars, and other refuse. Illegal dump sites are frequent in rural areas where pick-up truck loads of household trash and old appliances spill over roadside embankments into ravines. Our county will be well served when community pride and education are nurtured such that blight is at least reduced if not eliminated. The Grand Jury of 2016-2017 has chosen to investigate the Code Enforcement Department, especially as it relates to Blight/Nuisance/Safety in Del Norte County because it closely relates to both the health and welfare of the area, tourism, and negatively effects the decisions of people looking to visit and/or relocate to this area, as well as the families living here.

Commendations 5

• CM1
  In the Commander’s office a leak through the window has caused damage to the windowsill and stained the carpet. This has been a recurring issue for years until recently when a maintenance worker came up with a solution. The window has not leaked during the last several storms.
• CM2
  Nonviolent offenders are sometimes released early to make room for incoming inmates due to the self-imposed population cap of 105. This cap provides a 35:1 iRnemcaotem tom oeffnicdera rtaiotion.s I n a full jail of 165, the ratio would be 55:1.
• CM3
  The 2016-2017 Grand Jury found Alder Camp to be a very tranquil facility where the residents are giving back to the community in a myriad of ways. It commends the cooperative working environment established between both staff and inmates of CDCR and Cal Fire. 15 Revised: April 14, 2017
• CM4
  The 2016-2017 Grand Jury commends the hard work and dedication of the staff and resilience of the young adults who complete the 3-step program. Our community is enriched 18 through the volunteer work these young men do while learning skills to become productive members of society. 19 Revised: May 17, 2017 DBealc Nkogrrteo Cuonudnt y Jail The original jail was built in the 1960s and constructed primarily out of brick. In approximately 1993/1994, the jail received a remodel as well as an addition to the facility. Along with structural reinforcements, an entire new wing was added to the jail to house more inmates. The new wing consisted of five “blocks” or housing units, a second recreation facility, and a control booth. Officers and staff on duty are kept busy daily with medical care and transport, recreational time for inmates, bookings, jail disturbances, and hourly bed/cell checks. While housed in the Del Norte County Jail, inmates are offered resources such as: Narcotics and Alcoholics Anonymous programs, medical services, recreational privileges, visits with attorneys/family/friends (through a window and on the telephone), as well as work programs within the facility itself. On site classes through College of the Redwoods are also available. Breakfast is served each morning, and inmates are provided a sack lunch to be consumed sometime during the day. Dinner is served in the evening. Meals/menus are regulated by the State, with a yearly visit from an auditor to observe the cleanliness and overall operation of the kitchen. Summary The Del Norte County Grand Jury is mandated by California State law to annually “inquire into the condition and management of the public prisons within Del Norte County (California Penal Code 919 (b).” Two members of the 2016/2017 Del Norte CMoeutnhtyo Gdroalnodg Jyur y participated in a tour of the Del Norte County Jail. On May 9th, 2017 two members of the Del Norte County Grand Jury convened in the Commander’s office for information on jail procedures and staffing functions prior tFoi nthdei tnogusr. Afterwards, a tour of the facility was provided. F1. Jail capacity is 165 beds made up of eight male housing units and two female housing units. 20 F2. Four teams of three correctional officers and two technicians working twelve- hour shifts (two day and two night) occur daily unless there are staffing absences. F3. A self-imposed cap is in place of 105 inmates due to lack of adequate staffing. F4. Inmates are housed based on compatibility to mitigate violence within the jail. F5. The kitchen and kitchen equipment were clean, and food storage areas were sanitary and vermin free. F6. A strip of baseboard was pealed back from the wall in one of the hallways. The Commander stated that this was on the list to be fixed within the next few weeks. F7. In the Commander’s office a leak through the window has caused damage to the windowsill and stained the carpet. This has been a recurring issue for years until recently when a maintenance worker came up with a solution. The window has not leaked during the last several storms. F8. Nonviolent offenders are sometimes released early to make room for incoming inmates due to the self-imposed population cap of 105. This cap provides a 35:1 iRnemcaotem tom oeffnicdera rtaiotion.s I n a full jail of 165, the ratio would be 55:1. R1. The Grand Jury recommends that the County Border program be utilized between the County Jail and Alder Camp. R2. In order to maintain a safe and compliant detention facility, it is recommended that an additional correctional officer be hired for each shift. R3. Continued monitoring is recommended for the leaky window in the CCoommmmanednedr’as toifofinces a nd any and all necessary repairs be completed. The 2016/2017 Del Norte County Grand Jury wants to commend the jail Commander and staff for their dedication in running a well maintained correctional facility and accommodating the jurors schedules for the tour. The Commander’s leadership of and commitment to the facility is recognized and valued by this Grand Jury. 21 Revised: April 18, 2017
• CM5
  The 2016-2017 Grand Jury commends the hard work and dedication of the staff and leadership of the Del Norte Juvenile Detention facility and their commitment to the youth of our community. 23 The Del Norte County Grand Jury is mandated by California State law to annually “inquire into the condition and management of the public prisons within Del Norte County (California Penal Code 919 (b).” In compliance with this requirement, several members of the 2016/2017 Del Norte County Grand Jury participated in a tour of Pelican Bay State Prison on May 16, 2017. The Grand Jury would like to thank the staff for their time and dedication in affording us the tour. We appreciate your hard work and dedication to the institution and our community.

No Responses Found 1

Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.