Ventura County Grand Jury • 2007-2008

(ceo). The Grand Jury found that approximately 25% of the County jail population is

Published: July 18, 2008 12 pages
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Findings and Recommendations 21 findings

F01
The annual number of arrest-bookings countywide is increasing: • in 2006, a total of 29,979 adult males and females were booked, a 5.2% increase over the previous year [Ref-01] 2 Ventura County Detention Facilities • in 2007, a total of 31,893 adult males and females were booked, a 6.4% increase over the previous year [Ref-01]
No recommendations for this finding
F02
In 2007, the adult inmate populations in the two main County jail facilities were: • Main Jail had an average daily population of 851 inmates versus the approved capacity of 793. [Ref-01] • Todd Road had an average daily population of 846 inmates versus the approved capacity of 782. [Ref-01]
No recommendations for this finding
F03
Over the last five years (2003-2007), 1,171 inmate-on-inmate assaults (including mutual combat) occurred within County jail facilities which amounted to an increase of 22%. [Ref-01]
No recommendations for this finding
F04
The VCSD, BOS, and CEO are in discussion to identify funding sources for build-out of Todd Road. Four funding options are being considered with the least expensive option estimated to cost $100 million. A construction start date has not been determined.
No recommendations for this finding
F05
The East Valley Detention Center in Thousand Oaks re-opened in January 2008. The dormitory style facility was designed to house 35 minimum security adult male inmates. [Ref-01]
No recommendations for this finding
F06
The current costs to the County to house an adult inmate in jail facilities are: • Main Jail - $153.43 per day • Todd Road - $114.62 per day
No recommendations for this finding
F07
The California State Corrections Standards Authority (formerly the Board of Corrections) reimburses the County $77.17 per day for adult inmates who are sentenced and awaiting transfer to state prison.
No recommendations for this finding
F08
There are currently 21 counties in California under court ordered inmate population caps. To date, no court mandated cap has been established for the County of Ventura. [Ref-01]
No recommendations for this finding
F09
Undocumented foreign nationals constitute approximately 25% of the adult inmates in County jail facilities. [Ref-01]
No recommendations for this finding
F10
There are currently four ICE Agents assigned to the Ventura County jail system, including three who were added in 2007. [Ref-01]
No recommendations for this finding
F11
In 2006, 568 ICE detainers (holds) were placed on inmates; in 2007 there were 1,132 detainers, an increase of 99%. [Ref-01]
No recommendations for this finding
F12
Two VCSD Deputies are scheduled to attend a two-month ICE Agent Certification Course which will enable them to enforce federal immigration laws.
No recommendations for this finding
F13
Current VCSD practice requires all inmates, including undocumented foreign nationals, to serve their complete sentence in the County jail system prior to their release or transfer to ICE Agents for deportation. Ventura County Detention Facilities 3
No recommendations for this finding
F14
The County Probation Agency’s Work Furlough Program has a published capacity of 235 adult inmates.
No recommendations for this finding
F15
There are currently 140 inmates enrolled and housed in the Work Furlough’s 64 year-old Camarillo facility because of the dated condition of the facility. A decision to remodel or build a new facility is under study by the County Probation Agency and CEO’s office.
Related Recommendations (2)
R03
The County Probation Agency and the CEO should decide whether to remodel, expand, or rebuild the Work Furlough Program facility so that the maximum capacity of 235 inmates can be attained. (C-06)
R04
The BOS should secure funding for the remodel and/or rebuild of the County Probation’s Work Furlough Program facility. (C-06)
F16
Each inmate enrolled in the Work Furlough Program reimburses the County up to $62.00 per day.
No recommendations for this finding
F17
The Probation Agency’s Juvenile Justice Complex, detention and commitment components, was built to house 420 male and female youths. The current California state certified capacity is 250. In May of 2008 there were 205 youths residing at the facility.
No recommendations for this finding
F18
The Probation Agency’s Juvenile Justice Complex has partnered with the Boys and Girls Club of America in a unique and innovative approach to diversion for at risk youths.
No recommendations for this finding
F19
The American Heart Association recommends that all public service personnel have access to and receive training in the operation of the Automated External Defibrillator (AED), which is intended to administer definitive treatment for persons experiencing a ventricular fibrillation episode prior to the arrival of emergency medical personnel.
No recommendations for this finding
F20
Of the twelve booking/holding facilities in the County, ten have an AED available in their police stations or jail facilities.
Related Recommendations (1)
R07
The cities of Oxnard and Santa Paula should procure and install an AED device near their police detention holding cells with personnel receiving training in use of the AED. (C-07) Responses Responses Required: Board of Supervisors, County of Ventura (R-01 through R-04) Sheriff, County of Ventura (R-01, R-05, R-06) District Attorney, County of Ventura (R-05) City of Oxnard (R-07) City of Santa Paula (R-07) Ventura County Detention Facilities 5 Responses Requested: Probation Agency, County of Ventura (R-03) Responses Accepted: Corrections Standards Authority, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation References Ref-01 Ventura County Sheriff’s Department/Detention Services Division/Memorandum/State of the Jails – 2008 Attachments Att-01 2007-2008 Ventura County Grand Jury Inspection Form 6 Ventura County Detention Facilities Attachment-01 2007-2008 Ventura County Grand Jury Inspection Form (Derived from California State Grand Jurors Association Handbook) Ventura County Detention Facilities 7 (This page intentionally blank) 8 Ventura County Detention Facilities Ventura County Detention Facilities 9 10 Ventura County Detention Facilities Ventura County Detention Facilities 11 12 Ventura County Detention Facilities
F21
The cities of Oxnard and Santa Paula do not have an AED in their police stations. Conclusions C-01. County jail over-crowding contributes to increased inmate assaults, and costs associated with operating the facilities. (F-01 through F-06) C-02. If current jail population trends continue, the VCSD may be faced with a court imposed inmate population cap mandating early release of all inmates. (F-08) C-03. The rising number of inmates incarcerated in the County jail system, including undocumented foreign nationals, has increased operating costs. (F-02, F-06, F-09, F-11, F-13) C-04. The VCSD practice of limiting the early release of inmates results in the County incurring the total costs for detaining undocumented foreign nationals for the entire term of their incarceration. (F-13) C-05. The increase of three ICE Agents in 2007, assigned to the Ventura County jail system, reduces the time to identify criminal undocumented foreign nationals for deportation. (F-10, F-11) C-06. The County Probation Agency’s Work Furlough Program has the potential for housing 235 inmates if funding is available to upgrade and 4 Ventura County Detention Facilities staff current facilities. If this capacity is fully attained, overcrowding within the County jail system could be partially alleviated. (F-14 through F-16) C-07. Prisoner healthcare will be enhanced and potential liability will be mitigated if all detention facility staff within the County have access to, and receive training in the use of the AED device. (F-19 through F-21) Recommendations
No recommendations for this finding

Conclusions 2

No Responses Found 5

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

Oxnard City
Santa Paula City
Ventura County Board of Supervisors Elected County Office
Ventura County District Attorney Elected County Office
Ventura County Sheriff Elected County Office