Orange County Grand Jury • 2007-2008

The State of Orange County Jails

Published: October 05, 2006 25 pages Consolidated Report
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Findings 14 findings

F1
Orange County Sheriff Department policies and procedures that could have prevented the death of John Chamberlain were not followed.
F2
Orange County Sheriff Department personnel conducted the initial investigation of the John Chamberlain death, contrary to a 1985 memorandum of understanding that the District Attorney investigate all in-custody deaths. 21
F3
Inmate “shot callers” were used by deputies to enforce rules and discipline on inmates at the Theo Lacy jail.
F4
Access to information on inmate booking charges is available to the public.
F5
The Orange County Sheriff Department does not compile or report comprehensive statistics on inmate-on-inmate sexual assaults in jails.
F6
The Orange County Sheriff Department does not track recidivism rates for former inmates.
F7
Personnel in the guard station at Theo Lacy in the F Barracks watched television, played video games, chatted online and slept while on duty.
F8
The number of dogs in the Correctional Narcotics Canine Program is insufficient.
F9
James A. Musick facility did not have a full-time computer lab instructor.
F10
James A. Musick facility does not have any walk-through metal detectors in the visiting area where inmates and visitors have direct contact, or for some inmates returning from work sites.
F11
In an emergency evacuation situation, the James A. Musick facility has the capacity to accommodate large animals and provide for stabling, food, water and caretakers.
F12
The Inmates Services Division Correctional Programs Unit needs five full-time Employment Specialist positions.
F13
There is an urgent need for more closed circuit television systems in the “blind spots” of the jail system.
F14
In the last year, three deaths occurred after the use of a taser device by law enforcement personnel in Orange County. Responses to Findings F-1 through F-14 are required from the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner. RECOMMENDATIONS In accordance with California Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05, each recommendation will be responded to by the government entity to which it is addressed. The responses are to be submitted to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court. Based on the findings of this report, the 2007-2008 Orange County Grand Jury recommends that:

Recommendations 13

Conclusions 1

Commendations 5