Score: 0
(0/20/0)
Santa Cruz County Grand Jury
• 2019-2020
2018–2019 Detention Facilities Inspection Report
Published: June 19, 2019
7 pages
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings and Recommendations 4 findings
F1
Drugs continue to come into all facilities undetected.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
The Sheriff’s Department should research and evaluate body scanning equipment to detect drugs coming into facilities. (F1)
F2
Overcrowding continues to be an issue at the Main Jail with no-long term solution in place. (See Grand Jury reports from 2013–2014, 2014–2015, and 2016–2017.)
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
The Sheriff’s Department and Board of Supervisors should evaluate long-term solutions to the overcrowded Main Jail, including bond measures to replace or renovate the facility. (F2)
F3
Ongoing staff shortages and unfilled positions result in mandatory overtime.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
The Sheriff’s Department and Board of Supervisors should address the effects of mandatory staff overtime. (F3)
F4
Many detention facility staff commute long distances because local housing is unaffordable, increasing staff stress.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
The Sheriff’s Department and Board of Supervisors should explore options for subsidized housing to reduce the number of staff commuting long distances due to unaffordable local housing. (F4)
Additional Recommendations 1
These recommendations are not explicitly linked to specific findings.
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R5The Sheriff’s Department should, within the next six months, set a target date for implementing the recommendations in this report.
Agency Responses 5
Government agencies' official responses to this report's findings and recommendations. Click on a response to see the structured breakdown.
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Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors
September 25, 2019
•
24 pages
• 7 responses
•
Score: 0
(+0, 7, 0)
View Details ▾
7 responses to findings and recommendations
R1
The Sheriff’s Department should research and evaluate body scanning equipment to detect drugs coming into facilities. (F1)
Response: Implemented
Scheduled: FY 2019-20
Score: 0
1. The Board of Supervisors should within the next 90 days instruct the County Administrative Officer to work with the Auditor-Controller, the Purchasing Agent, and County Counsel to propose a timeline for revising the County's policies and procedures generally, including the implementation of the recommendations in this report concerning contract rules that Board of Supervisors decides to implement. (F8-F12) HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED - summarize what has been done HAS NOT BEEN IMPLEMENTED BUT WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE FUTURE - summarize what will be done and the timeframe X REQUIRES FURTHER ANALY...
F2
Overcrowding continues to be an issue at the Main Jail with no-long term solution in place. (See Grand Jury reports from 2013–2014, 2014–2015, and 2016–2017.)
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
. Negotiating multi-year, fixed price contracts for public defender services without anticipating the possibility of falling caseloads has cost the County several millions of dollars and created a windfall for public defense contractors. AGREE PARTIALLY DISAGREE - explain the disputed portion X DISAGREE - explain why Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree): Negotiating multi-year, fixed price contracts allows for fiscal predictability while maintaining above adequate services for the County's indigent clients. While caseloads could be one potential factor in compensatio...
R2
The Sheriff’s Department and Board of Supervisors should evaluate long-term solutions to the overcrowded Main Jail, including bond measures to replace or renovate the facility. (F2)
Response: Implemented
Scheduled: FY 2019-20
Score: 0
. The Board of Supervisors should condition approval of any future proposal to pay a public defense contractor additional compensation, whether because a case involves special circumstances or otherwise, upon the presentation of evidence demonstrating that in the absence of additional compensation, the total compensation paid to the contractor would be inadequate. (F2) HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED - summarize what has been done HAS NOT BEEN IMPLEMENTED BUT WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE FUTURE - summarize what will be done and the timeframe REQUIRES FURTHER ANALYSIS - explain scope and timeframe (not to e...
F3
Ongoing staff shortages and unfilled positions result in mandatory overtime.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
. No one person or department within County government knows exactly how much total compensation the County pays to the public defense contractors, because payment records commingle some fee payments with cost reimbursements. AGREE PARTIALLY DISAGREE - explain the disputed portion X DISAGREE - explain why Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree) Payment records in the County financial system can be sorted by vendor. The County's financial system, ONESolution, can provide reports on how much was paid to any one person, company or legal entity. Payment history is maintaine...
F4
Many detention facility staff commute long distances because local housing is unaffordable, increasing staff stress.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
. The County's portrayal of its public defense services is not transparent. AGREE PARTIALLY DISAGREE - explain the disputed portion X DISAGREE - explain why Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree): This finding stems from the Grand Jury's claim that, "Allowing Mr. Biggam to appear to be the Public Defender makes his contract and County government less transparent." Mr. Biggam's firm has held the County contract for public defense services for over 30 years. Every year the County publishes, and has a hearing for, the budget that supports the entire public defense system ...
R4
The Sheriff’s Department and Board of Supervisors should explore options for subsidized housing to reduce the number of staff commuting long distances due to unaffordable local housing. (F4)
Response: Implemented
Scheduled: FY 2019-20
Score: 0
. In the interest of transparency, the Board of Supervisors should instruct the County Administrative Officer to prepare and present for approval a document directing County staff (a) to use the term "public defense" instead of "public defender" to refer to the services that private defense contractors and Criminal Defense Conflict Program panel attorneys provide, (b) to refrain from referring to a public defense contractor or any member of their staff as a public defender, deputy public defender, or other "defender," and (c) to refer to Budget Unit 59 using a word that the County Administrati...
R5
The Sheriff’s Department should, within the next six months, set a target date for implementing the recommendations in this report.
Response: Implemented
Scheduled: FY 2019-20
Score: 0
. The Board of Supervisors should instruct the County Administrative Officer to prepare and present for approval a request to the County's public defense contractors and the Criminal Defense Conflict Program panel attorneys, with respect and no suggestion of criticism, to refrain from referring to themselves or any peer as a public defender, deputy public defender, or other "defender." (F4) HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED - summarize what has been done HAS NOT BEEN IMPLEMENTED BUT WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE FUTURE - summarize what will be done and the timeframe REQUIRES FURTHER ANALYSIS - explain scope a...
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Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors
September 23, 2019
•
14 pages
• 6 responses
•
Score: 0
(+0, 6, 0)
View Details ▾
6 responses to findings and recommendations
F2
Overcrowding continues to be an issue at the Main Jail with no-long term solution in place. (See Grand Jury reports from 2013–2014, 2014–2015, and 2016–2017.)
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
. The Department collects and stores, but does not track serious incident reports involving DPOs with offenders. AGREE PARTIALLY DISAGREE - explain the disputed portion X DISAGREE - explain why Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree): The Probation Department follows a process whereby Incident Reports (IR) are received and reviewed by a Manager; collected and scanned by the Chief's Administrative Assistant and placed in a shared electronic folder. Prior to each Safety Committee meeting, all participants from the Probation Officers Association (POA) and Management team h...
R2
The Sheriff’s Department and Board of Supervisors should evaluate long-term solutions to the overcrowded Main Jail, including bond measures to replace or renovate the facility. (F2)
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
. The Department should provide all DPOs with mandatory initial and ongoing field safety training in collaboration with the Safety Committee. (F3) X HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED - summarize what has been done HAS NOT BEEN IMPLEMENTED BUT WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE FUTURE - summarize what will be done and the timeframe REQUIRES FURTHER ANALYSIS - explain scope and timeframe (not to exceed six months) WILL NOT BE IMPLEMENTED - explain why Response explanation, summary, and timeframe: In August 2018, the Probation Department implemented a Pilot Field Training Program with DPO II/III staff trained as Fiel...
F3
Ongoing staff shortages and unfilled positions result in mandatory overtime.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
. The Department meets the minimum state requirements for annual DPO training, but does not provide sufficient safety training for DPOs in the field. AGREE PARTIALLY DISAGREE - explain the disputed portion X DISAGREE - explain why Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree): The Probation Department offers ongoing safety training and since August 2018, has had an active Field Training Pilot program that is facilitated by DPO II/IIIs who have completed the POST certified Field Training Officers (FTO) Program. The FTO training hours are in addition to the STC certified CORE P...
R3
The Sheriff’s Department and Board of Supervisors should address the effects of mandatory staff overtime. (F3)
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
. The Department should coordinate with local law enforcement to develop policies and procedures for law enforcement officers to accompany DPOs during field visits. (F4) HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED - summarize what has been done X HAS NOT BEEN IMPLEMENTED BUT WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE FUTURE - summarize what will be done and the timeframe REQUIRES FURTHER ANALYSIS - explain scope and timeframe (not to exceed six months) WILL NOT BE IMPLEMENTED - explain why Response explanation, summary, and timeframe: The Sheriff and Chief Probation Officer have agreed to assign a full-time deputy to the Probation ...
F4
Many detention facility staff commute long distances because local housing is unaffordable, increasing staff stress.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
. Law enforcement is not always available to accompany DPOs in high-risk situations, resulting in fewer contact visits by DPOs. AGREE PARTIALLY DISAGREE - explain the disputed portion X DISAGREE - explain why Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree): Law enforcement officers are always available to assist probation officers with high-risk work, but there may be significant wait times based on other public safety priorities. Respond by September 23, 2019 Page 6 of 12
F5. The failure of the Department to include an armed unit supporting DPOs increases safety risks to DPOs...
R4
The Sheriff’s Department and Board of Supervisors should explore options for subsidized housing to reduce the number of staff commuting long distances due to unaffordable local housing. (F4)
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
. The Department should commission a needs assessment by an independent consultant to ascertain the potential harm to unarmed officers doing field work with high-risk offenders, with a focus on developing an armed unit. (F2, F5) HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED - summarize what has been done HAS NOT BEEN IMPLEMENTED BUT WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE FUTURE - summarize what will be done and the timeframe REQUIRES FURTHER ANALYSIS - explain scope and timeframe (not to exceed six months) X WILL NOT BE IMPLEMENTED - explain why Response explanation, summary, and timeframe: The County Administrative Office is not...
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Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors
August 26, 2019
•
14 pages
View Details ▾
No structured response data extracted yet.
View the PDF for full details.
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Santa Cruz County Sheriff
September 23, 2019
•
6 pages
View Details ▾
No structured response data extracted yet.
View the PDF for full details.
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Santa Cruz Sheriff
June 20, 2019
•
13 pages
• 7 responses
•
Score: 0
(+0, 7, 0)
View Details ▾
7 responses to findings and recommendations
F2
Overcrowding continues to be an issue at the Main Jail with no-long term solution in place. (See Grand Jury reports from 2013–2014, 2014–2015, and 2016–2017.)
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
AGREE PARTIALLY DISAGREE - explain the disputed portion DISAGREE - explain why Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree): Respond by August 19, 2019 Page3of 12
F2.
R2
The Sheriff’s Department and Board of Supervisors should evaluate long-term solutions to the overcrowded Main Jail, including bond measures to replace or renovate the facility. (F2)
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
. The Sheriff's Department and Board of Supervisors should evaluate long-term solutions to the overcrowded Main Jail, including bond measures to replace or renovate the facility. (F2) X HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED - summarize what has been done HAS NOT BEEN IMPLEMENTED BUT WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE FUTURE - summarize what will be done and the timeframe REQUIRES FURTHER ANALYSIS - explain scope and timeframe (not to exceed six months) WILL NOT BE IMPLEMENTED - explain why Response explanation, summary, and timeframe: The Sheriff has taken the following steps concerning crowding at the Main Jail: 1. T...
F3
Ongoing staff shortages and unfilled positions result in mandatory overtime.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
AGREE PARTIALLY DISAGREE - explain the disputed portion DISAGREE - explain why Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree): Respond by August 19, 2019 Page4of 12
F3.
R3
The Sheriff’s Department and Board of Supervisors should address the effects of mandatory staff overtime. (F3)
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
. The Sheriff's Department and Board of Supervisors should address the effects of mandatory staff overtime. (F3) X HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED - summarize what has been done HAS NOT BEEN IMPLEMENTED BUT WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE FUTURE - summarize what will be done and the timeframe REQUIRES FURTHER ANALYSIS - explain scope and timeframe (not to exceed six months) WILL NOT BE IMPLEMENTED - explain why Response explanation, summary, and timeframe: The Sheriff has had discussions with Board members about mandatory overtime. The Sheriff has taken several steps to address mandatory overtime: 1. Made imp...
F4
Many detention facility staff commute long distances because local housing is unaffordable, increasing staff stress.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
AGREE PARTIALLY DISAGREE - explain the disputed portion DISAGREE - explain why Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree): Respond by August 19, 2019 Page5of 12
F4.
R4
The Sheriff’s Department and Board of Supervisors should explore options for subsidized housing to reduce the number of staff commuting long distances due to unaffordable local housing. (F4)
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
. The Sheriff's Department and Board of Supervisors should explore options for subsidized housing to reduce the number of staff commuting long distances due to unaffordable local housing. (F4) HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED - summarize what has been done HAS NOT BEEN IMPLEMENTED BUT WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE FUTURE - summarize what will be done and the timeframe X REQUIRES FURTHER ANALYSIS - explain scope and timeframe (not to exceed six months) WILL NOT BE IMPLEMENTED - explain why Response explanation, summary, and timeframe: Housing is outside the scope of the Sheriff's Office mission and expertise;...
R5
The Sheriff’s Department should, within the next six months, set a target date for implementing the recommendations in this report.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
. The Sheriff's Department should, within the next six months, set a target date for implementing the recommendations in this report. HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED - summarize what has been done HAS NOT BEEN IMPLEMENTED BUT WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE FUTURE - summarize what will be done and the timeframe REQUIRES FURTHER ANALYSIS - explain scope and timeframe (not to exceed six months) X WILL NOT BE IMPLEMENTED - explain why Response explanation, summary, and timeframe: The Sheriff has responded to the Findings and Recommendations contained in this report. Respond by August 19, 2019 Page11of 12
Penal ...