In-Custody Homicide at Site-B Blamed on Prisoner Identification Errors*

Recommendations 13

• R1
  By end of year 2025, install clear instructions and a procedure for validation of the Livescan report, including cross-referencing arrestee aliases in JIMS. Procedure to be clearly documented with signature/initial of a supervisor. Based on Finding: F-1 Financial Impact: Minimal
• R2
  By end of year 2025, either eliminate the requirement to complete a COMPAS (Correctional Offender Management Profiling) Assessment, IAW SOP #3, at Site-B, or implement it as intended for inmates prior to being cleared and enrolled in SITE-B programs. Based on Finding: F-2 Financial Impact: Minimal
• R3
  By end of year 2025, organize and implement mandatory training programs, including annual re- certification for SITE-B staff responsible for clearance and enrollment procedures to include familiarization with booking, business office, and classification procedures. Based on Finding: F-3 Financial Impact: Incremental costs based on salaries and benefits of trainees
• R4
  By end of year 2025, organize and implement mandatory training programs, including annual re-certification, at the Ben Clark Training Center for staff members involved in the booking, business office, and classification procedures. Based on Finding: F-4 Financial Impact: Incremental costs based on salaries and benefits of trainees
• R5
  To reduce "fluidity" and subjectivity in the classification process, include in the Intake and Release policy #504.10, written procedures to require classification staff to review the Livescan report, Probable Cause Statement and the Criminal History report of an arrestee. Complete no later than August 1, 2025. Based on Finding: F5, F6 Financial Impact: Minimal
• R6
  Perform a detailed review of the Policies and Procedures for the Booking and Business Office, specifically 504.10 [Intake & Release] and 504.26 [Fingerprinting, Booking, Photos] to replace vaguely worded instructions with clear directives. Complete no later than August 1, 2025. Based on Finding: F7 Financial Impact: Minimal
• R7
  Repair and require use of the current IBIS system, or acquire a different system, to accurately identify an arrestee at the onset of the booking process. Complete repairs by the end of year 2025. If the system is to be replaced, acquire by end of year 2026. Based on Finding: F8 Financial Impact: Moderate
• R8
  Develop and implement an electronic database to record all booking and processing errors identified by the Breakdown Workstation in the Business Office (RPDC). The tracking system is to identify the root causes and to lead to the implementation of preventive measures (i.e., continuous improvement program). Complete and install by end of year 2025. Based on Finding: F9 Financial Impact: Minimal
• R9
  Finalize negotiations with selected vendor(s) and initiate contracts to implement jail management systems upgrades. Based on Finding: F10 Financial Impact: Currently budgeted 18
• R13
  Objective Assessment: CURRENT OFFENSE Narcotic, Property Persons, Weapons Non-Violent 3056, VOP, 2800 VC Vehicular Homicide Arson, 1551 DUI, 311/314/647/653PC DV/Stalking CII Verified – a CII number listed PC Statement Reviewed- (not checked) Class Notes/IDAS Points- (checked) CDCR/BOP Contacted- (not checked) YES Any Prior Felony Arrests (separate case) - 7 or More Cumulative Years -in and/or Any Gang Affiliations State or County, or Federal- NO Behavior Problems, Booked with Holds/Detainers or 4 to 6 Serious Institutional Behavior Problems- NO MINIMUM LOW MEDIUM HIGH MEDIUM MEDIUM MAXIMUM Ad-Hsg. Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5 Level 6
• R14
  Based on your current/prior criminal history and above objective classification criteria, you have been classified: Protective Custody, Level 3 Comments/Override Justification: No
• R16
  Classification Level Override Requested: No
• R17
  Supervisor Approval for Administrative Custody, Protective Custody and Civil/SYP. Approved By: Not signed Comments: The Grand Jury's investigation found that the subject inmate's correct identification revealed a 35-year violent criminal history. If he had been correctly identified, this classification form would have reflected a higher security level of 5, MAXIMUM. Further, the decision to select "Non-violent" in the applicable classification section, led to a housing level of "MEDIUM", or level 3 which was in error. If the classification staff had closely scrutinized the subject inmate's Livescan report they should have immediately discovered there were two different CII#s and several aliases used by the arrestee. Importantly, it would have revealed his true identity. The classification staff knew, or should have known, that the arrestee had a significant and violent criminal history, or as it is commonly referred to, "criminal sophistication". Supervisory oversight was negligent, or for expeditious 13 processing, simply ignored, or deemed not required. Failure to "cross-reference" the subject inmates' aliases was noted as a procedural deficiency, which has now been corrected, according to a source interviewed by the Grand Jury. SECTION IV: CLEARANCE AND ENROLLMENT OF SUBJECT INMATE AT THE LARRY D SMITH CORRECTIONAL FACILITY (SITE-B) SITE-B was founded in 1998 at the Smith Correctional Facility in Banning, California. Funded programs for inmate training and education include the following:21 Greybar Printing; Laser Engraver Culinary Arts Construction; Landscaping, Welding Barista Program Other Educational/Self-Development programs • SITE-B provides access to a reliable support system for inmates to augment the chances for successful transitioning into the community. Acceptance into the SITE-B program is handled by Correctional Classification staff, which involves a thorough assessment of the following criteria: In-custody behavior • Health conditions which limit the ability to benefit from specific programs Out-of-county felony warrant(s)* Escape risk • Criminal charges • Status of sentencing • *(Out-of-county felons are often unable to complete a program prior to being transferred) The classification staff at Site-B conducts interviews with inmates to assess their suitability for the program. This evaluation involves reviewing the inmate's data in JIMS, their in-custody behavior report, and a mental health assessment. Additionally, prior criminal charges and the associated probable cause statements are crucial factors in the overall decision-making process. Once the Classification Unit determines that an incarcerated person qualifies and meets the program criteria, the following procedures apply: A Classification Deputy confirms the inmate's interest in the program The inmate signs an agreement that explains the rules of the program Medical staff examines the inmate to determine if they are medically cleared A report is submitted to the SITE-B Classification Sergeant for entry into the program. 21 2023-24 Riverside County Civil Grand Jury Report: "Sheriff's Inmate Training & Education Bureau (SITE-B)"; https://rivco.org/civil-grand-jury; Accessed Apr 9, 2025 14 The Riverside County Sheriff's Department Policies and Procedures call for an objective assessment tool to be used in the classification process called the COMPAS (Correctional Offender Management Profiling) Assessment. When a copy of this assessment for the subject inmates was requested from the Sheriff's Department, the Grand Jury was told that this tool was only used in therapeutic programs, and not in the classification process. During several interviews with correctional staff, the Grand Jury was told that the Department had never used this tool, or that the staff member had never seen or heard of it. Inmates participating in these types of programs must have a "non-violent" criminal history and no disqualifying In-custody Behavior reports. The Grand Jury reviewed the completed form for the subject inmate and found several discrepancies: