Score: +8 (12/0/4)

Ventura County Grand Jury • 2000-2001

Ventura County Grand Jury Report The Sheriff’s Department Women’s Detention Facility

Published: January 22, 2001 4 pages

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⚠️ 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 10 findings

F1

During the initial visit, the captain in charge of the facility pointed out, that since the facility had been converted to a women’s detention facility, the safety provisions for a visitor area utilized by high-risk inmates were inadequate.

Related Recommendations (4)

R1

The Sheriff should make the remodel of this facility a priority. (C-7)

R2

The Sheriff’s Department and the Management of the facility should develop a realistic timetable for completion of the remodeling. (C-7)

R3

The Sheriff’s Department should work with the GSA department to obtain the necessary funds from the current budget, via re-allocation, for the timely completion of the remodeling. (C-7)

R4

The Board of Supervisors should support and approve all efforts to fund the remodeling. (C-7) Commendation The Women’s Detention Facility is oriented toward a positive experience for the inmates, to give them a helping hand up during their incarceration. (F-8 through F-10, C-8) Responses Required Director of Ventura County Women’s Detention Center (R-1, R-2) Ventura County Sheriff (R-1, R-2, R-3) Ventura County GSA (R-3) Ventura County Board of Supervisors (R-4) 28

F2

At present, the visitor area for high-risk inmates is a former inmate dining area. The separation of visitors from inmates is accomplished by the use of a removable wood partition placed lengthwise down the center of the dining table. (See photo 1)

No recommendations for this finding

F3

Sheriff’s Dept. deputies now use metal detector wands to do searches of visitors prior to the visitor entering the designated visitor area.

No recommendations for this finding

F4

Each inmate is allowed a one-hour visit per week only on weekends.

No recommendations for this finding

F5

Up to 20 visitors are allowed into the visiting area at a time. There is a potential for up to 40 people to be in the visitors area at one time.

No recommendations for this finding

F6

Current staffing allows for only two (2) deputies in the visitor area.

No recommendations for this finding

F7

Formal plans exist to convert the present visitor area to a more secure area at an esti- mated cost of $250,000. Photo 1-Grand Juriors Demonstrating Lack of Security 27 Final Report 2000-2001 Ventura County Grand Jury

No recommendations for this finding

F8

The overall facility is clean and well maintained.

No recommendations for this finding

F9

Educational programs are available to inmates.

No recommendations for this finding

F10

Meals are tasty and nourishing. Conclusions C-1. Under current conditions, there exists the opportunity and the temptation for the passing of weapons and/or contraband from visitor to inmate. (F-1 through F-5) C-2. A wand search will detect only metal objects while other contraband (drugs etc.) could remain undetected. (F-3) C-3. The current situation is a potential threat to the safety and well being of both inmates and Sheriff’s Department staff. (F-1 through F-5) C-4. The timely completion of the proposed plan to remodel the high- risk inmate visitor’s area would help to prevent contraband from being passed between visitor and inmate. (F-6) C-5. The 100% prevention of contraband from coming into the visitor area is not possible due to legal restrictions, as no visitor can be subjected to a thorough search of his or her person. (F-3) C-6. The passing of contraband is currently minimal however, over time, the possibility exists for it to become more prevalent. (F-1 through F-6) C-7. Since the conversion of the facility to an all women’s facility occurred some time ago, (August of 1999) steps should be taken to obtain the necessary funds and develop a timetable to complete this conversion as soon as possible. (F-7) C-8. The overall facility is clean, well maintained, and serves the inmates in a positive way. (F-8, F-9, F-10) Recommendations

No recommendations for this finding

Conclusions 1

CL1 Page 4

C-1. Under current conditions, there exists the opportunity and the temptation for the passing of weapons and/or contraband from visitor to inmate. (F-1 through F-5) C-2. A wand search will detect only metal objects while other contraband (drugs etc.) could remain undetected. (F-3) C-3. The current situation is a potential threat to the safety and well being of both inmates and Sheriff’s Department staff. (F-1 through F-5) C-4. The timely completion of the proposed plan to remodel the high- risk inmate visitor’s area would help to prevent contraband from being passed between visitor and inmate. (F-6) C-5. The 100% prevention of contraband from coming into the visitor area is not possible due to legal restrictions, as no visitor can be subjected to a thorough search of his or her person. (F-3) C-6. The passing of contraband is currently minimal however, over time, the possibility exists for it to become more prevalent. (F-1 through F-6) C-7. Since the conversion of the facility to an all women’s facility occurred some time ago, (August of 1999) steps should be taken to obtain the necessary funds and develop a timetable to complete this conversion as soon as possible. (F-7) C-8. The overall facility is clean, well maintained, and serves the inmates in a positive way. (F-8, F-9, F-10)

Commendations 1

CM1 Page 4

The Women’s Detention Facility is oriented toward a positive experience for the inmates, to give them a helping hand up during their incarceration. (F-8 through F-10, C-8)

Agency Responses 2

Government agencies' official responses to this report's findings and recommendations. Click on a response to see the structured breakdown.

GSA

August 17, 2001 • 3 pages • 8 responses • Score: +4 (+6, 0, -2) View Details ▾

PDF

8 responses to findings and recommendations

F2

At present, the visitor area for high-risk inmates is a former inmate dining area. The separation of visitors from inmates is accomplished by the use of a removable wood partition placed lengthwise down the center of the dining table. (See photo 1)

Response: Agree Score: +1

GSA agrees. F-7 Formal plans exist to convert the present visitor area to a more secure area at an estimated cost of $250,000. Response: GSA agrees. Work should start in the last quarter of the calendar year 2001. RECOMMENDATIONS R-3 The Sheriff's Department should work with the GSA department to obtain the necessary funds from the current budget, via re-allocation, for the timely completion of the remodeling. Response: The recommendation has not yet been implemented but will be implemented in the future. Funds have been obtained and work will begin in September 2001. Please feel free to conta...

R2

The Sheriff’s Department and the Management of the facility should develop a realistic timetable for completion of the remodeling. (C-7)

Response: Will Implement

Scheduled: FY2000-01 Score: +1

The recommendation has not yet been implemented but will be implemented in the future. The schematic design process has begun John F. Johnston, CEO Response to FY2000-01 Grand Jury Report August 17, 2001 Page 3 of 3 with the interviewing of consultants. Plans should be available by January 2002. R-3 Every effort must be made by County Supervisors, and involved Department Heads, and Administrators to secure funding for the location and construction of a new Sheriff's Crime Lab facility by 2006, in part to implement plans in association with CSUCI. Response: The recommendation has not yet been ...

F3

Sheriff’s Dept. deputies now use metal detector wands to do searches of visitors prior to the visitor entering the designated visitor area.

Response: Disagree Score: -1

GSA disagrees that the building is seriously outdated. The assigned space inside the building is inadequate. (F-4) The construction of the building does not readily accommodate new technological equipment, i.e.; forensic test equipment, computers, and networking. Response: GSA disagrees. The Crime Lab was constructed at the same time and is made of the same materials as the rest of the 25-year old John F. Johnston, CEU Response to FY2000-01 Grand Jury Report August 17, 2001 Page 2 of 3 The overall construction of the Government Center Complex. Government Center has proven to be flexible enoug...

R3

The Sheriff’s Department should work with the GSA department to obtain the necessary funds from the current budget, via re-allocation, for the timely completion of the remodeling. (C-7)

Response: Will Implement

Score: +1

The recommendation has not yet been implemented but will be implemented in the future. As an "involved department" GSA supports funding efforts for construction of a new Crime Lab. Sheriff's Department Women's Detention Facility (pages 25-28) The Sheriff's Department Women's Detention Facility Report contains 10 findings, eight of which can be categorized as internal issues to be addressed by the Sheriff's Department, and two findings regarding the visitor area that GSA addresses below. Our response to the single recommendation that pertains to GSA as an "involved department" is addressed at t...

F4

Each inmate is allowed a one-hour visit per week only on weekends.

Response: Disagree Score: -1

GSA disagrees. The Crime Lab was constructed at the same time and is made of the same materials as the rest of the 25-year old John F. Johnston, CEU Response to FY2000-01 Grand Jury Report August 17, 2001 Page 2 of 3 The overall construction of the Government Center Complex. Government Center has proven to be flexible enough to accommodate several upgrades including fiber optics. The problem with the Crime Lab is that it is a very specialized laboratory and has outgrown its space. Many of the current problems could be addressed if it were possible to expand into additional space. However, the...

F7

Formal plans exist to convert the present visitor area to a more secure area at an esti- mated cost of $250,000. Photo 1-Grand Juriors Demonstrating Lack of Security 27 Final Report 2000-2001 Ventura County Grand Jury

Response: Agree Score: +1

GSA agrees. Work should start in the last quarter of the calendar year 2001. RECOMMENDATIONS R-3 The Sheriff's Department should work with the GSA department to obtain the necessary funds from the current budget, via re-allocation, for the timely completion of the remodeling. Response: The recommendation has not yet been implemented but will be implemented in the future. Funds have been obtained and work will begin in September 2001. Please feel free to contact me at 654-3800, or Paul Young, at 654-3885 if you have questions. PWR/PY/KVN Sheriff's Department CC: Paul Young

F8

The overall facility is clean and well maintained.

Response: Agree Score: +1

GSA agrees. Plans are underway to relocate the property room and other operations in order to increase the square footage per employee in the Crime Lab. The relocations and associated remodeling should be completed in early 2002. F-9 At the present time, there are no formal plans drawn for the remodel. Response: GSA agrees. Consultants are now being interviewed to begin the schematic design process for the remodel. Plans should be available by January 2002. F-22 At the present time, there is no system of adequate and reliable back-up power, i.e.: uninterruptible power source (UPS) power regula...

F9

Educational programs are available to inmates.

Response: Agree Score: +1

GSA agrees. Consultants are now being interviewed to begin the schematic design process for the remodel. Plans should be available by January 2002. F-22 At the present time, there is no system of adequate and reliable back-up power, i.e.: uninterruptible power source (UPS) power regulators for all sensitive circuits in the lab. Response: GSA agrees. California's current power situation and the County's Interruptible contract with Southern California Edison (SCE) have both created problems for the Crime Lab in the past. However, SCE's designation of the Government Center as an "essential facili...

GSA

August 17, 2001 • 3 pages • 8 responses • Score: +4 (+6, 0, -2) View Details ▾

PDF

8 responses to findings and recommendations

F2

At present, the visitor area for high-risk inmates is a former inmate dining area. The separation of visitors from inmates is accomplished by the use of a removable wood partition placed lengthwise down the center of the dining table. (See photo 1)

Response: Agree Score: +1

GSA agrees. F-7 Formal plans exist to convert the present visitor area to a more secure area at an estimated cost of $250,000. Response: GSA agrees. Work should start in the last quarter of the calendar year 2001. RECOMMENDATIONS R-3 The Sheriff's Department should work with the GSA department to obtain the necessary funds from the current budget, via re-allocation, for the timely completion of the remodeling. Response: The recommendation has not yet been implemented but will be implemented in the future. Funds have been obtained and work will begin in September 2001. Please feel free to conta...

R2

The Sheriff’s Department and the Management of the facility should develop a realistic timetable for completion of the remodeling. (C-7)

Response: Will Implement

Scheduled: FY2000-01 Score: +1

The recommendation has not yet been implemented but will be implemented in the future. The schematic design process has begun John F. Johnston, CEO Response to FY2000-01 Grand Jury Report August 17, 2001 Page 3 of 3 with the interviewing of consultants. Plans should be available by January 2002. R-3 Every effort must be made by County Supervisors, and involved Department Heads, and Administrators to secure funding for the location and construction of a new Sheriff's Crime Lab facility by 2006, in part to implement plans in association with CSUCI. Response: The recommendation has not yet been ...

F3

Sheriff’s Dept. deputies now use metal detector wands to do searches of visitors prior to the visitor entering the designated visitor area.

Response: Disagree Score: -1

GSA disagrees that the building is seriously outdated. The assigned space inside the building is inadequate. (F-4) The construction of the building does not readily accommodate new technological equipment, i.e.; forensic test equipment, computers, and networking. Response: GSA disagrees. The Crime Lab was constructed at the same time and is made of the same materials as the rest of the 25-year old John F. Johnston, CEU Response to FY2000-01 Grand Jury Report August 17, 2001 Page 2 of 3 The overall construction of the Government Center Complex. Government Center has proven to be flexible enoug...

R3

The Sheriff’s Department should work with the GSA department to obtain the necessary funds from the current budget, via re-allocation, for the timely completion of the remodeling. (C-7)

Response: Will Implement

Score: +1

The recommendation has not yet been implemented but will be implemented in the future. As an "involved department" GSA supports funding efforts for construction of a new Crime Lab. Sheriff's Department Women's Detention Facility (pages 25-28) The Sheriff's Department Women's Detention Facility Report contains 10 findings, eight of which can be categorized as internal issues to be addressed by the Sheriff's Department, and two findings regarding the visitor area that GSA addresses below. Our response to the single recommendation that pertains to GSA as an "involved department" is addressed at t...

F4

Each inmate is allowed a one-hour visit per week only on weekends.

Response: Disagree Score: -1

GSA disagrees. The Crime Lab was constructed at the same time and is made of the same materials as the rest of the 25-year old John F. Johnston, CEU Response to FY2000-01 Grand Jury Report August 17, 2001 Page 2 of 3 The overall construction of the Government Center Complex. Government Center has proven to be flexible enough to accommodate several upgrades including fiber optics. The problem with the Crime Lab is that it is a very specialized laboratory and has outgrown its space. Many of the current problems could be addressed if it were possible to expand into additional space. However, the...

F7

Formal plans exist to convert the present visitor area to a more secure area at an esti- mated cost of $250,000. Photo 1-Grand Juriors Demonstrating Lack of Security 27 Final Report 2000-2001 Ventura County Grand Jury

Response: Agree Score: +1

GSA agrees. Work should start in the last quarter of the calendar year 2001. RECOMMENDATIONS R-3 The Sheriff's Department should work with the GSA department to obtain the necessary funds from the current budget, via re-allocation, for the timely completion of the remodeling. Response: The recommendation has not yet been implemented but will be implemented in the future. Funds have been obtained and work will begin in September 2001. Please feel free to contact me at 654-3800, or Paul Young, at 654-3885 if you have questions. PWR/PY/KVN Sheriff's Department CC: Paul Young

F8

The overall facility is clean and well maintained.

Response: Agree Score: +1

GSA agrees. Plans are underway to relocate the property room and other operations in order to increase the square footage per employee in the Crime Lab. The relocations and associated remodeling should be completed in early 2002. F-9 At the present time, there are no formal plans drawn for the remodel. Response: GSA agrees. Consultants are now being interviewed to begin the schematic design process for the remodel. Plans should be available by January 2002. F-22 At the present time, there is no system of adequate and reliable back-up power, i.e.: uninterruptible power source (UPS) power regula...

F9

Educational programs are available to inmates.

Response: Agree Score: +1

GSA agrees. Consultants are now being interviewed to begin the schematic design process for the remodel. Plans should be available by January 2002. F-22 At the present time, there is no system of adequate and reliable back-up power, i.e.: uninterruptible power source (UPS) power regulators for all sensitive circuits in the lab. Response: GSA agrees. California's current power situation and the County's Interruptible contract with Southern California Edison (SCE) have both created problems for the Crime Lab in the past. However, SCE's designation of the Government Center as an "essential facili...

No Responses Found 2

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