Score: +9
(10/1/1)
San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury
• 2022-2023
Inspection Report for San Luis Obispo County Law Enforcement and Detention Facilities
⚠️ 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.
Note: Missing finding numbers detected: F13
Findings and Recommendations 13 findings
F1
In the West Facility, facilities E, F and G are scheduled for closure by November 6, 2023. Facility M, which houses inmates trained to fight wildland fires throughout California will remain open.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
Improve barriers and security between the Oklahoma Safe Parking Site and the Honor Farm by end of December 2023. SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY CORONER’S FACILITY
F2
There are a number of notable, successful programming opportunities that serve inmates by preparing them with life skills to be productive members of our community. SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY JAIL
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
Consider increasing the number of Employee Assistance Program (EAP) visits for trauma fatigue and mental health wellness support for staff by end of December 2023.
F3
The location of the Oklahoma Avenue Safe Parking Site next to the Honor Farm creates a safety hazard to inmates and staff. Materials – including illegal substances, drug paraphernalia, and human waste -- have been tossed over the fence from the Safe Parking Site, landing within the confines of the Honor Farm.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
Hire a full-time Medical Examiner and additional support staff as required to manage ongoing case load by end of March 2024.
F4
Honor Farm programs are operating at minimal levels due to the current low inmate population, and there are no employees available to supplement the staffing due to staffing challenges throughout the county.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
Increase the number of Narcan units on site and develop an inventory checklist and procedure for monitoring medication expiration dates by October 1, 2023. SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY CRIME LAB
F5
Jail management has successfully managed the COVID-19 pandemic through staff and inmate education and vaccination, resulting in an eradication of active cases within the jail. SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY JUVENILE HALL
Related Recommendations (1)
R5
Identify area in facility where staff can have break room by end of December 2023. SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY PROPERTY ROOM
F6
There is an ongoing staffing challenge due to a 22% reduction in applicants since 2016, exacerbated by the pandemic while occupancy rate of juveniles has remained stable
Related Recommendations (1)
R6
Follow through on property room climate control enhancements.
F7
The labor-intensive programs appear successful in thwarting recidivism among the juvenile residents. CITY POLICE AND COUNTY COURTHOUSE HOLDING CELLS
Related Recommendations (1)
R7
Does this healthcare award include mental health services?
F8
Despite waiting on progress by the State to build a new courthouse, the current holding cells are functioning well and meeting the needs of the inmate population. SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY CORONER’S FACILITY
Related Recommendations (1)
R8
What is the percentage of mental health patients coming into the jail? Is this an increase or decrease relative to recent years?
F9
Physical space is limited impacting the overall work atmosphere. Recent improvements to the autopsy suite have made it fully functional.
Related Recommendations (1)
R9
What is the interaction/relationship between the Honor Farm program and the Safe Parking program? Are there any issues?
F10
The limited number of EAP visits for staff is likely not sufficient for supporting deputies with the trauma fatigue associated with their duties.
Related Recommendations (1)
R10
Have there been any fentanyl incidents in the jail?
F11
The facility has a supply of Narcan for use if needed by Coroner staff, but onsite Narcan had an expired date.
Related Recommendations (1)
R11
What is your Narcan protocol and who carries it?
F12
The transition between the former full-time pathologist to the current provider caused some backlog in cases. SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY PROPERTY ROOM
Related Recommendations (1)
R12
What is the protocol for inmates who come in on prescription medication(s)?
F14
There remains a need for additional storage space and climate control. COMMENDATION[S] In October 2022, the SLO Jail received accreditation for its health care services from the National Commission on Correctional Healthcare.
Related Recommendations (1)
R14
Who administers these medications? QUESTIONS SUBMITTED TO SLO COUNTY JUVENILE HALL LEADERSHIP IN ADVANCE OF SITE VISIT:
Additional Recommendations 1
These recommendations are not explicitly linked to specific findings.
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R13Do they continue to receive these medications while in jail?
Conclusions 1
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CL1Public safety personnel in SLO County continue to do excellent work despite the challenges of an on-going pandemic and significant staffing, budget, and space limitations. Even with these challenges, there exist notable opportunities for improvement as presented in the Findings and Recommendations sections of this report. Submitted May 22, 2023 18
Agency Responses 1
Government agencies' official responses to this report's findings and recommendations. Click on a response to see the structured breakdown.