2012 — 2013 Grand Jury

Conclusions 5

• CL1 Page 6
  and Recommendation 1 below address a potential path that at least diminishes the liability, and provides a mechanism for thinking strategically for solutions. Findings and Recommendations
• CL2 Page 7
  The new video system has been purchased but is not installed.
• CL3 Page 7
  There is not an adequate battery back-up for the computer-aided dispatch system. The emergency dispatch system needs to have a least two fail safe back-up systems.
• CL4 Page 7
  The oxygen concentrator is too noisy.
• CL5 Page 6
  The potential financial liability created by the condition of the jail facilities coupled with the inaction of the Board of Supervisors, the County Sheriff and the County administration cannot be overstated. The financial liability to the County through the Board of Supervisors, the Sheriff and the county administration may be catastrophic. Simply washing of one's hands does not absolve the elected officials and the county of their responsibility with regard to the aging facilities and its impact on staff and inmates. Finding 1 and Recommendation 1 below address a potential path that at least diminishes the liability, and provides a mechanism for thinking strategically for solutions. Findings and Recommendations Finding 1 The County Jail is funded primarily by the County General Fund in a time of diminishing financial resources and many competing needs. This has limited the ability of the County to make the necessary improvements to the facility. Simply not having the funds does not' release the county of its obligation to improve the status quo. Recommendation 1: In the litigious state we are in, a well thought plan to address the needs of the jail will go a long way to improve the untenable situation that the jail presents. The Board of Supervisors with the Sheriff should convene an advisory committee to explore funding options and develop a five-year plan for the implementation of improvements to address the needs of the jail facility. This plan could do a great deal to not only improve the condition of the jail but also reduce the potential liability of the county. Putting forth the effort to procure alternative sources of funding combined with incremental improvements will not only help reduce liability of the county it will also improve the jail. Create a plan to address Finding 1 and provide an update of progress to each future Grand Jury in December of each year. 4 Finding 2 The new video system has been purchased but is not installed. Recommendation 2: Putting the video system into operation should be a top priority. The safety and well being of the employees and inmates is dependant on it. Finding 3 There is not an adequate battery back-up for the computer-aided dispatch system. The emergency dispatch system needs to have a least two fail safe back-up systems. Recommendation 3: Procure an adequate back-up system for the computer-enhanced dispatch system. Finding 4 The oxygen concentrator is too noisy. Recommendation 4: Service or replace it.

No Responses Found 2

Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.