Santa Barbara County Coroner’s Bureau

Recommendations 3

• R1

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  That Santa Barbara County District Attorney in partnership with the Public Defender develop and implement a video arraignment program. 4.2 Santa Barbara County Courthouse The Santa Barbara County Court Building located on Figueroa Street was constructed in 1953 and originally served as a separate municipal court. The building has been remodeled several times over the years, but the entire building still does not meet minimum safety standards. The aging building does not comply with seismic standards, nor is it ADA compliant. The building does not contain a comprehensive fire suppression system which presents a safety risk for the administrative staff, custody staff, inmates and the public The holding facility is located in the basement of the Figueroa Court Building. Detainees are regularly walked across a busy downtown Santa Barbara street from the holding facility to the main courthouse, through civilian pedestrians and traffic. The holding facility consists of eight holding cells that hold six detainees each and eight overflow “cages” that can house one prisoner each, for an official total of 56 detainees; however, the facility has held as many as 80 detainees at a time. The facility is often overcrowded, exceeding the rated capacity by a significant margin; the court dockets can request a number of detainees that almost doubles that rated capacity. The overcrowding can be compounded by the need to isolate certain inmates into their own cells for safety reasons. The eight individual holding “cages” are extremely small (approximately 3’ x 3’ x 6’), would not accommodate a medium or larger person, are inhumane, and are being used regularly to deal with the overcrowding situation. A video arraignment program could reduce bus transportation issues, holding cell overcrowding, court appearance scheduling, and eliminate the use of “cages.” There is a lack of air-conditioning and sufficient ventilation in the holding area. Also, a small staff video room is cramped and the only air movement is from two fans that circulate air. The holding facility meets acceptable standards of cleanliness and routine maintenance. The custody staff is well trained and professional. They demonstrated a positive attitude and concern for the inmates.
• R2

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  That the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors and the Sheriff’s Department develop and implement a video arraignment program to reduce overcrowding and the use of “cages.”
• R3

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  That the Santa Barbara County Sheriffs’ Department transfer inmates in vehicles to the historic Courthouse for greater safety. 4.3 Lompoc This facility was built in 1999 and is conveniently located adjacent to the Lompoc Courthouse and Lompoc Police Department. There are five cells, three of which are used to separate inmates who cannot be housed with others due to gender, medical or other reasons, for a total rated capacity of 30. Additionally, there are three holding “cages” for inmates that require separation or for overflow. The three holding “cages” are extremely small and inhumane. The facility is routinely overcrowded when court is in session. There is video monitoring of the cells, but no recording capability. Although the holding facility meets acceptable standards of cleanliness, the facility shows signs of needed maintenance. For example, there is graffiti etched in doors, painted surfaces and interview room windows, and cement benches in the cells are cracked. There are three staffing deputies, two full-time and one part-time. Staff are well trained and maintain a positive attitude, including professional concern for inmates.