Los Angeles County Grand Jury Peter F. Schabarum, Foreman*

Watch the progress of Economic Opportunities Act of 1964 and Elemen- tary-Secondary Education Act of 1965,—pilot and work training programs for disadvantaged area youngsters under Los Angeles County School supervision.

At least three deputy district attorneys, including one senior deputy, shall concur that immunity shall be given.

The consent of the presiding judge of the criminal court shall first be obtained before immunity is offered. WATTS RIOT It is the consensus of the Criminal Complaints Committee that we would be remiss if we did not comment on the riot that occurred in the area of Watts during our year as grand jurors. From information available to us, the com- mittee wishes to make the following observations: 1. This was not a race riot. It was a riot led by a criminal element that has congregated in that particular area of Watts and who used a traffic ar- rest to go on a crime spree. This riot was equally abhorred and resented by all good, law-abiding citizens of Los Angeles, regardless of race or status.

The members of the Criminal Complaints Committee urge that under the leadership of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and the Los Angeles City Police Department an immediate and continuing ar- rangement be made with all law enforcement agencies in Los Angeles County, the National Guard, and if necessary, the Federal Armed Forces to act instantly and decisively in case another such dastardly out- break should occur in our community. PORNOGRAPHY This committee has heard evidence presented by the District Attorney's office and from other sources, as well as reviewing several paper-back publica- tions, which indicates that distribution of pornographic and obscene literature is increasing in this county. Our information also indicates that the licen- tiousness and obscenity of this material becomes more graphic and vulgar with each succeeding publication. It is the belief of this committee that these publications violate the moral standards of the vast majority of the people of this community. We also be- lieve that a very few unscrupulous, degenerate individuals are responsible for the authorship, publication and distribution of this material. We are aware of the legal problems in connection with the prosecution of those responsible for this material; however, we strongly urge all law enforce- ment and prosecuting agencies in this county to use every tool of the law vigi- lantly and relentlessly to apprehend and prosecute these people to the extent of their ability. We urge every citizen in this county to use every lawful means at his com- mand to discourage the sale or purchase of any material of an obscene nature. We believe that if this trend continues and the distribution of obscene litera- ture is not stopped that it will do irreparable damage to the sense of values and to the morals of our citizens, particularly to our young people, and will have a debasing effect on generations yet to be born. This committee recommended, and the Grand Jury supported by resolu- tion, District Attorney Younger's Bill AB 87 and SB 192 to the State Legis- lature which would have made it a crime to sell obscene material to minors. We urge the next Grand Jury to support this bill when it is presented to the next session of the Legislature. This committee commends and endorses State Attorney General Thomas C. Lynch for appointing an advisory committee on obscenity which is stated to be "the first step in his statewide crackdown on obscene material". STATE BANKING DEPARTMENT Evidence in a case which resulted in an indictment of four suspects for criminal conspiracy and grand theft indicated that there was laxity in super- vision and control on the part of the State Department of Banking. It was recommended by this committee—and approved by the Grand Jury as a whole -that the information we heard be presented to the Attorney General for investigation. A copy of the Attorney General's report to the Grand Jury has been sent to the Governor. It is the consensus of this committee that the findings of the Attorney General justify our apprehension. Evidence heard by the Grand Jury in two other cases further supported our contention about the State Banking Department. Copies of all information we have regarding the State Banking Depart- ment have been forwarded to the responsible state officials. The protection of depositors' money and shareholders' investments in our banks, as well as the confidence of the public in our financial institutions, is of vital concern to this committee. It is the consensus of the members of this committee that we would be der- elict in our duties as grand jurors if we did not call to the attention of the responsible parties above named the information we have heard as to how the Banking Department is functioning in this county. CONSOLIDATION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY This committee has made a study of the feasibility and propriety of a pos- sible consolidation of the separate law enforcement agencies in this county into one metropolitan agency. The results of our study, our conclusions, and recommendations are con- tained in a special report on file with the Clerk of the Superior Court and are thereby made a part of this annual report of the committee. TRAFFIC OFFENDERS This committee recommended, and the Grand Jury supported by resolu- tion, AB 845, and specifically that portion relating to traffic infractions, by the addition of Sections 43000 and 43005 of the Vehicle Code, to provide that certain traffic violations be designated as "traffic infractions" and that "traffic infractions" are not a crime and "no jury trial shall be allowed therefor". We urge the 1966 Grand Jury to support this legislation when next pre- sented to the state legislature. NIGHT COURT This committee recommends the continuation of Night Court for traffic violators. It is believed that Night Court provides a service for the arrestee, saves considerable money for the taxpayer, and releases the court rooms for civil and criminal cases during the regular court day. GENERAL The committee has met regularly each Tuesday between the hours of 9:00 and 10:00 a.m., and several times for special reasons. Our attendance has been nearly 100 per cent. As of October 1st there have been 34 indictments by the Grand Jury in cases referred by this committee. Three cases were not indicted. The committee decided to ask each deputy district attorney to leave the hearing room after he had presented his case, and before discussion or vote to refer the matter to the Grand Jury as a whole. It was felt that each mem- ber of the committee could act more independently without the presence of the prosecuting attorney. After the deputy district attorney had presented his case to the Grand Jury, the committee recommended, and the Jury concurred, that the attorney should confine his summation and remarks to the legal aspects of the case, and not to the interpretation of the evidence. We feel this gives each grand juror a better opportunity to vote on an in- dictment as he heard the evidence, instead of being influenced by the thinking of the prosecutor. In each case, except where a secret indictment is sought, the Committee has asked the deputy district attorney to notify each suspect that the Grand Jury is hearing an accusation against him, and to advise the suspect of his right to appear before the Grand Jury if he requests to do so. Due to the new law which allows informers to remain anonymous, most narcotics cases have been assigned to trial by way of preliminary hearing. The committee and Grand Jury have heard only two such cases. The Criminal Complaints Committee is indebted to John Howard, Deputy District Attorney and Legal Advisor to the Grand Jury, and the late Fred M. Henderson, Deputy District Attorney, for their legal advice and guidance in our deliberation of the cases presented to us, and to Joseph A. Gebhart, Investi- gator, for his helpfulness and for information he obtained for us. This committee believes that the Los Angeles County Grand Jury has saved the taxpayers thousands of dollars and has relieved the courts of hund- reds of hours of time by hearing the cases presented to them. The Committee is particularly impressed with the fairness, intelligence, and thoroughness each grand juror has given to each case he (she) has con- sidered. Respectfully submitted, CRIMINAL COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE Emery S. Petty, Chairman Mrs. Bethany Scott, Secretary Robin R. Colman Donald E. McGrath Mrs. Marjorie K. Mount Mrs. Martha Stout A. M. Velez JAILS COMMITTEE REPORT 1965 LOS ANGELES COUNTY GRAND JURY In compliance with the terms of Section 923 of the California Penal Code, a Jails Committee was appointed by Foreman Schabarum, with Donald E. McGrath as Chairman. Due to the large number of facilities to be contacted, the Chairman divided the committee into five teams. The committee decided its first order of business was to inspect all jails and detention facilities as thoroughly as inspection would permit and to sub- mit to the Chairman a written report on each contact. Sheriff Pitchess was contacted by Foreman Schabarum and Chairman McGrath. The Sheriff introducted the heads of his various departments, all of whom offered to cooperate in every way. McGrath requested a list of all jails and a spotted map with corresponding numbers. Both were promptly supplied by the department. The jail locations were then divided geographically, as far as possible, so as to assign each team locations in the area where the team members lived. A report form in the nature of a check sheet was prepared and a quantity furnished each team. On instructions from the Foreman, the Chairman of the Jails Committee arranged for the following County Department heads to appear as speakers before the Grand Jury sitting as a body: Sheriff Pitchess, Administrator Griswold (A.P.C. Dept.), and Marshal Keays. As of the date of this report eighty-nine (89) facilities have been inspected. With very few exception the jails were found to be in excellent condition; no case of imprisonment or holding of suspects without charge beyond the 48 hours required by law was found. The law enforcement officers in charge were found to be efficient, capable men, apparently proud of their assign- ment and dedicated to their duty. Toilets and showers were clean; food was good and adequate. A signed inspection sheet, listing general conditions at each jail, is on file. On committee recommendation to the Foreman, the following facilities were visited by the jury as a whole: New Men's Jail L.A. County Hospital County Jail (Hall of Justice) Wayside Honor Rancho Sybil Brand Institute Juvenile Hall L. A. Police Department and Crime Laboratory During the inspection of the Saugus Rehabilitation Center it was noted that 100 acres of farm land were plowed but not planted. Inquiry disclosed that the entire facility was owned by the City of Los Angeles and only leased by L. A. County. The 100 unplanted acres were earmarked for the L. A. Fire Department for a future training area. As the encroaching housing devel- opments will make it impractical to continue this facility as a detention camp, the plan is to sell this property as soon as feasible. The committee arranged for an appointment with Mr. L. S. Hollinger, Chief Administrative Officer of the County. Mr. Hollinger cooperated by contacting Mr. Piper, Chief Admin- istrator of the City of Los Angeles and securing Mr. Piper's permission to allow the County to till all the farm land at Saugus. The crop which can be harvested this fall from these 100 acres, should bring in about $65,000 addi- tional revenue.

Vocation Training: We urge that attention be given to more realistic use of time at school, according to ability level, particularly to encourage ex- panded occupational training programs for those students not able to benefit by post high school training. The respect of the community should be given to each individual effort whether performing in trades, services, or professions.

Volunteers: Volunteer work by adults and work by "aides" in Job Oppor- tunities programs, in culturally deprived areas, in schools, halls, and camps, should be encouraged and increased. Continue to allow volunteers to help teachers to supplement the curriculum in school situations and contribute to solving problems in their own communities. We would encourage parents to take more active interest in school and community service. JUVENILE COMMITTEE Appreciation: The members of the Juvenile Committee wish to express their appreciation to all the members of the Probation Department who have so kindly received us and helped us throughout our investigations, especially Mr. Leland Carter and Mr. Kenneth Kirkpatrick. In our investigations we vis- ited six halls and fourteen camps. Leadership: The members of the Juvenile Committee wish to congratulate and commend the Probation Department on the outstanding leadership that is being displayed by dedicated men and women who serve in this difficult and demanding service. We also commend their cooperation with Fire Depart- ment and Forestry Department personnel in their work training projects.

Inspection of Juvenile Detention Facilities. We recommend that in coun- ties of 4,000,000 population or more, The Welfare and Institutions Code be amended regarding inspection of all Juvenile detention facilities by the Presiding Juvenile Court Judge. Both the California Youth Author- ity and the Grand Jury inspect these facilities. To avoid duplication, reports could be filed with the presiding Juvenile Court judge. Construct Camp Kersey. The 1965 Grand Jury recommends that Camp Vierling Kersey be constructed immediately to replace outmoded facilities at Camps Malibu and Bouquet Canyon.

Volunteers. The 1965 Juvenile Committee commends the use of volun- teers in the Halls and Camps and encourages the use of volunteer services that may be offered from community groups and individuals.

The Grand Jury favors the plan for increased probation supervision, using home and community cooperation for delinquents rather than 24- hour detention in institutions. That the "day care pilot projects" be watched with interest, rather than building more and larger buildings for institutional care.

Mr. Henderson, who was admitted to the California Bar in 1930 and whose career in the District Attorney's office covered 27 years, had been legal advisor to the Los Angeles County Grand Jury since 1949. The County has lost a good servant. We appreciated Mr. Henderson's counsel and guidance and his ready availability, which we can now know were given freely to us in spite of his own physical suffering. We miss him and regret that his passing had to come during our term. IN MEMORIAM LILA S. BOYD Mrs. Lila S. Boyd died suddenly on November 2, 1965 at the age of 62. Mrs. Boyd, who was a native of Texas, had been secretary to the Los Angeles County Grand Jury for the past twenty years and had been with the district attorney's office for the past twenty- five years. We who leaned on her heavily and esteemed her efficient service and cheerful personality miss her keenly. In Mrs. Boyd's passing, the County of Los Angeles and the Grand Jury lose a valued friend and colleague. PART TWO FOREMAN'S REPORT The 1965 Grand Jury has made inquiries into a variety of subjects cover- ing a wide spectrum of County Government. During the course of this year, several recommendations and findings have been reported. Here follows a brief synopsis of some of these findings, many of which are covered in greater detail in the body of this report. Welfare and Charities Vigorous action is recommended to simplify and improve the efficiency of operations in the entire field of welfare administration. In that approval to implement many desired time and labor saving procedures must be accom- plished by State legislative action, it is vital that County officials use continu- ing and forceful efforts to effect these changes. The recommendations offered by the County Department of Charities and endorsed by the Grand Jury are a sound start in this direction. Health Department The person selected as the successor to the retiring Department Head should be a person with proven administrative capabilities. The complete as- similation of personnel and facilities, formerly a part of the Los Angeles City Health Department can and should be accomplished with dispatch. It is rec- ommended that an examination of this department be made on a continuing basis in order that guidance be given in performing its function in an orderly and efficient manner. Governmental Efficiency The Grand Jury has been impressed with the efforts and activities of the Los Angeles County Citizen's Economy and Efficiency Committee. It is recom- mended that this Committee be given the latitude required to perform its functions and that recommendations forthcoming from this Body be given maximum consideration. Court Consolidation A continuing effort should be made to bring about the consolidation of the Municipal Court Systems. Only by accomplishing this can the taxpayers of this County realize an economically and efficiently operated Municipal Court system. Every effort should be made to bring this important matter before the State Legislature at its next regular session. Smog Discussions were held with persons expert in this field. It is the finding of this Jury that proper efforts are being made to prevent air pollution with the exception of emissions from motor vehicles. Economical and effective emis- sion control devices and/or technological changes in the internal combustion engine are the only answer to the control of smog in our County. It is hoped petty political considerations will be set aside in order that full attention can be given to a solution to the problem. Capital Improvement Program It is recommended that a complete report of this program be made avail- able for examination by the 1966 Grand Jury. The use of general obligation bonds to finance this program, including the possibility of financing and/or refinancing of present County facilities included within the civic center com- plex, should be studied. Marina Del Rey The payment of current expenses to operate this facility will require addi- tional funds to be paid out of the general fund for the next several years. It is recommended that every effort be made, including a review of present pol- icies and lease terms, to bring into being additional revenues to offset expenses in order to place this project on a paying basis. Computer Installations Particular attention should be directed to the Audit Committee's findings dealing with this subject. It is recommended that additional computer instal- lations be postponed, if not eliminated altogether, until such time as (1) present systems are being used to maximum capacity, (2) trained personnel are available to program and administer these systems, and (3) procedures justifying computer installations have been fully programmed in anticipation of delivery. Use of Independent Contractors The employment of independent contractors to do specific works is much more practical and economical than the hiring of additional personnel through Civil Service. The employment of personnel who must be kept on the payroll after the job for which they were hired has been completed does not make for thrift in government. In order to resolve the legal questions relative to this recommendation, it may be necessary to institute a test case to deter- mine current legal opinions on this matter. Narcotics The spiraling crime rate in this County is largely attributable to the use of narcotics. It is strongly recommended that those charged with the dispens- ing of justice utilize the maximum sentences as prescribed by law in the sentencing of those persons convicted of trafficing in/or selling narcotics and dangerous drugs. Continuing efforts must be made to improve methods and procedures in the rehabilitation of narcotics users. Pornography Several publications have been brought to the attention of the Grand Jury which can only be described as filth. Efforts to pursue legal action against those responsible for the publication, distribution, and sale of this kind of ma- terial have been stymied due to lack of clear-cut laws on the subject. It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors pursue a legislative program advocating a redefinition of obscenity as an effective tool in the prosecution and elimination of this increasing malignancy. A lack of decisive action in this field can only lead to degeneration of the morals of the citizens and, parti- cularly the young people, of this community. Alcoholism The Grand Jury noted with alarm the large number of our population afflicted with the disease of alcoholism. It is imperative that alcoholism be accepted as a disease and treated as such. Respectfully submitted, PETER F. SCHABARUM Foreman Approved by the Grand Jury 11-16-1965 FINAL REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE 1965 LOS ANGELES COUNTY GRAND JURY The 1965 Audit Committee of the Grand Jury feels that it should preface its remarks by stating its understanding of the functions and duties of the Audit Committee, and consequently of the responsibility of the Contract Auditor employed by the committee, as required by section 926 of the Penal Code of California. Our conception of the desired results was twofold: (1) Determine that cash due was received and that ample procedures were followed to insure its safety; and (2) determine if effective procedures were being exercised in ac- cordance with proper office practices and that maximum efficiency was practiced. As to No. 1, the Audit Committee is very happy to report that not a single overt act of misappropriating cash was disclosed by the 1965 audit. Regard- ing No. 2, our Contract Auditor prepared a booklet containing their recom- mendations, the replies of various department heads, the Chief Administrative Officer and Auditor-Controller. We concerned ourselves primarily with those departments receiving rev- enue. The departments audited are listed below: Special B. P. A. review Outside Medical Relief Program Computer Installations Public Administrator Health Department Sheriff's Department Purchasing & Stores Road Department Revenue Charges to Cities Warehouse stock and equipment supplies Work orders Assignments Leases with Retirement Board Detail of Revenue Audits: B. R. C. General Hospital Agricultural Commission Air Pollution Control Civil Service Commission Mental Health Communications Department Department of Charities — Other Departments Auditor-Controller Tax Collector County Clerk County Engineer We had hoped to conclude our year of auditing in such a manner that there would be no legacy of unfinished business for the 1966 Grand Jury Audit Com- mittee. This proved to be impossible because of the time needed to implement some of our findings, if indeed they can be implemented. We are, therefore, listing those departments that we feel the 1966 Audit Committee of the Grand Jury should scrutinize during their term of service. I. HEALTH DEPARTMENT This department consolidated with the City Health Department July 1, 1964, and the assimilation of the activities of Los Angeles City and Los An- geles County did not proceed in the orderly manner contemplated. This was due in part to the necessity of indoctrinating former city employees in county procedure. One of the provisions of the merger was that all city employees, if they chose to remain in this line of work, must be employed by the county, and this has resulted in many instances in duplication of effort. Consequent- ly, the morale of this department is below desired standards. The many recommendations contained in the auditor's report were in most part accepted, and the Auditor-Controller has agreed to see that they are im- plemented as soon as is consistent with good business procedures. While we acknowledge that the consolidation of this magnitude would re- quire a considerable period of time, we feel that after eighteen months the consolidation should have been further advanced than our contract auditors found to be the case. We recommend that the 1966 Grand Jury make a survey in depth in order to determine the effectiveness and efficiency of the department and to ascer- tain if the recommendations of the auditor were implemented. If the 1966 Grand Jury finds that no appreciable improvement has been achieved, an inquiry should be developed to determine who was responsible for this lack of progress. II. SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT This department has concurred with the recommendations of the contract auditor and has agreed to implement them at the earliest possible time. There remains at this writing the matter of $1,165,923.60 due from the State of California for maintenance of state parolees and California Youth Authority commitments. This receivable was given to the Auditor-Controller to collect. On September 7, 1965, we were informed that the matter had been sent to the County Counsel for action. Their reply to the Audit Committee was to the effect that Los Angeles County was joining forces with the counties of Sacramento and San Diego, which counties have similar claims, in an effort to obtain the moneys due the three counties. On September 8, 1965, a meeting was held, with representatives of the three counties present. Definite plans were made for the commencement of legal ac- tions, and the County Counsel informed the Audit Committee that within the next two to three months legal action will be filed. III. ROAD DEPARTMENT The problem of this department, paradoxically, is their receipt of more money from gasoline tax and other sources than can be expended. Their cash balance increases each year; the cash balance of January 31, 1965 was ap- proximately $32,860,000. We were informed that the reason for this large cash balance was their lack of sufficient personnel to do the necessary planning, the result being that this department could not proceed at an accelerated pace. Two suggestions were made by the committee: (1) hire private engineers to do the planning; (2) hire temporary help. Suggestion number 1 was vetoed by Mr. Templin, department head, on the grounds that private engineers are unable to perform the task of planning and designing roads. Whether he is correct or not is purely academic, for the County Counsel gave his opinion: "Employment of private firms of engineers would be contrary to the provisions of the County Charter." Suggestion num- ber 2 also is academic, since the CAO and Board of Supervisors approved the employment of 155 new employees. From the above, it would seem wise to determine whether cash is being expended in an expeditious manner for the good of Los Angeles County citizens. IV. PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR and PUBLIC GUARDIAN Whereas this department is adequately staffed for its legal requirements, the examination made for the committee, as well as the examinations made for previous grand juries, has indicated a lack of administrative and accounting controls in this office. A survey was made in 1964 by an outside consultant of the Public Administrator-Public Guardian and the report contains many rec- ommendations, some of which were radical in nature. We recommend to the 1966 Grand Jury that a careful examination of this department be made, par- ticularly as to the functioning of the team concept and as to the controls over the accounts. One of the recommendations states: 14. We recommend the use of the present bookkeeping machines by the Public Administrator's office be discontinued, and a single entry registry book system for the recording of all accounting and bookkeeping data, as required for administration by law, be installed, and a yearly audit of this system by the County Auditor's office or by a qualified public accounting firm be performed. The trust departments of banks and trust companies, which handle a great deal of the probate work in the county, have their probate accounts on either computer tapes or punched cards which furnish to the estate administrators current and historical information, both for tax and reporting purpose, with maximum controls over cash and other assets of the estates. We believe that the county could utilize the experience of these institutions in planning its future programs. It might also have this work performed for it on a service bureau basis, if it does not have available time on one of the county computers. The 1965 Grand Jury, acting as a body, approved the forwarding of a let- ter prepared by the Audit Committee, which stated its firm belief that a person with strong accounting and administrative background should be selected to fill the Deputy Administrator's position. This position became open on the retirement of the Deputy Administrator, August 5, 1965. We feel that until this is done there will be no appreciable improvement in the internal affairs of this office. We should mention that this suggestion was met most favorably by Mr. Burton Chace, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, at a meeting held in his office. Present at this meeting were Mr. Chace, Mr. Schabarum, Foreman of the Grand Jury, and Mr. Sherrard, Chairman of the Audit Committee. We feel that this department should receive your gravest attention during 1966. V. PROBATE COURTS One of the functions of the Probate Court is to protect the funds of minors received through judgments or other court actions until the minors reach his majority. It is estimated that there are approximately 25,000 such cases under the jurisdiction of the Probate Court. Judge Donald R. Wright has proposed a new system for handling these funds through special accounts maintained by a limited number of banks and/or savings and loan associations where the funds will be deposited by the Court and released only by a check or draft duly signed by the Court, with copies of the documents automatically becoming part of the Court's files. We believe these new procedures, once instituted, will serve as a protection to the funds of these minors. It is suggested that the funds of the Probate Court should receive your attention in 1966. VI. VETERANS' EXEMPTIONS A spot check of veterans' exemptions was conducted. No serious falsifica- tions were disclosed. We feel that a continuation of this audit would be most helpful to the County Tax Collector, and that publication of this activity should be released to the newspapers. VII. ELECTRONIC DATA PROCESSING SYSTEMS The County has installed computers in several county departments. The examination made for us by our contract auditors discloses that there is a lack of system and procedural planning before installing a computer and also a lack of programming for the work to be performed by the computers. This, we believe, has deprived the County of the maximum benefits from the computer installations. Many large companies have secured the best results through a central computer installation or computer center. This generally results in the computers and the skills of the computer staffs being utilized more nearly to capacity. It may be impossible for the County to centralize its computer installations, but it should be possible to pool the skills of the computer plan- ning, programming, and operating staffs for more efficient computer operation. It is the recommendation of the Audit Committee that a new department be formed that will be in charge of systems, procedures, and computer equip- ment, and that an outstanding computer man be appointed to head this de- partment. By establishing a department as outlined above, the department head could work with the heads of other departments to expedite all computer activities in the County. It would also enable Civil Service to set the salaries of such a person more in line with what is paid in industry and enable the Civil Service Commission to get a better qualified person. VIII. LEASES WITH THE COUNTY RETIREMENT FUND The County now has fifteen leases on capital projects with the County Re- tirement Board, with present commitments aggregating $130,000,000. The leases call for a rental equal to interest of 4\frac{1}{2}\% or 4\frac{3}{4}\% plus a sum sufficient to amortize the cost of the project over a given number of years. In addition to the rental, 31/2% of the county obligation is set aside in the Accumulated Capital Outlay Fund to provide funds to exercise the County's options at ear- lier dates. This method of financing costs the County a higher rate of interest than if the project were financed through bonds issued by the County-also, it is pos- sible that the projects could cost the County more money in having more flex- ible building commitments. We would recommend that the Board of Supervisors make a projection of capital improvements required over the next ten years and submit a program of financing to the voters for approval. If the present plan of leasing from the Board of Retirement is followed, it could reach astronomical figures in a few years. The Audit Committee expresses here its appreciation for the splendid coop- eration tendered it by the contract auditor: Lybrand, Ross Bros. & Mont- gomery. Without exception, all heads of those departments visited were lavish in the praise of the contract auditor's representatives. The latter's decorum and fairness while conducting their audit was not only mentioned, but the highly favorable reception of their recommendations is indicative of their skill as auditors and their knowledge of county business and procedures. Respectfully submitted, Jack C. Sherrard, Chairman LaVern H. Brinkman, Secretary Mel H. Buether Fernando Figueroa Denman P. Gambill Mrs. Sinclair Jardine Mrs. Helen B. Rimpau Approved by the Grand Jury October 5, 1965 1965 CRIMINAL COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE REPORT THE CRIMINAL COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE Because of title and definition this committee receives by mail and other- wise many requests for investigations and complaints of alleged crimes. It has been the policy of the 1965 committee to examine each complaint care- fully, regardless of its apparent validity. It was thought that the need for justice might be found in unexpected places. TRANSCRIBERS' OATH It came to the attention of the committee that traditionally all parties to a grand jury action were required to take a loyalty and secrecy oath, except the transcribers of the court reporters' notes. This committee successfully rec- ommended that the transcribers be required to take the oath. The importance of this recommendation is self-evident and it is suggested that future juries take the same action. PRESS RELATION Information concerning a case which was referred to the jury as a whole by this committee "leaked to the press". The result was headlines and news stories naming the suspect and stating particulars regarding the accusation before it was heard by the grand jury. This committee feels that the same secrecy observed by the grand jury should be adhered to by the members of the criminal complaints committee, and any attorney, investigator or other personnel attached to the committee. It is the concurrence of this committee that premature publicity to action of the committee is prejudicial to evidence to be given the grand jury and does unfair damage to the suspect. LAW ENFORCEMENT AND COURT DECISION Throughout the year this committee has heard complaints from law en- forcement officials about court decisions that nullified arrests, whereby known criminals were released from custody on what was stated to be "technicalities of the law". The Criminal Complaints Committee does not wish to criticize law enforce- ment officials nor the courts. However, it is the consensus of this committee that in view of the rapid rise in crime statistics in this county, the courts and law enforcement agencies should resolve their technical problems and take recommendations that will clarify any "grey areas" in our criminal laws to the next session of the appropriate legislative body. It is the belief of this committee that if there is evidence that a person has committed a crime against society, our laws should be definite and clear enough that he who has committed the crime should be prosecuted within the law and not released to commit more crimes because of a technicality of the law. By this statement we do not wish to be misunderstood. The fundamental constitutional guarantees of the individual should have full protection of the courts. IMMUNITY The statement by a deputy district attorney that he had given immunity to a party or to parties to an alleged crime—in order to establish a case against another party or parties to the same crime—has confronted the 1965 Criminal Complaints Committee several times. It is the belief of this committee that giving immunity to a person where there is evidence or suspicion that a crime has been committed is wrong in principle, and that this should be done only where very extenuating circum- stances exist. In order to guard as much as possible against the practice of giving immun- ity-and to protect society against those who have violated the law, this com- mittee makes the following recommendations: 1. No offer of immunity shall be given to a suspect without the personal knowledge and consent of the district attorney.