Correctional Facilities Inspections Civil Grand Jury Case No. 09-18*

Recommendations 3

• R1
  It appeared that the food procurement procedures were missing opportunities to create greater economies of scale. It was noted that there were several versions of uniforms worn by custodial and ancillary staff. This could potentially facilitate an escape. Minimum custody housing unit:
• R2
  The officer located in the lobby area had an obstructed view of the housing units due to existing window coverings. Overall the cleanliness of the minimum security housing unit needs improvement. General Population Unit:
• R3
  The furniture in this unit is not anchored to the floor and made of flammable materials. PROBATION DEPARTMENT'S JUVENILE FACILITY The kitchen area is in need of extensive cleaning; in particular, the overhead vents located over the cooking area are coated with grease. This is a fire hazard. The entrance to the walk-in refrigerators located in the kitchen area had several floor tiles missing which is a safety and health hazard. There were no written policies to determine classification of incoming wards. STANISLAUS COUNTY HONOR FARM Two of the units in the building that houses the high risk inmates were in such a state of disrepair as to render units uninhabitable. It was noted that un-sentenced inmates were housed at the Honor Farm which is understood to be a minimum custodial facility. It was noted that there were previously two types of recycling programs at the Honor Farm. One of them was making compost from green waste; the other was recycling discarded items on County roads. It appears these programs were discontinued because of the lack of funds. Sections of the property housing the facility had been previously used for growing fruit trees and vegetables. The crop was included as part of the food program for County detention facilities. This program no longer exists. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MAIN JAIL Stanislaus County Main Jail: The entire facility should be replaced. Replacement of this facility was recommended in the 1988 Jail Needs Assessment and Master Plan and continuously after that. This Grand Jury concurs with that recommendation. The paint storage room does not meet the *OSHA (Office of Safety and Health Administration) Standards for Storage of Flammable and Combustible Liquids 1926.152. Specific guidelines for inmate classification should be developed by qualified professionals and disseminated as a training document for staff involved in the assignment of housing and programs of inmates. In certain instances Grand Jurors may choose to speak directly to an inmate. Jail staff should be aware of this prerogative. High-risk inmates that are currently restrained during their period in the exercise area should be allowed to exercise in their secured and separate enclosure without wrist or ankle restraints. The officer so observation station located in the exercise area should be moved to a location that provides an unobstructed view of all inmates. At the recommendation of the current Civil Grand Jury, a directive was issued by the Sheriff, dated May 19, 2009. Citizen complaint forms will now be available in all Sheriff@s facilities and on-line, to be issued upon request without questioning. Main Kitchen (Public Safety Center): The current cost of feeding per inmate approaches $6.00 per day. The kitchen management is encouraged to seek additional means to create economies of scale in food procurement i.e., joint purchases of commonly used food products with nearby counties. Applications should be made to the federal government for access to federal food stores if possible, and other mechanisms that would result in the reduction of daily food costs. It is recommended that all staff interacting with inmates dress in a uniform manner to reduce the potential of prisoner escape. Minimum Housing Custody Unit: Window coverings in the lobby area should be removed or permanently raised to provide an unobstructed view of the inmate activity area. It is recommended that the Sheriffos Department utilize inmate workers to achieve and maintain the overall cleanliness of the housing unit. General Population Unit: The Grand Jury recommends that the furniture be securely anchored to the floor. Furniture purchased in the future should be made of non-flammable materials. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PROBATION DEPARTMENT'S JUVENILE FACILITY The kitchen area should be thoroughly cleaned with particular attention paid to the overhead vents that are covered with grease. Missing floor tiles in the kitchen area should be replaced. Specific guidelines for ward classification should be developed by qualified professionals. This information should be disseminated as a training document for staff to assign housing and programs for wards. RECOMMENDATIONS STANISLAUS COUNTY HONOR FARM The building that houses the high-risk inmates should be condemned and razed. It is apparent that inmates classified at higher than minimum risk are housed at this minimum risk facility. It is recommended that this practice be reviewed.