Merced County Grand Jury • 2003-2004

Grand Jury Report 2003-2004

Published: June 21, 2004 47 pages Consolidated Report
View Original PDF

Note: Missing finding numbers detected: F108, F109, F110, F111, F112, F113, F114, F115, F116, F117, F118, F119, F120, F121, F122, F123, F124, F125, F126, F127, F128, F129, F130, F131, F132, F133, F134, F135, F136, F137, F138, F139, F140, F141, F142, F143, F144, F145, F146, F147, F148, F149, F150, F151, F152, F153, F154, F155, F156, F157, F158, F159, F160, F161, F162, F163, F164, F165, F166, F167, F168, F169, F170, F171, F172, F173, F174, F175, F176, F177, F178, F179, F180, F181, F182, F183, F184, F185, F186, F187, F188, F189, F190, F191, F192, F193, F194, F195, F196, F197, F198, F199, F200, F201, F202, F203, F204, F205, F206, F207, F208, F209, F210, F211, F212, F213, F214, F215, F216, F217, F218, F219, F220, F221, F222, F223, F224, F225, F226, F227, F228, F229, F230, F231, F232, F233, F234, F235, F236, F237, F238, F239, F240, F241, F242, F243, F244, F245, F246, F247, F248, F249, F250, F251, F252, F253, F254, F255, F256, F257, F258, F259, F260, F261, F262, F263, F264, F265, F266, F267, F268, F269, F270, F271, F272, F273, F274, F275, F276, F277, F278, F279, F280, F281, F282, F283, F284, F285, F286, F287, F288, F289, F290, F291, F292, F293, F294, F295, F296, F297, F298, F299, F300, F301, F302, F303, F304, F305, F306, F307, F308, F309, F310, F311, F312, F313, F314, F315, F316, F317, F318, F319, F320, F321, F322, F323, F324, F325, F326, F327, F328, F329, F330, F331, F332, F333, F334, F335, F336, F337, F338, F339, F340, F341, F342, F343, F344, F345, F346, F347, F348, F349, F350, F351, F352, F353, F354, F355, F356, F357, F358, F359, F360, F361, F362, F363, F364, F365, F366, F367, F368, F369, F370, F371, F372, F373, F374, F375, F376, F377, F378, F379, F380, F381, F382, F383, F384, F385, F386, F387, F388, F389, F390, F391, F392, F393, F394, F395, F396, F397, F398, F399, F400, F401, F402, F403, F404, F405, F406, F407, F408, F409, F410, F411, F412, F413, F414, F415, F416, F417, F418, F419, F420, F421, F422, F423, F424, F425, F426, F427, F428, F429, F430, F431, F432, F433, F434, F435, F436, F437, F438, F439, F440, F441, F442, F443, F444, F445, F446, F447, F448, F449, F450, F451, F452, F453, F454, F455, F456, F457, F458, F459, F460, F461, F462, F463, F464, F465, F466, F467, F468, F469, F470, F471, F472, F473, F474, F475, F476, F477, F478, F479, F480, F481, F482, F483, F484, F485, F486, F487, F488, F489, F490, F491, F492, F493, F494, F495, F496, F497, F498, F499, F500, F501, F502, F503, F504, F505, F506, F507, F508, F509, F510, F511, F512, F513, F514, F515, F516, F517, F518, F519, F520, F521, F522, F523, F524, F525, F526, F527, F528, F529, F530, F531, F532, F533, F534, F535, F536, F537, F538, F539, F540, F541, F542, F543, F544, F545, F546, F547, F548, F549, F550, F551, F552, F553, F554, F555, F556, F557, F558, F559, F560, F561, F562, F563, F564, F565, F566, F567, F568, F569, F570, F571, F572, F573, F574, F575, F576, F577, F578, F579, F580, F581, F582, F583, F584, F585, F586, F587, F588, F589, F590, F591, F592, F593, F594, F595, F596, F597, F598, F599, F600, F601, F602, F603, F604, F605, F606, F607, F608, F609, F610, F611, F612, F613, F614, F615, F616, F617, F618, F619, F620, F621, F622, F623, F624, F625, F626, F627, F628, F629, F630, F631, F632, F633, F634, F635, F636, F637, F638, F639, F640, F641, F642, F643, F644, F645, F646, F647, F648, F649, F650, F651, F652, F653, F654, F655, F656, F657, F658, F659, F660, F661, F662, F663, F664, F665, F666, F667, F668, F669, F670, F671, F672, F673, F674, F675, F676, F677, F678, F679, F680, F681, F682, F683, F684, F685, F686, F687, F688, F689, F690, F691, F692, F693, F694, F695, F696, F697, F698, F699, F700, F701, F702, F703, F704, F705, F706, F707, F708, F709, F710, F711, F712, F713, F714, F715, F716, F717, F718, F719, F720, F721, F722, F723, F724, F725, F726, F727, F728, F729, F730, F731, F732, F733, F734, F735, F736, F737, F738, F739, F740, F741, F742, F743, F744, F745, F746, F747, F748, F749, F750, F751, F752, F753, F754, F755, F756, F757, F758, F759, F760, F761, F762, F763, F764, F765, F766, F767, F768, F769, F770, F771, F772, F773, F774, F775, F776, F777, F778, F779, F780, F781, F782, F783, F784, F785, F786, F787, F788, F789, F790, F791, F792, F793, F794, F795, F796, F797, F798, F799, F800, F801, F802, F803, F804, F805, F806, F807, F808, F809, F810, F811, F812, F813, F814, F815, F816, F817, F818, F819, F820, F821, F822, F823, F824, F825, F826, F827, F828, F829, F830, F831, F832, F833, F834, F835, F836, F837, F838, F839, F840, F841, F842, F843, F844, F845, F846, F847, F848, F849, F850, F851, F852, F853, F854, F855, F856, F857, F858, F859, F860, F861, F862, F863, F864, F865, F866, F867, F868, F869, F870, F871, F872, F873, F874, F875, F876, F877, F878, F879, F880, F881, F882, F883, F884, F885, F886, F887, F888, F889, F890, F891, F892, F893, F894, F895, F896, F897, F898, F899, F900, F901, F902, F903, F904, F905, F906, F907, F908, F909, F910, F911, F912, F913, F914, F915, F916, F917, F918, F919, F920, F921, F922, F923, F924, F925, F926, F927, F928, F929, F930, F931, F932, F933, F934, F935, F936, F937, F938, F939, F940, F941, F942, F943, F944, F945, F946, F947, F948, F949, F950, F951, F952, F953, F954, F955, F956, F957, F958, F959, F960, F961, F962, F963, F964, F965, F966, F967, F968, F969, F970, F971, F972, F973, F974, F975, F976, F977, F978, F979, F980, F981, F982, F983, F984, F985, F986, F987, F988, F989, F990, F991, F992, F993, F994, F995, F996, F997, F998, F999, F1000, F1001, F1002, F1003, F1004, F1005, F1006, F1007, F1008, F1009, F1010, F1011, F1012, F1013, F1014, F1015, F1016, F1017, F1018, F1019, F1020, F1021, F1022, F1023, F1024, F1025, F1026, F1027, F1028, F1029, F1030, F1031, F1032, F1033, F1034, F1035, F1036, F1037, F1038, F1039, F1040, F1041, F1042, F1043, F1044, F1045, F1046, F1047, F1048, F1049, F1050, F1051, F1052, F1053, F1054, F1055, F1056, F1057, F1058, F1059, F1060, F1061, F1062, F1063, F1064, F1065, F1066, F1067, F1068, F1069, F1070, F1071, F1072, F1073, F1074, F1075, F1076, F1077, F1078, F1079, F1080, F1081, F1082, F1083, F1084, F1085, F1086, F1087, F1088, F1089, F1090, F1091, F1092, F1093, F1094, F1095, F1096, F1097, F1098, F1099, F1100, F1101, F1102, F1103, F1104, F1105, F1106, F1107, F1108, F1109, F1110, F1111, F1112, F1113, F1114, F1115, F1116, F1117, F1118, F1119, F1120, F1121, F1122, F1123, F1124, F1125, F1126, F1127, F1128, F1129, F1130, F1131, F1132, F1133, F1134, F1135, F1136, F1137, F1138, F1139, F1140, F1141, F1142, F1143, F1144, F1145, F1146, F1147, F1148, F1149, F1150, F1151, F1152, F1153, F1154, F1155, F1156, F1157, F1158, F1159, F1160, F1161, F1162, F1163, F1164, F1165, F1166, F1167, F1168, F1169, F1170, F1171, F1172, F1173, F1174, F1175, F1176, F1177, F1178, F1179, F1180, F1181, F1182, F1183, F1184, F1185, F1186, F1187, F1188, F1189, F1190, F1191, F1192, F1193, F1194, F1195, F1196, F1197, F1198, F1199, F1200, F1201, F1202, F1203, F1204, F1205, F1206, F1207, F1208, F1209, F1210, F1211, F1212, F1213, F1214, F1215, F1216, F1217, F1218, F1219, F1220, F1221, F1222, F1223, F1224, F1225, F1226, F1227, F1228, F1229, F1230, F1231, F1232, F1233, F1234, F1235, F1236, F1237, F1238, F1239, F1240, F1241, F1242, F1243, F1244, F1245, F1246, F1247, F1248, F1249, F1250, F1251, F1252, F1253, F1254, F1255, F1256, F1257, F1258, F1259, F1260, F1261, F1262, F1263, F1264, F1265, F1266, F1267, F1268, F1269, F1270, F1271, F1272, F1273, F1274, F1275, F1276, F1277, F1278, F1279, F1280, F1281, F1282, F1283, F1284, F1285, F1286, F1287, F1288, F1289, F1290, F1291, F1292, F1293, F1294, F1295, F1296, F1297, F1298, F1299, F1300, F1301, F1302, F1303, F1304, F1305, F1306, F1307, F1308, F1309, F1310, F1311, F1312, F1313, F1314, F1315, F1316, F1317, F1318, F1319, F1320, F1321, F1322, F1323, F1324, F1325, F1326, F1327, F1328, F1329, F1330, F1331, F1332, F1333, F1334, F1335, F1336, F1337, F1338, F1339, F1340, F1341, F1342, F1343, F1344, F1345, F1346, F1347, F1348, F1349, F1350, F1351, F1352, F1353, F1354, F1355, F1356, F1357, F1358, F1359, F1360, F1361, F1362, F1363, F1364, F1365, F1366, F1367, F1368, F1369, F1370, F1371, F1372, F1373, F1374, F1375, F1376, F1377, F1378, F1379, F1380, F1381, F1382, F1383, F1384, F1385, F1386, F1387, F1388, F1389, F1390, F1391, F1392, F1393, F1394, F1395, F1396, F1397, F1398, F1399, F1400, F1401, F1402, F1403, F1404, F1405, F1406, F1407, F1408, F1409, F1410, F1411, F1412, F1413, F1414, F1415, F1416, F1417, F1418, F1419, F1420, F1421, F1422, F1423, F1424, F1425, F1426, F1427, F1428, F1429, F1430, F1431, F1432, F1433, F1434, F1435, F1436, F1437, F1438, F1439, F1440, F1441, F1442, F1443, F1444, F1445, F1446, F1447, F1448, F1449, F1450, F1451, F1452, F1453, F1454, F1455, F1456, F1457, F1458, F1459, F1460, F1461, F1462, F1463, F1464, F1465, F1466, F1467, F1468, F1469, F1470, F1471, F1472, F1473, F1474, F1475, F1476, F1477, F1478, F1479, F1480, F1481, F1482, F1483, F1484, F1485, F1486, F1487, F1488, F1489, F1490, F1491, F1492, F1493, F1494, F1495, F1496, F1497, F1498, F1499, F1500, F1501, F1502, F1503, F1504, F1505, F1506, F1507, F1508, F1509, F1510, F1511, F1512, F1513, F1514, F1515, F1516, F1517, F1518, F1519, F1520, F1521, F1522, F1523, F1524, F1525, F1526, F1527, F1528, F1529, F1530, F1531, F1532, F1533, F1534, F1535, F1536, F1537, F1538, F1539, F1540, F1541, F1542, F1543, F1544, F1545, F1546, F1547, F1548, F1549, F1550, F1551, F1552, F1553, F1554, F1555, F1556, F1557, F1558, F1559, F1560, F1561, F1562, F1563, F1564, F1565, F1566, F1567, F1568, F1569, F1570, F1571, F1572, F1573, F1574, F1575, F1576, F1577, F1578, F1579, F1580, F1581, F1582, F1583, F1584, F1585, F1586, F1587, F1588, F1589, F1590, F1591, F1592, F1593, F1594, F1595, F1596, F1597, F1598, F1599, F1600, F1601, F1602, F1603, F1604, F1605, F1606, F1607, F1608, F1609, F1610, F1611, F1612, F1613, F1614, F1615, F1616, F1617, F1618, F1619, F1620, F1621, F1622, F1623, F1624, F1625, F1626, F1627, F1628, F1629, F1630, F1631, F1632, F1633, F1634, F1635, F1636, F1637, F1638, F1639, F1640, F1641, F1642, F1643, F1644, F1645, F1646, F1647, F1648, F1649, F1650, F1651, F1652, F1653, F1654, F1655, F1656, F1657, F1658, F1659, F1660, F1661, F1662, F1663, F1664, F1665, F1666, F1667, F1668, F1669, F1670, F1671, F1672, F1673, F1674, F1675, F1676, F1677, F1678, F1679, F1680, F1681, F1682, F1683, F1684, F1685, F1686, F1687, F1688, F1689, F1690, F1691, F1692, F1693, F1694, F1695, F1696, F1697, F1698, F1699, F1700, F1701, F1702, F1703, F1704, F1705, F1706, F1707, F1708, F1709, F1710, F1711, F1712, F1713, F1714, F1715, F1716, F1717, F1718, F1719, F1720, F1721, F1722, F1723, F1724, F1725, F1726, F1727, F1728, F1729, F1730, F1731, F1732, F1733, F1734, F1735, F1736, F1737, F1738, F1739, F1740, F1741, F1742, F1743, F1744, F1745, F1746, F1747, F1748, F1749, F1750, F1751, F1752, F1753, F1754, F1755, F1756, F1757, F1758, F1759, F1760, F1761, F1762, F1763, F1764, F1765, F1766, F1767, F1768, F1769, F1770, F1771, F1772, F1773, F1774, F1775, F1776, F1777, F1778, F1779, F1780, F1781, F1782, F1783, F1784, F1785, F1786, F1787, F1788, F1789, F1790, F1791, F1792, F1793, F1794, F1795, F1796, F1797, F1798, F1799, F1800, F1801, F1802, F1803, F1804, F1805, F1806, F1807, F1808, F1809, F1810, F1811, F1812, F1813, F1814, F1815, F1816, F1817, F1818, F1819, F1820, F1821, F1822, F1823, F1824, F1825, F1826, F1827, F1828, F1829, F1830, F1831, F1832, F1833, F1834, F1835, F1836, F1837, F1838, F1839, F1840, F1841, F1842, F1843, F1844, F1845, F1846, F1847, F1848, F1849, F1850, F1851, F1852, F1853, F1854, F1855, F1856, F1857, F1858, F1859, F1860, F1861, F1862, F1863, F1864, F1865, F1866, F1867, F1868, F1869, F1870, F1871, F1872, F1873, F1874, F1875, F1876, F1877, F1878, F1879, F1880, F1881, F1882, F1883, F1884, F1885, F1886, F1887, F1888, F1889, F1890, F1891, F1892, F1893, F1894, F1895, F1896, F1897, F1898, F1899, F1900, F1901, F1902, F1903, F1904, F1905, F1906, F1907, F1908, F1909, F1910, F1911, F1912, F1913, F1914, F1915, F1916, F1917, F1918, F1919, F1920, F1921, F1922, F1923, F1924, F1925, F1926, F1927, F1928, F1929, F1930, F1931, F1932, F1933, F1934, F1935, F1936, F1937, F1938, F1939, F1940, F1941, F1942, F1943, F1944, F1945, F1946, F1947, F1948, F1949, F1950, F1951, F1952, F1953, F1954, F1955, F1956, F1957, F1958, F1959, F1960, F1961, F1962, F1963, F1964, F1965, F1966, F1967, F1968, F1969, F1970, F1971, F1972, F1973, F1974, F1975, F1976, F1977, F1978, F1979, F1980, F1981, F1982, F1983, F1984, F1985, F1986, F1987, F1988, F1989, F1990, F1991, F1992, F1993, F1994, F1995, F1996, F1997, F1998, F1999, F2000, F2001, F2002, F2003

Findings and Recommendations 108 findings

F1
Sheriff Mark Pazin presented the Grand Jury with a report indicating that this year's corrections budget is $12 million dollars as approved by the Board of Supervisors.
No recommendations for this finding
F2
The main jail was constructed in 1968. In 1991 and 1994 portions of the main jail were remodeled. It has the capacity to house 192 inmates.
No recommendations for this finding
F3
Staffing allocations are as follows: 7 officers and 1 sergeant on the day shift, 7 officers and 1 sergeant on the night shift, and 6 officers and 1 sergeant on the graveyard shift. Excessive overtime hours worked by officers constitute both safety and fiscal issues. Fatigue and elevated stress levels can result when consistently working additional hours. Overtime hours are paid at time and a half, adding to budgetary burdens.
No recommendations for this finding
F4
According to a staffing analysis conducted March 2003 by the California Board of Corrections, current staff allocations are insufficient in two areas. First, sergeants are included in minimum staffing levels, which prevents them from adequately performing their supervisory duties. Second, there is a lack of a roving officer to assist in areas of staffing shortfall and to provide transitional coverage when required. For example, in the event of a medical emergency or when an out-of-control inmate requires additional manpower to subdue and control, the vacated area is left unattended.
No recommendations for this finding
F5
During our tour of the facility, the Grand Jury observed areas in need of repair. This included cracked glass on cell block doors and areas of chipping paint within the cells. Due to the age of the building and constant use, it appears run down, but is maintained as well as can be expected.
No recommendations for this finding
F6
Currently, the area allocated to house the inmates who are awaiting escort to the court is a multi-use holding cell that is inadequate for some of the purposes for which it is used. In addition to holding inmates for court, it is also used to hold out-of-control inmates, as well as inebriated individuals. Many times, the number of inmates that are placed in this holding area exceed what is recommended for maximum safety and security.
No recommendations for this finding
F7
When transporting the inmates from the holding area to the courtroom, the open exposure constitutes a public safety issue, in the event of an escape attempt or other situation that could arise. The inmates are paraded along the sidewalk, secured to each other at the waist and ankles by chains and shackles.
No recommendations for this finding
F8
The visiting area is acceptable for current use, but visitors are required to pass through secure sections of the jail to reach the visiting area, which constitutes a safety issue.
No recommendations for this finding
F9
There is a separate area that houses trustees that do laundry and other assigned duties.
No recommendations for this finding
F10
There are fourteen different uniforms worn by the inmates. The purpose of the different uniforms is to help separate potential gang members from being housed in the same area.
No recommendations for this finding
F11
The budget amount allocated to the Sandy Mush Correctional Facility does not meet the needs of operations.
No recommendations for this finding
F12
The facility operates at maximum capacity for incarcerated inmates throughout the year. Hundreds of inmates are released early each year to allow space for other inmates to be housed. Inmates that are released early are not necessarily a low risk to the public.
No recommendations for this finding
F13
The ratio of correctional officers to inmates is dangerously low. Currently, there are at least five officer vacancies, which the department is in the process of filling. There are 88 inmates on lock down with one correctional officer assigned to that area. There are three officers on the exercise yard for approximately 400 inmates. A shortage in staff constitutes a safety issue.
No recommendations for this finding
F14
There is a serious shortage of female correctional officers. There must be a female officer on duty while processing female inmates entering the facility. When a female correctional officer is removed from her assigned area to book incoming female inmates, it causes a deficit in that area.
No recommendations for this finding
F15
One correctional officer is in charge of the 80-90 inmates on work furlough. There is no officer supervising the furloughed inmates at the work sites. The officer assigned to furloughed inmates operates strictly from a desk.
No recommendations for this finding
F16
Visitation is conducted in the cafeteria. There is no partition between the inmates and their visitors, which facilitates the transfer of contraband.
No recommendations for this finding
F17
One inmate was being housed in the shower due to over capacity.
No recommendations for this finding
F18
There were three female inmates sleeping on mats on the floor due to over capacity, one of whom suffered severe respiratory difficulties and was being administered several medications. This inmate needed to be on an elevated surface per doctor’s orders. No chest x-ray had been done due to the fact that the medical provider was not there to prescribe a chest x-ray.
No recommendations for this finding
F19
A pregnant inmate was not given timely access to adequate obstetrical care.
No recommendations for this finding
F20
There were several occasions when inmates in maximum security opened their cell doors. In one instance, the inmate entered a cell to fraternize with another inmate.
No recommendations for this finding
F21
Currently, no random cell searches are being conducted.
No recommendations for this finding
F22
One security system operator is responsible for monitoring the inmates on 13 closed circuit screens.
No recommendations for this finding
F23
A recommendation from a previous Grand Jury suggesting that a camera be installed at the front door of the facility was not implemented.
No recommendations for this finding
F24
There is no safety partition between the reception area and the receiving officer.
No recommendations for this finding
F25
There is excessive overtime due to the staff shortages.
No recommendations for this finding
F26
Currently, there is no law library available for inmate use.
No recommendations for this finding
F27
The Board of Supervisors does not make periodic visits to tour the facility to ascertain the needs.
No recommendations for this finding
F28
The Sheriff does not consistently make regular visits to the facility.
No recommendations for this finding
F29
The current facility was built in 1946 and is in very poor condition. All the hallways are very narrow, making it unsafe for staff to pass through with juvenile offenders. Many of the rooms are used for multiple functions. For example, the break room is also used for fingerprinting and compiling background information on the juveniles.
No recommendations for this finding
F30
The hall has a rating capacity of 42 juveniles, but cannot exceed 50. There are 3 supervisors and 22 probation employees to watch the juveniles. During the day and evening shifts, there is one full-time correctional officer for every 10 juveniles. During the graveyard shift, which is 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. while juveniles are sleeping, there is one correctional officer for every 30 juveniles.
No recommendations for this finding
F31
Juveniles are detained while awaiting sentencing, which takes approximately 20 to 35 days. Usually, the juveniles serve about one-third of their sentenced time, depending on their behavior.
No recommendations for this finding
F32
At any given time, there are approximately 100 juveniles waiting to serve their sentences. Juveniles are segregated by age, size, gang affiliation, and seriousness of offenses.
No recommendations for this finding
F33
When the old facility was built, most offenders were juveniles out of control, runaways, or petty thieves. According to Bill Davidson, most juveniles are now detained for offenses against other persons versus property offenses.
No recommendations for this finding
F34
The west wing was built in 1984 and is the most up to date. There are two beds, a toilet, sink, and drinking fountain in each cell. Rules are posted on the wall in each cell. The east wing has no toilets in the cell; just two beds. Juveniles must be escorted to a central bathroom, which causes a security problem.
No recommendations for this finding
F35
There is a very small juvenile courtroom and Judge Thomas Burr presides over 50 to 60 cases per day.
No recommendations for this finding
F36
The Merced County Office of Education provides the curriculum and teachers for the classrooms. NEW JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER
No recommendations for this finding
F37
Merced County offered 25 acres for the juvenile facility, which will be adjacent to the Sandy Mush Adult Correctional Facility. Pedersen Construction is contracted to build the new facility at a cost of approximately $23 million.
No recommendations for this finding
F38
There are three buildings that consist of approximately 40,000 square feet. The main entrance will have a metal detector and booking area. There will be a control center manned 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with bulletproof glass and an isolation room for juveniles who might injure themselves or others.
No recommendations for this finding
F39
The facility will also include a physical examination room and a nurse’s station where pharmaceuticals can be dispensed.
No recommendations for this finding
F40
A new courtroom with “state of the art” computers and closed circuit TVs, clerks’ offices, and judge’s chambers will be utilized.
No recommendations for this finding
F41
There will be 10 self-contained living units with classrooms included for the juveniles. Merced County Office of Education will provide a vice-principal and teachers.
No recommendations for this finding
F42
A secure parking lot is gated for the detention center staff.
No recommendations for this finding
F43
A quarter mile track and recreation area will serve as one of the main recreation areas.
No recommendations for this finding
F44
The Juvenile Department tentatively plans to take possession of the new facility in April or May 2004. There will be 60 to 90 days used to train staff prior to moving the juveniles from the old facility to the new facility. The target date for the initial 60 juveniles to occupy the new facility is July 2004. These initial 60 juveniles will be waiting to go through the court process. The next 20 juveniles in October 2004 and the final 30 juveniles arriving in April 2005 will be juveniles that are serving their time. At this time the new facility will be fully staffed and operational. One building will open in July 2004 with 30 juveniles and the second building for the long-term program has an approximate opening date of October 2004.
No recommendations for this finding
F45
The Division Manager is presently working on a new manual of procedures for the new facility.
No recommendations for this finding
F46
The operating cost of the new facility will be approximately $2 million more per year than the old facility. Currently, there are 30 full-time employees at Juvenile Hall. By the time full implementation of the new facility is completed, this number will increase to approximately 75 full-time employees. But, with extra help and ancillary support services, employees could range up to 100. Employee costs are 75 percent to 80 percent of budget. When fully implemented, the new facility will be three times larger than the current facility.
No recommendations for this finding
F47
This new facility is quite an improvement and will be safer and more efficient for staff and juveniles.
No recommendations for this finding
F48
Resolution # 91-32. The final question of the interview, which asks the applicant if there is anything that they
No recommendations for this finding
F49
would like to add, could be construed as a non-rated closure to the interview. Applicants were graded on a 100% point system, with a total of 10 questions. Each is worth
No recommendations for this finding
F50
The budget for 2003-2004 is $427,000 with 33-35% coming from local property taxes, $6,000 from the County Sheriff’s indigent section and the remainder from endowments, burials, pre-need (prepaid for comprehensive services) and reserved plots (prepaid for the plot and upkeep of land). They do not receive federal or state funding.
No recommendations for this finding
F51
There are a total of 14 employees at the two cemeteries and all work out of the Merced Cemetery. There is the Superintendent, 2 office workers, Maintenance Supervisor, and 10 grounds keepers. They also receive help from Work- In- Lieu, Regional Occupational Program (ROP), California Youth Authority (CYA), and Central Valley Occupational Center (CVOC).
No recommendations for this finding
F52
During the course of the investigation it was reported to the Grand Jury by interviewees that the meeting notice was not posted at least 72 hours prior to the meeting. It was also indicated that they were required to provide a signature prior to gaining entry and prior to receiving meeting minutes. Not posting the meeting notice, requiring a signature prior to admittance to a meeting, and requiring a signature prior to receipt of meeting minutes would constitute a violation of the Brown Act.
No recommendations for this finding
F53
The term for the Board of Trustees is 4 years, but several of the members have been on the board for an extended period. Brian Morse, President, has served approximately 18 years; Ralph Busby, Vice President, has served approximately 25 years; Kaytie Peterson, Secretary, approximately 3 years; Bruce Gabriault, 2 years; and Ed Joseph, 3 years. They usually meet monthly and do not receive remuneration.
No recommendations for this finding
F54
Since the change in management in March 2003, many new problems and issues have arisen as listed below: a. Large fee increases, such as the old rate for single burial of $1,043 being raised to $2,041.46. b. Mistreatment people felt they received from the Superintendent and Board of Trustees and allegations of violation of the Brown Act. c. Locked gates at both cemeteries. d. Prohibition of memorabilia, keepsakes, and religious artifacts on graves. e. Maintenance of cemetery grounds was poor. f. Vandalism in the cemetery, such as tombstones being knocked over or broken and tools being stolen. There are no cameras or alarm systems in operation on the buildings or cemetery grounds. g. Operational equipment not maintained.
No recommendations for this finding
F55
In the past, all cemetery record keeping has been written out in longhand, making it difficult to keep track of plot locations and accounting information.
No recommendations for this finding
F56
The budget for 2003-2004 is $427,000 with 33-35% coming from local property taxes, $6,000 from the County Sheriff’s indigent section and the remainder from endowments, burials, pre-need (prepaid for comprehensive services) and reserved plots (prepaid for the plot and upkeep of land). They do not receive federal or state funding.
No recommendations for this finding
F57
There are a total of 14 employees at the two cemeteries and all work out of the Merced Cemetery. There is the Superintendent, 2 office workers, Maintenance Supervisor, and 10 grounds keepers. They also receive help from Work- In- Lieu, Regional Occupational Program (ROP), California Youth Authority (CYA), and Central Valley Occupational Center (CVOC).
No recommendations for this finding
F58
During the course of the investigation it was reported to the Grand Jury by interviewees that the meeting notice was not posted at least 72 hours prior to the meeting. It was also indicated that they were required to provide a signature prior to gaining entry and prior to receiving meeting minutes. Not posting the meeting notice, requiring a signature prior to admittance to a meeting, and requiring a signature prior to receipt of meeting minutes would constitute a violation of the Brown Act.
No recommendations for this finding
F59
The term for the Board of Trustees is 4 years, but several of the members have been on the board for an extended period. Brian Morse, President, has served approximately 18 years; Ralph Busby, Vice President, has served approximately 25 years; Kaytie Peterson, Secretary, approximately 3 years; Bruce Gabriault, 2 years; and Ed Joseph, 3 years. They usually meet monthly and do not receive remuneration.
No recommendations for this finding
F60
Since the change in management in March 2003, many new problems and issues have arisen as listed below: a. Large fee increases, such as the old rate for single burial of $1,043 being raised to $2,041.46. b. Mistreatment people felt they received from the Superintendent and Board of Trustees and allegations of violation of the Brown Act. c. Locked gates at both cemeteries. d. Prohibition of memorabilia, keepsakes, and religious artifacts on graves. e. Maintenance of cemetery grounds was poor. f. Vandalism in the cemetery, such as tombstones being knocked over or broken and tools being stolen. There are no cameras or alarm systems in operation on the buildings or cemetery grounds. g. Operational equipment not maintained.
No recommendations for this finding
F61
In the past, all cemetery record keeping has been written out in longhand, making it difficult to keep track of plot locations and accounting information.
No recommendations for this finding
F62
CEO D. Tatum stated it was left to each department head’s discretion when to change to the new logo. Most of the Department Heads were told verbally about the logo change.
No recommendations for this finding
F63
Blatant waste occurred when employees in the County discarded existing paper with the old logo. The County Controllers Office stated that there was an estimate of over $120,000.00 loss due to the change of the County logo.
No recommendations for this finding
F64
A new County logo does not improve public relations when people are being laid off during a budget deficit.
No recommendations for this finding
F65
The Board of Supervisors’ travel habits were not deemed excessive.
No recommendations for this finding
F66
The County CEO proposed a pay-for-performance increase, but due to concerned citizens’ outrage it was withdrawn.
No recommendations for this finding
F67
Mr. Tatum was asked to explain why he felt that the closure of Central Duplicating Services was necessary. He stated that it wasn't cost effective due to the many errors that the employees made while printing the yearly report books and other County records.
No recommendations for this finding
F68
Mr. Tatum provided copies of the Merced County budget books that were printed by Central Duplicating Services and by Kinkos. The workmanship from Central Duplicating Services was extremely poor in comparison to that of Kinkos. Kinkos printed the Merced County Final Budget in color and without obvious printing errors. Central Duplicating Services printed the book in black and white, had missing pages, had printed pages upside down and backwards, and had used the wrong format.
No recommendations for this finding
F69
After reviewing all invoices from both entities we found that Kinkos charged $27.00 per unit compared with Central Duplicating Services fee of $40.00 per unit.
No recommendations for this finding
F70
Mr. Tatum explained that he used outside print shops due to the poor quality of printing that was produced by Central Duplicating Services. He used Castle Printing and Carpenter Printing until Castle Printing went out of business. Brochures were printed by Central Duplicating Services for the Merced County Fair in Los Banos that were upside down and backwards. The fee for the poor quality work was $3000.00. Using the services of Castle Printing reduced the fee to $1500.00 and printed on time to meet the expected schedules. Outside vendors were faster and in compliance with departments’ printing requests. Kinkos was the cheapest and did the best job for the printing services rendered.
No recommendations for this finding
F71
The County had not paid the supplier for the paper, which caused a depleted supply. The equipment used in Central Duplicating Services was antiquated and not appropriate for the current level of jobs.
No recommendations for this finding
F72
Board action was taken on January 14, 2003 by the Merced County Board of Supervisors. There was justification for the closure of the Central Services Department. There was a letter sent to all departments from Chris Tafoya, Director of General Services stating on January 14, 2003, that the Board of Supervisors took action to authorize the notification of reduction in workforce for the Central Services Operation with an effective date of February 28, 2003. MERCED COLLEGE POLICE DEPARTMENT Complaint #03-04-11 INTRODUCTION The Merced County Civil Grand Jury received a complaint regarding inappropriate practices at the Merced College Police Department.
No recommendations for this finding
F73
Mr. Tatum was asked to explain why he felt that the closure of Central Duplicating Services was necessary. He stated that it wasn't cost effective due to the many errors that the employees made while printing the yearly report books and other County records.
No recommendations for this finding
F74
Mr. Tatum provided copies of the Merced County budget books that were printed by Central Duplicating Services and by Kinkos. The workmanship from Central Duplicating Services was extremely poor in comparison to that of Kinkos. Kinkos printed the Merced County Final Budget in color and without obvious printing errors. Central Duplicating Services printed the book in black and white, had missing pages, had printed pages upside down and backwards, and had used the wrong format.
No recommendations for this finding
F75
After reviewing all invoices from both entities we found that Kinkos charged $27.00 per unit compared with Central Duplicating Services fee of $40.00 per unit.
No recommendations for this finding
F76
Mr. Tatum explained that he used outside print shops due to the poor quality of printing that was produced by Central Duplicating Services. He used Castle Printing and Carpenter Printing until Castle Printing went out of business. Brochures were printed by Central Duplicating Services for the Merced County Fair in Los Banos that were upside down and backwards. The fee for the poor quality work was $3000.00. Using the services of Castle Printing reduced the fee to $1500.00 and printed on time to meet the expected schedules. Outside vendors were faster and in compliance with departments’ printing requests. Kinkos was the cheapest and did the best job for the printing services rendered.
No recommendations for this finding
F77
The County had not paid the supplier for the paper, which caused a depleted supply. The equipment used in Central Duplicating Services was antiquated and not appropriate for the current level of jobs.
No recommendations for this finding
F78
Board action was taken on January 14, 2003 by the Merced County Board of Supervisors. There was justification for the closure of the Central Services Department. There was a letter sent to all departments from Chris Tafoya, Director of General Services stating on January 14, 2003, that the Board of Supervisors took action to authorize the notification of reduction in workforce for the Central Services Operation with an effective date of February 28, 2003. MERCED COLLEGE POLICE DEPARTMENT Complaint #03-04-11 INTRODUCTION The Merced County Civil Grand Jury received a complaint regarding inappropriate practices at the Merced College Police Department.
No recommendations for this finding
F79
Merced College Police Department collected money for fingerprinting. There was no proper documentation regarding receipts of money, which led to an unclear audit trail. There was no consistent use of receipt books. In 2000, the police department used three-part receipts with six digit sequential numbers. The receipts contained the customer’s name and address. The badge number or employee number of the officer was indicated. The receipts were dated with quantity and total charges. During 2001 and 2002, the receipt books changed. There was no sequential number on the receipts. The demographics were vague. In 2003, the majority of the receipts viewed did not have a customer name, address, or signature of receiving officer. An uncashed check dated from a previous year was found in the box of receipt books.
No recommendations for this finding
F80
Currently, there is no accounting policy at Merced College.
No recommendations for this finding
F81
Inappropriate corrections were made on police employees’ time cards. Employees were instructed to use compensatory time during the week following that in which it was earned.
No recommendations for this finding
F82
The police department had access to Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service (DRMS). This service offers military excess equipment at no cost. This equipment includes various items such as riot gear, all weather clothing, gas masks, and body armor. There is no policy regarding this equipment nor who has access to it. Many items were assigned to employees. There is no tracking system in place for retrieving equipment once an employee has left the department.
No recommendations for this finding
F83
Employees were removing DRMS equipment from the college premises with and without permission.
No recommendations for this finding
F84
DRMS equipment is stored in an old trailer that is rusted, packed beyond capacity, and unprotected from the elements. The current storage situation is unsafe for employees to access equipment. There are tents that are being stored outside completely exposed. Lack of use and maintenance is causing the equipment to deteriorate.
No recommendations for this finding
F85
Merced College police are not authorized to issue moving violations at this time. They continue to issue parking citations.
No recommendations for this finding
F86
There has been inadequate supervision and support for the employees of the Merced College Police Department for a variety of reasons. In the past, the MC Police Department staff did not believe they had effective communication with supervisors, management and administration.
No recommendations for this finding
F87
Extra help employees are not issued parking permits. They must pay the $1 daily fee or the $20 semester fee to park their automobiles.
No recommendations for this finding
F88
The Dos Palos Police Department is responsible for a 2.2 mile radius city area.
No recommendations for this finding
F89
The department has six patrol vehicles and one animal control vehicle.
No recommendations for this finding
F90
Routinely, the arrestees are booked into Sandy Mush Jail or taken to Los Banos Police Department.
No recommendations for this finding
F91
There was an inappropriate use of police association funds. An excessive number of checks were written to liquor stores and the mini mart for unsubstantiated purchases.
No recommendations for this finding
F92
Shortly after the appointment of Paul C. Lopez as chief of police, five officers resigned from the department.
No recommendations for this finding
F93
The department could not produce any written procedures or protocols for evidence handling.
No recommendations for this finding
F94
Excessive personal use of the department-issued cell phone by a reserve officer was inappropriate.
No recommendations for this finding
F95
There is no written nepotism policy.
No recommendations for this finding
F96
Not all officer certifications were verified.
No recommendations for this finding
F97
Recordkeeping of personnel and internal affairs investigation files were improperly maintained.
No recommendations for this finding
F98
A Reserve Officer employed by the Department, who exhibited a pattern of non-continuous service, was not always in compliance with P.O.S.T. training requirements. After his initial hiring with the department, the Reserve Officer left for employment elsewhere. When he was later rehired by the department, the P.O.S.T. qualifications had changed. P.O.S.T. documentation indicated that he was out of compliance with the knowledge of the chief, who also happened to be his father, but was allowed to continue employment.
No recommendations for this finding
F99
To become a potential foster parent applicants must pass FBI, state, and local clearances. Foster families are inspected with scheduled and unscheduled visits of their homes by social workers. There are not enough families that want to become foster parents. Currently, there are only 53 foster families in Merced County. Money for foster families varies, starting at $300, or more per child, depending on the needs of the child. The rates are mandated by the state of California.
No recommendations for this finding
F100
Child Welfare Services works diligently with family members in an attempt to keep families united. Child Welfare Services receives 800 to 1000 calls per month. Depending on the nature of the call, the response time can be anywhere from immediate to up to 10 days.
No recommendations for this finding
F101
Child Welfare Services believes that law enforcement and the schools are not collaborating with their agency.
No recommendations for this finding
F102
Numerous applicants and eventual members of the Grand Jury lacked the advanced knowledge of the time commitments expected of them from the questionnaire they received. This resulted in time and additional work spent to find additional qualified applicants willing to become Grand Jurors.
No recommendations for this finding
F103
The Grand Jury does not advertise in the local newspapers when preparing to impanel jurors for a new term.
No recommendations for this finding
F104
The Grand Jury is an entity that is impaneled throughout the year. There is no dedicated space that is only accessible to the Grand Jury. Currently, the room utilized by the Grand Jury is shared with another department, which requires that the room be scheduled each and every time it is needed. Although the room is generally available, and confidential information is secured in locked cabinets, the freedom of use and space is restricted.
No recommendations for this finding
F105
The Grand Jury does not have an effective communication system in place to provide confidential access for the citizens of Merced County. The Grand Jury does not have a dedicated phone number nor email address available to the citizenry.
No recommendations for this finding
F106
The forms currently used by the grand jury are antiquated and should be updated to reflect current needs and recent advances. Not all forms are available online.
No recommendations for this finding
F107
The final report is available on the website, but the hard copy distribution is very limited and could be expanded to include the entire County citizenry.
No recommendations for this finding
F2004 Page 1
• The Division Manager is presently working on a new manual of procedures for the new facility. -15- • The operating cost of the new facility will be approximately $2 million more per year than the old facility. Currently, there are 30 full-time employees at Juvenile Hall. By the time full implementation of the new facility is completed, this number will increase to approximately 75 full-time employees. But, with extra help and ancillary support services, employees could range up to 100. Employee costs are 75 percent to 80 percent of budget. When fully implemented, the new facility will be three times larger than the current facility. • This new facility is quite an improvement and will be safer and more efficient for staff and juveniles.
No recommendations for this finding

No Responses Found 3

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

Merced County Board of Supervisors Elected County Office
Merced County District Attorney Elected County Office
Merced County Sheriff Elected County Office