San Diego County Grand Jury • 2015-2016

Detention Facilities – San Diego County California State Penal Code §919(b) mandates that each County Grand Jury

Published: June 01, 2016 19 pages
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Findings 10 findings

F01
It cannot be determined which inmate programs should be expanded and which should be discontinued.
F02
The Sheriff’s Department has difficulty producing unified, comprehensive statistics on recidivism. Fact: Inmates at most facilities have no access to shoes appropriate for exercise. Fact: Exercising in plastic, backless sandals is extremely difficult and increases the potential for physical injury.
F03
Inmates need access to appropriate shoes in order to maintain health and well-being. Fact: Inmates perform several jobs in the jails; their pay is fixed at $.50 per day.
F04
Inmates have no financial incentive to learn or perform more challenging and complex jobs. Fact: Visits at male facilities are non-contact, excluding court ordered visits with children. Fact: Visits with adult family and friends are limited to thirty minutes twice weekly at all facilities.
F05
Policies and procedures for family visits are too restrictive and counterproductive to rehabilitation and reintegration into society. Fact: Other than HiSet, the Sheriff’s Department offers no educational opportunities to inmates.
F06
Computer-based educational programs exist that could be offered to inmates.
F07
The Probation Department cannot make evidence-based conclusions on which programs should be expanded or discontinued. Fact: The laundry facility at KMDF is old and has maintenance issues. Fact: There is an industrial-grade laundry facility at EMRF with unused capacity.
F08
The probation department should consider outsourcing laundry for the juvenile facilities. Fact: The number of incarcerated juveniles has decreased. Fact: KMDF, GRF and EMJDF have unused wings and beds.
F09
Closing a juvenile facility may be warranted. Fact: Many of the juveniles have no visits from family.
F10
Issues including distance to facilities make visiting juveniles difficult for some family members.

Recommendations 10

Agency Responses 1

Government agencies' official responses to this report's findings and recommendations. Click on a response to see the structured breakdown.