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Extracted from Consolidated Report

This investigation was originally published as part of a larger consolidated report containing multiple investigations. View the consolidated PDF for the complete document.

San Bernardino County Grand Jury • 2022-2023

San Bernardino County Municipal Jails

20 pages
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Findings and Recommendations 107 findings

F1 Page 159
The general population (GP) of inmates are housed in separate units or sections based on their individual classifications when they are booked. The inmate classification system is based on the level of inmate security risk. Classification of an inmate is done before the inmate is assigned to a living area. Inmates with major medical or mental health issues are not housed at Glen Helen. Those inmates are sent to West Valley Detention Center to ensure they receive a higher level of care, and they have their own classification.
No recommendations for this finding
F2 Page 159
Clean walls were observed in the facility and cells.
No recommendations for this finding
F3 Page 159
The female section had two bunks to a cell, with one 4 bunk cell.
No recommendations for this finding
F4 Page 159
The General Population cells for men had multiple bunk beds in each section.
No recommendations for this finding
F5 Page 159
On the day of the visit, hallways were clear and cell doors were closed.
No recommendations for this finding
F6 Page 159
Inmates have access to drinking water and toilets in each cell.
No recommendations for this finding
F7 Page 159
Beds are metal bunk beds or singular beds.
No recommendations for this finding
F8 Page 159
It was observed in the female housing section that inmates have access to mops and brooms to clean their cells. San Bernardino County Grand Jury Final Report 139 5 LOCAL INSPECTIONS
No recommendations for this finding
F9 Page 160
A fire inspection was conducted on 11/16/2021.
No recommendations for this finding
F10 Page 160
A medical/mental health inspection was conducted on 2/23/2022.
No recommendations for this finding
F11 Page 160
The Environmental Health Department inspection was conducted on 2/23/2022.
No recommendations for this finding
F12 Page 160
The Nutritional Health Department inspection was conducted on 2/23/2022.
No recommendations for this finding
F13 Page 160
The Corrections Standards Authority inspection was conducted on 4/15/2022. STAFFING
No recommendations for this finding
F14 Page 160
The staff and inmates displayed a good rapport. The Grand Jury witnessed several inmates all greeting a deputy who walked into the building. CONDITION OF GROUNDS
No recommendations for this finding
F15 Page 160
Lawns, recreation area, and asphalt are clean and well-kept. EXTERIOR OF BUILDING
No recommendations for this finding
F16 Page 160
There were no visible signs of housing in ill repair in the areas observed. INTERIOR OF BUILDING
No recommendations for this finding
F17 Page 160
A podular (pod) jail design has a master control area in the center with cells and program areas surrounding the perimeter in a circular or pie-shaped layout. This design eliminates staff’s need to run down long corridors to see what's going on because there are clear sightlines for observation of inmates and activities at all times. San Bernardino County Grand Jury Final Report 6
No recommendations for this finding
F18 Page 161
When the Grand Jurors were on the premises for the inspection, the temperature was set at 75 degrees, the airflow was good, and the lighting was bright. ORIENTATION OF INMATES
No recommendations for this finding
F19 Page 161
The Grand Jury was given a demonstration by an inmate on how to use a computer kiosk to file commissary orders, grievances, and medical requests. PERSONAL APPEARANCE OF INMATES
No recommendations for this finding
F20 Page 161
Inmates observed looked clean and kept.
No recommendations for this finding
F21 Page 161
The jail has a laundry facility that keeps clean clothing available to inmates.
No recommendations for this finding
F22 Page 161
The Grand Jury observed inmates wearing color-coded clothing according to their housing classifications. PROGRAMS FOR PERSONAL GROWTH
No recommendations for this finding
F23 Page 161
Recreational activities and equipment were observed. Basketballs and volleyballs were being used by inmates. Other inmates were jogging or walking.
No recommendations for this finding
F24 Page 161
There are inmate work programs at the jail, such as jobs in the kitchen. GRIEVANCES
No recommendations for this finding
F25
Kiosks are used by inmates to file grievances. San Bernardino County Grand Jury Final Report 141 7 ATTACHMENT 2 WEST VALLEY DETENTION CENTER DATE OF GRAND JURY VISITATION: AUGUST 17, 2022 GENERAL INFORMATION On August 17, 2022, the 2022 San Bernardino County Civil Grand Jury conducted a walkthrough at the West Valley Detention Center (WVDC) in the City of Rancho Cucamonga, California to observe the conditions at the County jail facility. INDIVIDUAL CELLS/ROOMS
No recommendations for this finding
F26 Page 162
There are individual cells and dormitory units at the facility.
No recommendations for this finding
F27 Page 159
Clean walls were observed in the facility and cells.
No recommendations for this finding
F28 Page 159
Inmates have access to drinking water and toilets in the pods and cells.
No recommendations for this finding
F29 Page 162
Cells have metal bunk beds or individual beds.
No recommendations for this finding
F30 Page 162
Mops, brooms, and cleaning supplies for cell upkeep were observed. LOCAL INSPECTIONS
No recommendations for this finding
F31 Page 162
A fire inspection was conducted in February 2022.
No recommendations for this finding
F32 Page 162
A medical/mental health inspection was conducted in February 2022.
No recommendations for this finding
F33 Page 160
The Environmental Health Department inspection was conducted in February 2022.
No recommendations for this finding
F34 Page 160
The Nutritional Health Department inspection was conducted in February 2022.
No recommendations for this finding
F35 Page 160
The Corrections Standards Authority inspection was conducted in February 2022. San Bernardino County Grand Jury Final Report 8 STAFFING
No recommendations for this finding
F36 Page 163
Professional attitudes were observed during staff interactions with inmates. CONDITION OF GROUNDS
No recommendations for this finding
F37 Page 163
Lawns, recreation area, and asphalt were clean, well-kept, and no defects or areas of concern were observed. EXTERIOR OF BUILDING
No recommendations for this finding
F38 Page 160
There were no visible signs of housing in ill repair in the areas observed. INTERIOR OF BUILDING
No recommendations for this finding
F39 Page 160
A podular (pod) jail design has a master control area in the center with cells and program areas surrounding the perimeter in a circular or pie-shaped layout. This design eliminates staff’s need to run down long corridors to see what's going on because there are always clear sightlines for observation of inmates and activities.
No recommendations for this finding
F40 Page 161
When the Grand Jurors were on the premises for the inspection, the temperature was set at a comfortable level, the airflow was good, and the lighting was bright. ORIENTATION OF INMATES
No recommendations for this finding
F41 Page 163
The Grand Jury observed a computer kiosk that inmates use to file commissary orders, grievances, and medical requests. PERSONAL APPEARANCE OF INMATES
No recommendations for this finding
F42 Page 163
Inmates looked clean and kept during the visit.
No recommendations for this finding
F43 Page 163
The Grand Jury observed a laundry facility and keeps clean clothing available to inmates.
No recommendations for this finding
F44 Page 161
The Grand Jury observed inmates wearing color-coded clothing according to their housing classifications. San Bernardino County Grand Jury Final Report 143 9 PROGRAMS FOR PERSONAL GROWTH
No recommendations for this finding
F45 Page 164
No recreational equipment was observed during the visit.
No recommendations for this finding
F46 Page 161
There are inmate work programs at the jail, such as jobs in the kitchen and laundry.
No recommendations for this finding
F47 Page 164
The Grand Jury observed a classroom where inmates receive training in Culinary Arts and Food Handling. GRIEVANCES
No recommendations for this finding
F48
Kiosks are used by inmates to file grievances. EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
No recommendations for this finding
F49 Page 164
The GJ observed a presentation in a classroom from a vocational instructor regarding Culinary Arts and Bakery Certification activities at the facility.
No recommendations for this finding
F50 Page 164
The classroom was clean and orderly and had desks and books. CONCLUSION The 2022 San Bernardino County Civil Grand Jury greatly appreciated the staffs at Glen Helen Rehabilitation Center and West Valley Detention Centers’ willingness to lead us on an inspection of their facility both inside and out. An assortment of San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department administrative staff members made themselves available for questions before, during and after the walkthrough. The 2022 San Bernardino County Civil Grand Jury would like to thank the Facility Administrators for their cooperation, professionalism, and hospitality. San Bernardino County Grand Jury Final Report 10 CONDITIONS WITHIN SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY MUNICIPAL JAILS (PC § 925a) SUMMARY Per California Penal Code § 925a: The Grand Jury may at any time examine the books and records of any incorporated city or joint powers agency located in the county. In addition to any other investigatory powers granted by this chapter, the Grand Jury may investigate and report upon the operations, accounts, and records of the officers, departments, functions, and the method or system of performing the duties of any such city or joint powers agency and make such recommendations as it may deem proper and fit. The Grand Jury may investigate and report upon the needs of all joint powers agencies in the county, including the abolition or creation of agencies and the equipment form or the method or system of performing the duties of the several agencies. It shall cause a copy of any such report to be transmitted to the governing body of any affected agency.
No recommendations for this finding
F51 Page 167
The Grand Jury met three sworn officers and the civilian jail manager. CONDITION OF GROUNDS
No recommendations for this finding
F52 Page 167
The jail is in the basement of the Fontana Police station. The grounds observed were well-kept and clean. EXTERIOR OF BUILDING(S)
No recommendations for this finding
F53 Page 167
The building is made of concrete.
No recommendations for this finding
F54 Page 167
The exterior of the police department looked well-maintained during the visit. INTERIOR OF BUILDING(S)
No recommendations for this finding
F55 Page 167
The walls in the jail cells contained some graffiti and the paint was peeling in at least one of the cells. The windows were in good condition with no visible cracks. The air vents and plumbing in the cells were in excellent working order on the day of the visit.
No recommendations for this finding
F56 Page 167
The Grand Jury observed that cleaning fluids and chemicals were placed in two holding cells and locked.
No recommendations for this finding
F57 Page 167
The entrance from the sally port has several lockers available for officers to use prior to their entry into the jail. The sally port is a secured area situated between an outside area and an area inside a jail or prison. A sally port allows officers to make a 2-step controlled San Bernardino County Grand Jury Final Report 147 13 entry to a jail or prison to deter, defend, and delay against unwanted entry (or exit).
No recommendations for this finding
F58 Page 168
The hallways were clear during the visit.
No recommendations for this finding
F59 Page 168
Holding areas (cells) have access to drinking water and a toilet. Each cell has a faucet and a toilet. The faucet has a hot and cold dial. The water shoots up from the faucet like a fountain and can be used for drinking water. The toilets were in good working order.
No recommendations for this finding
F60 Page 168
There were fifteen individual cells. Nine cells are available for use. The rest were used for storage. The holding cells can hold up to two detainees if necessary.
No recommendations for this finding
F61 Page 168
Beds are metal single off the floor. Mattresses were seen in a separate cell, and could be provided when needed. LOCAL INSPECTIONS
No recommendations for this finding
F62 Page 168
The Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) indicated that Type 1 facilities such as municipal jails undergo annual and biennial inspections to ensure safety from fire, environmental and structural problems. The Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) conducts a biennial inspection of the facilities pursuant to Penal Code § 6031 and WIC § 209 to determine compliance with the minimum standards for local detention facilities. ORIENTATION OF DETAINEES
No recommendations for this finding
F63 Page 168
The Grand Jury observed a list of rules for detainees posted on a wall about phone use.
No recommendations for this finding
F64 Page 168
Fontana police provided the Grand Jury with a form showing that when they perform medical screenings of detainees, there are a series of 15 questions that include their health history, prescribed medications (including psychiatric), and current state of being. San Bernardino County Grand Jury Final Report 14 USE OF CELLS/ROOMS FOR DETAINEES
No recommendations for this finding
F65 Page 169
The Fontana jail accommodates adult detainees.
No recommendations for this finding
F66 Page 169
One cell is available for adult handicapped detainees.
No recommendations for this finding
F67 Page 169
There were no detainees in the cells when visited. DETAINEE TELEPHONE USE
No recommendations for this finding
F68 Page 169
Each holding cell had a telephone available for use.
No recommendations for this finding
F69 Page 169
Local calls are free and long-distance calls can be made “collect.” CONDITIONS OF SECURE DETENTION
No recommendations for this finding
F70 Page 169
Staff supervises detainees with audio-equipped closed-circuit cameras for monitoring.
No recommendations for this finding
F71 Page 169
There is a cuffing rail in the intake area and the cell area. A cuffing rail is a long wooden or steel pole cemented into a wall that an detainee can be handcuffed to for safe and secure controlled movement. San Bernardino County Grand Jury Final Report 149 15 ATTACHMENT 4 ONTARIO CITY JAIL DATE OF GRAND JURY VISITATION: AUGUST 31, 2022 GENERAL INFORMATION On August 31, 2022, the 2022 San Bernardino County Civil Grand Jury conducted a walkthrough at the Ontario City Jail in Ontario, California. STAFFING AT FACILITY
No recommendations for this finding
F72 Page 170
There was one male and one female staff member in the holding cell area. INTERIOR OF BUILDING
No recommendations for this finding
F73 Page 170
In the detainee holding area, the walls were dirty and needed cleaning. The floors were clean. The toilet and sink in the cells were checked and were in working condition. However, one toilet needed a thorough cleaning.
No recommendations for this finding
F74 Page 170
Grand Jurors observed cleaning fluids and chemicals labeled and stored in a separate room away from detainees.
No recommendations for this finding
F75 Page 170
No detainees were being held in the three holding cells and lavatory, so the doors were open for free and convenient examination of the cells.
No recommendations for this finding
F76 Page 170
Detainees have access to drinking water and a toilet. LOCAL INSPECTIONS
No recommendations for this finding
F77 Page 168
The Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) indicated that Type 1 facilities such as municipal jails undergo annual and biennial inspections to ensure safety from fire, environmental and structural problems. The Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) conducts a biennial inspection of the facilities pursuant to Penal Code § 6031 and WIC § 209 to determine compliance with the minimum standards for local detention facilities. San Bernardino County Grand Jury Final Report 16 ORIENTATION OF DETAINEES
No recommendations for this finding
F78 Page 171
Detainees are booked when they are brought to the jail.
No recommendations for this finding
F79 Page 168
The Grand Jury observed a list of rules for detainees posted on a wall about phone use. USE OF CELLS/ROOMS FOR DETAINEES
No recommendations for this finding
F80 Page 171
The Ontario jail accommodates adult detainees, as well as juveniles (ages 12-17).
No recommendations for this finding
F81 Page 171
The facility has the capacity to hold up to 44 detainees.
No recommendations for this finding
F82 Page 171
The jail has six (6) holding cells that can accommodate a capacity of up to 26 detainees. A sobering cell can hold up to eight (8) detainees. Another cell was designated to hold up to six (6) female detainees. One cell is available for adult handicapped detainees. The other three cells can each hold up to three detainees.
No recommendations for this finding
F83 Page 171
The jail has a separate section of cells for juveniles. Those cells have the capacity to accommodate up to 16 juveniles. DETAINEE TELEPHONE USE
No recommendations for this finding
F84 Page 171
There is a phone in the hallway outside of the cells.
No recommendations for this finding
F85 Page 169
Local calls are free and long-distance calls can be made “collect.” CONDITIONS OF SECURE DETENTION
No recommendations for this finding
F86 Page 171
Staff supervises detainees at the jail with a closed-circuit camera system with audio recording for monitoring.
No recommendations for this finding
F87 Page 169
There is a cuffing rail in the intake area and the cell area. A cuffing rail is a long wooden or steel pole cemented into a wall that a detainee can be handcuffed to for safe and secure controlled movement. San Bernardino County Grand Jury Final Report 151 17
No recommendations for this finding
F88 Page 172
Lockers were observed where officers store their weapons before they enter the sally port area of the jail. The sally port is a secured area situated between an outside area and an area inside a jail or prison. A sally port allows officers to make a 2-step controlled entry to a jail or prison to deter, defend, and delay unwanted entry (or exit). San Bernardino County Grand Jury Final Report 18 ATTACHMENT 5 UPLAND CITY JAIL DATE OF GRAND JURY VISITATION: AUGUST 1, 2022 GENERAL INFORMATION On August 1, 2022, the 2022 San Bernardino County Civil Grand Jury conducted a walkthrough at the Upland City Jail in Upland, California. INTERIOR OF BUILDING
No recommendations for this finding
F89 Page 173
Walls were in excellent condition without any visible marks. They appeared to have been recently painted. The floors were clean.
No recommendations for this finding
F90 Page 173
The toilet and sink in the lavatory holding cell area were checked and were in working condition.
No recommendations for this finding
F91 Page 173
Each holding cell was designed to hold an individual detainee.
No recommendations for this finding
F92 Page 173
Hallways were clear. No detainees were present during the walkthrough. Therefore, the doors were open for free and convenient examination of the cells.
No recommendations for this finding
F93 Page 173
Each cell had a toilet, sink and drinking water. One toilet needed cleaning as there was a dark brown ring around the toilet at the water level and the seat was dirty.
No recommendations for this finding
F94 Page 173
Detainees’ beds had a plastic unit-construction built-in bench along the back side of the cell.
No recommendations for this finding
F95 Page 173
Bedding and blankets were observed in a storage room. LOCAL INSPECTIONS
No recommendations for this finding
F96 Page 168
The Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) indicated that Type 1 facilities such as municipal jails undergo annual and biennial inspections to ensure safety from fire, environmental and structural problems. The Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) conducts a biennial inspection of the facilities pursuant to San Bernardino County Grand Jury Final Report 153 19 Penal Code § 6031 and WIC § 209 to determine compliance with the minimum standards for local detention facilities. ORIENTATION OF DETAINEES
No recommendations for this finding
F97 Page 174
The Grand Jury was provided a copy of the screening form they use to classify new detainees when they are brought to the jail. The screening assesses their health and mobility, arrest history, violence history, escape history, gang association or involvement, and victimization and abusiveness history.
No recommendations for this finding
F98 Page 168
The Grand Jury observed a list of rules for detainees posted on a wall about phone use. USE OF CELLS/ROOMS FOR DETAINEES
No recommendations for this finding
F99 Page 174
The facility can hold up to 12 detainees at a time, four in each of the three cells they have.
No recommendations for this finding
F100 Page 174
The jail accommodates adult detainees (age 18 and older).
No recommendations for this finding
F101 Page 169
One cell is available for adult handicapped detainees.
No recommendations for this finding
F102 Page 174
The holding cells had a combined toilet, sink, and fountain. DETAINEE TELEPHONE USE
No recommendations for this finding
F103 Page 174
A phone is in the hallway outside of the detainee’s cell.
No recommendations for this finding
F104 Page 169
Local calls are free and long-distance calls can be made “collect.” CONDITIONS OF SECURE DETENTION
No recommendations for this finding
F105 Page 171
Staff supervises detainees at the jail with a closed-circuit camera system with audio recording for monitoring.
No recommendations for this finding
F106 Page 174
A bank of weapon lockers is located outside of the holding cell area. San Bernardino County Grand Jury Final Report 20
No recommendations for this finding
F107 Page 169
There is a cuffing rail in the intake area and the cell area. A cuffing rail is a long wooden or steel pole cemented into a wall that a detainee can be handcuffed to for safe and secure controlled movement. San Bernardino County Grand Jury Final Report 155 This Page Left Intentionally Blank 156 San Bernardino County Grand Jury Final Report
No recommendations for this finding