Does Probation Work?

R1

the Probation Department continue to evaluate, upgrade and improve training and team building and find ways to assess performance; (Findings 3-5, 19) Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer Mendocino County Information Technology Operations Manager Response: (Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer) This recommendation has been implemented. The Department organized a training focus group in the winter of 2007-2008. That group is responsible for implementing a training orientation module for new and transferring DPO’s and created a Department Training Manual for Probation Officers. As such, morale has improved and performance can be assessed regularly.

R4

new DPOs be trained and evaluated in the field by other experienced DPOs; (Findings 3, 4, 19) Response: (Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer) This recommendation has been implemented. Supervisors, with the help of experienced mentors, are now required to review and document that an officer is sufficiently trained to perform fieldwork. Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer Mendocino County Information Technology Operations Manager

R1

the Probation Department continue to evaluate, upgrade and improve training and team building and find ways to assess performance; (Findings 3-5, 19) Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer Mendocino County Information Technology Operations Manager Response: (Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer) This recommendation has been implemented. The Department organized a training focus group in the winter of 2007-2008. That group is responsible for implementing a training orientation module for new and transferring DPO’s and created a Department Training Manual for Probation Officers. As such, morale has improved and performance can be assessed regularly.

R1

the Probation Department continue to evaluate, upgrade and improve training and team building and find ways to assess performance; (Findings 3-5, 19) Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer Mendocino County Information Technology Operations Manager Response: (Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer) This recommendation has been implemented. The Department organized a training focus group in the winter of 2007-2008. That group is responsible for implementing a training orientation module for new and transferring DPO’s and created a Department Training Manual for Probation Officers. As such, morale has improved and performance can be assessed regularly.

R11

the Board of Supervisors fully fund the Department’s yearly budget and add two additional DPO positions; (Findings 6-8,11,21-24,26,27) Response: (Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer) This recommendation requires further analysis. The Probation Department will continue to make its needs known to the Board of Supervisors, but the final decision is in their hands and subject to overall County needs. Response: (Mendocino County Board of Supervisors) This recommendation requires further analysis. The budgetary needs of the Probation Department, along with all facets of law enforcement, continue to be of concern and a priority to the Board of Supervisors. Careful review and evaluation of Federal and State funding are key components to assessing and responding to the Department’s, as well as the County’s, budgetary needs. The County has not been able to add any new County-funded positions this fiscal year.

R11

the Board of Supervisors fully fund the Department’s yearly budget and add two additional DPO positions; (Findings 6-8,11,21-24,26,27) Response: (Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer) This recommendation requires further analysis. The Probation Department will continue to make its needs known to the Board of Supervisors, but the final decision is in their hands and subject to overall County needs. Response: (Mendocino County Board of Supervisors) This recommendation requires further analysis. The budgetary needs of the Probation Department, along with all facets of law enforcement, continue to be of concern and a priority to the Board of Supervisors. Careful review and evaluation of Federal and State funding are key components to assessing and responding to the Department’s, as well as the County’s, budgetary needs. The County has not been able to add any new County-funded positions this fiscal year.

R11

the Board of Supervisors fully fund the Department’s yearly budget and add two additional DPO positions; (Findings 6-8,11,21-24,26,27) Response: (Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer) This recommendation requires further analysis. The Probation Department will continue to make its needs known to the Board of Supervisors, but the final decision is in their hands and subject to overall County needs. Response: (Mendocino County Board of Supervisors) This recommendation requires further analysis. The budgetary needs of the Probation Department, along with all facets of law enforcement, continue to be of concern and a priority to the Board of Supervisors. Careful review and evaluation of Federal and State funding are key components to assessing and responding to the Department’s, as well as the County’s, budgetary needs. The County has not been able to add any new County-funded positions this fiscal year.

R2

the Department use electronic communication, and wireless laptop computers to speed reporting from the field and to cut down on desk time and on driving to central offices; and that reports to judges and attorneys be sent by e-mail resulting in quicker turnaround; (Findings 10, 11, 21-23, 26,28) Response: (Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer) This recommendation requires further analysis. Although wireless laptop computers are now available to court officers and placement officers for efficiency when not working at their desks, filing probation reports electronically is not within Probation’s discretion. Response: (Mendocino County Board of Supervisors) This recommendation requires further analysis. The increased use of electronic devices, such as laptops, offers advantages in operational productivity and the County and the Probation Department will continue to look for efficiencies in this arena. Communicating and sending materials electronically to the Court would require changes in software, equipment, and protocols that are under the authority of the Court.

R5

there be a written policy stating that DPOs safety be a first consideration; (Findings 11,13,14,16-18, 19 ,20 ,27) Response: (Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer) This recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be in the future. A focus group will be organized to review the Department policy on DPO safety and make revisions, if deemed appropriate by Sept. 30, 2008.

R3

the Department have a written policy regarding when it is appropriate for a field officer to make an on-site visit alone, and when the presence of a second peace officer is required; (Finding 13) Response: (Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer) This recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be in the future. A focus group will be organized to review Department policy on field work and make revisions, if deemed appropriate

R6

the Department institute a management system for warranties that will automatically warn when equipment is nearing expiration; (Findings 13,14,16-18) Response: (Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer) Recommendation numbered 6 has been implemented.

R5

there be a written policy stating that DPOs safety be a first consideration; (Findings 11,13,14,16-18, 19 ,20 ,27) Response: (Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer) This recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be in the future. A focus group will be organized to review the Department policy on DPO safety and make revisions, if deemed appropriate by Sept. 30, 2008.

R6

the Department institute a management system for warranties that will automatically warn when equipment is nearing expiration; (Findings 13,14,16-18) Response: (Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer) Recommendation numbered 6 has been implemented.

R5

there be a written policy stating that DPOs safety be a first consideration; (Findings 11,13,14,16-18, 19 ,20 ,27) Response: (Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer) This recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be in the future. A focus group will be organized to review the Department policy on DPO safety and make revisions, if deemed appropriate by Sept. 30, 2008.

R6

the Department institute a management system for warranties that will automatically warn when equipment is nearing expiration; (Findings 13,14,16-18) Response: (Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer) Recommendation numbered 6 has been implemented.

R5

there be a written policy stating that DPOs safety be a first consideration; (Findings 11,13,14,16-18, 19 ,20 ,27) Response: (Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer) This recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be in the future. A focus group will be organized to review the Department policy on DPO safety and make revisions, if deemed appropriate by Sept. 30, 2008.

R6

the Department institute a management system for warranties that will automatically warn when equipment is nearing expiration; (Findings 13,14,16-18) Response: (Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer) Recommendation numbered 6 has been implemented.

R7

the Department publish information regarding the range and types of caseloads; (Findings 20-30,34) Response: (Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer) This recommendation requires further analysis. It is unclear how the Grand Jury wishes the Department to publish information regarding range and type of caseloads. The ranges and types of caseload are available upon request however both are subject to change at any given point in time and based on Department needs.

R2

the Department use electronic communication, and wireless laptop computers to speed reporting from the field and to cut down on desk time and on driving to central offices; and that reports to judges and attorneys be sent by e-mail resulting in quicker turnaround; (Findings 10, 11, 21-23, 26,28) Response: (Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer) This recommendation requires further analysis. Although wireless laptop computers are now available to court officers and placement officers for efficiency when not working at their desks, filing probation reports electronically is not within Probation’s discretion. Response: (Mendocino County Board of Supervisors) This recommendation requires further analysis. The increased use of electronic devices, such as laptops, offers advantages in operational productivity and the County and the Probation Department will continue to look for efficiencies in this arena. Communicating and sending materials electronically to the Court would require changes in software, equipment, and protocols that are under the authority of the Court.

R7

the Department publish information regarding the range and types of caseloads; (Findings 20-30,34) Response: (Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer) This recommendation requires further analysis. It is unclear how the Grand Jury wishes the Department to publish information regarding range and type of caseloads. The ranges and types of caseload are available upon request however both are subject to change at any given point in time and based on Department needs.

R11

the Board of Supervisors fully fund the Department’s yearly budget and add two additional DPO positions; (Findings 6-8,11,21-24,26,27) Response: (Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer) This recommendation requires further analysis. The Probation Department will continue to make its needs known to the Board of Supervisors, but the final decision is in their hands and subject to overall County needs. Response: (Mendocino County Board of Supervisors) This recommendation requires further analysis. The budgetary needs of the Probation Department, along with all facets of law enforcement, continue to be of concern and a priority to the Board of Supervisors. Careful review and evaluation of Federal and State funding are key components to assessing and responding to the Department’s, as well as the County’s, budgetary needs. The County has not been able to add any new County-funded positions this fiscal year.

R2

the Department use electronic communication, and wireless laptop computers to speed reporting from the field and to cut down on desk time and on driving to central offices; and that reports to judges and attorneys be sent by e-mail resulting in quicker turnaround; (Findings 10, 11, 21-23, 26,28) Response: (Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer) This recommendation requires further analysis. Although wireless laptop computers are now available to court officers and placement officers for efficiency when not working at their desks, filing probation reports electronically is not within Probation’s discretion. Response: (Mendocino County Board of Supervisors) This recommendation requires further analysis. The increased use of electronic devices, such as laptops, offers advantages in operational productivity and the County and the Probation Department will continue to look for efficiencies in this arena. Communicating and sending materials electronically to the Court would require changes in software, equipment, and protocols that are under the authority of the Court.

R7

the Department publish information regarding the range and types of caseloads; (Findings 20-30,34) Response: (Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer) This recommendation requires further analysis. It is unclear how the Grand Jury wishes the Department to publish information regarding range and type of caseloads. The ranges and types of caseload are available upon request however both are subject to change at any given point in time and based on Department needs.

R11

the Board of Supervisors fully fund the Department’s yearly budget and add two additional DPO positions; (Findings 6-8,11,21-24,26,27) Response: (Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer) This recommendation requires further analysis. The Probation Department will continue to make its needs known to the Board of Supervisors, but the final decision is in their hands and subject to overall County needs. Response: (Mendocino County Board of Supervisors) This recommendation requires further analysis. The budgetary needs of the Probation Department, along with all facets of law enforcement, continue to be of concern and a priority to the Board of Supervisors. Careful review and evaluation of Federal and State funding are key components to assessing and responding to the Department’s, as well as the County’s, budgetary needs. The County has not been able to add any new County-funded positions this fiscal year.

R2

the Department use electronic communication, and wireless laptop computers to speed reporting from the field and to cut down on desk time and on driving to central offices; and that reports to judges and attorneys be sent by e-mail resulting in quicker turnaround; (Findings 10, 11, 21-23, 26,28) Response: (Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer) This recommendation requires further analysis. Although wireless laptop computers are now available to court officers and placement officers for efficiency when not working at their desks, filing probation reports electronically is not within Probation’s discretion. Response: (Mendocino County Board of Supervisors) This recommendation requires further analysis. The increased use of electronic devices, such as laptops, offers advantages in operational productivity and the County and the Probation Department will continue to look for efficiencies in this arena. Communicating and sending materials electronically to the Court would require changes in software, equipment, and protocols that are under the authority of the Court.

R7

the Department publish information regarding the range and types of caseloads; (Findings 20-30,34) Response: (Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer) This recommendation requires further analysis. It is unclear how the Grand Jury wishes the Department to publish information regarding range and type of caseloads. The ranges and types of caseload are available upon request however both are subject to change at any given point in time and based on Department needs.

R11

the Board of Supervisors fully fund the Department’s yearly budget and add two additional DPO positions; (Findings 6-8,11,21-24,26,27) Response: (Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer) This recommendation requires further analysis. The Probation Department will continue to make its needs known to the Board of Supervisors, but the final decision is in their hands and subject to overall County needs. Response: (Mendocino County Board of Supervisors) This recommendation requires further analysis. The budgetary needs of the Probation Department, along with all facets of law enforcement, continue to be of concern and a priority to the Board of Supervisors. Careful review and evaluation of Federal and State funding are key components to assessing and responding to the Department’s, as well as the County’s, budgetary needs. The County has not been able to add any new County-funded positions this fiscal year.

R7

the Department publish information regarding the range and types of caseloads; (Findings 20-30,34) Response: (Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer) This recommendation requires further analysis. It is unclear how the Grand Jury wishes the Department to publish information regarding range and type of caseloads. The ranges and types of caseload are available upon request however both are subject to change at any given point in time and based on Department needs.

R11

the Board of Supervisors fully fund the Department’s yearly budget and add two additional DPO positions; (Findings 6-8,11,21-24,26,27) Response: (Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer) This recommendation requires further analysis. The Probation Department will continue to make its needs known to the Board of Supervisors, but the final decision is in their hands and subject to overall County needs. Response: (Mendocino County Board of Supervisors) This recommendation requires further analysis. The budgetary needs of the Probation Department, along with all facets of law enforcement, continue to be of concern and a priority to the Board of Supervisors. Careful review and evaluation of Federal and State funding are key components to assessing and responding to the Department’s, as well as the County’s, budgetary needs. The County has not been able to add any new County-funded positions this fiscal year.

R7

the Department publish information regarding the range and types of caseloads; (Findings 20-30,34) Response: (Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer) This recommendation requires further analysis. It is unclear how the Grand Jury wishes the Department to publish information regarding range and type of caseloads. The ranges and types of caseload are available upon request however both are subject to change at any given point in time and based on Department needs.

R7

the Department publish information regarding the range and types of caseloads; (Findings 20-30,34) Response: (Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer) This recommendation requires further analysis. It is unclear how the Grand Jury wishes the Department to publish information regarding range and type of caseloads. The ranges and types of caseload are available upon request however both are subject to change at any given point in time and based on Department needs.

R7

the Department publish information regarding the range and types of caseloads; (Findings 20-30,34) Response: (Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer) This recommendation requires further analysis. It is unclear how the Grand Jury wishes the Department to publish information regarding range and type of caseloads. The ranges and types of caseload are available upon request however both are subject to change at any given point in time and based on Department needs.

R7

the Department publish information regarding the range and types of caseloads; (Findings 20-30,34) Response: (Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer) This recommendation requires further analysis. It is unclear how the Grand Jury wishes the Department to publish information regarding range and type of caseloads. The ranges and types of caseload are available upon request however both are subject to change at any given point in time and based on Department needs.

R7

the Department publish information regarding the range and types of caseloads; (Findings 20-30,34) Response: (Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer) This recommendation requires further analysis. It is unclear how the Grand Jury wishes the Department to publish information regarding range and type of caseloads. The ranges and types of caseload are available upon request however both are subject to change at any given point in time and based on Department needs.

R7

the Department publish information regarding the range and types of caseloads; (Findings 20-30,34) Response: (Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer) This recommendation requires further analysis. It is unclear how the Grand Jury wishes the Department to publish information regarding range and type of caseloads. The ranges and types of caseload are available upon request however both are subject to change at any given point in time and based on Department needs.

R8

the Department define the various types of recidivism to track the effectiveness of programs; (Findings 34-36) Response: (Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer) This recommendation have not yet been implemented, but will be in the future. A focus group will be organized to research agency standard definitions for recidivism and document their results

R9

the Department establish a recidivism baseline, with information from prior years, to compare present and future performance. Apply for a grant, or use Criminal Justice college students as interns for this project; (Findings 34-36) Response: (Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer) This recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be in the future. Once the Department researches and documents agency standard definitions for recidivism, it will work with IS to create a method via JALAN to capture the data. Discussion with IS is underway. Probation will remain open to grant opportunities. Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer Mendocino County Information Technology Operations Manager

R10

the Department track and publish current recidivism statistics on a regular basis; (Findings 34-36) Response: (Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer) This recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be in the future. As IS and Probation create a program to capture recidivism data, the results will be tracked and published as appropriate.

R12

the County begin planning a replacement for the antiquated JALAN software with a more flexible program, which would include better statistical extraction. (Findings 34-36) Response: (Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer) This recommendation requires further analysis. The Probation Department has noted the limitations of JALAN. Moving to a new system must be reviewed, discussed and approved by the Board of Supervisors and is subject to overall County needs. Response: (Mendocino County Board of Supervisors) This recommendation will be implemented over the next few years as financial resources become available. The County has identified the criminal justice system as one of the next areas of focus for technological upgrade. The planning process for a new or enhanced system will involve multiple County departments, as well as the Court system, and the County Executive Office. It will need to interface with a variety of other systems in order to be effective for interagency communication, case management and tracking, as well as statistical extraction. Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer Mendocino County Information Technology Operations Manager Response: (Mendocino County Information Technology Operations Manager General Services Agency (GSA) Director) The GSA Director agrees with this recommendation and plans to begin the process of creating a Criminal Justice IT System Replacement Committee in December 2008 when the County’s Microwave Project has entered into the completion phase. Comments Mendocino County Probation Officers are peace officers. They carry a badge, have handcuffs, may be armed and may make arrests. Mendocino County has a small population which puts limits on DPO specialization. DPOs must cover others’ jobs during vacations, illness, training, etc. Cross training between the Adult and Juvenile Divisions is useful and should be rewarded. The Mission Statement mentions keeping the community safe, but the Department really is attempting to do the following three tasks: (cid:121) keep both the officers and the community safe, (cid:121) keep people out of incarceration—jail, juvenile hall, prison, or the California Department of Correction and Rehabilitation Division of Juvenile Justice, (formerly the California Youth Authority); (cid:121) turn probationers into law abiding citizens. Is the Probation Department achieving its goals? The Grand Jury was unable to answer this question due to a lack of reliable and complete statistics on crime trends and various types of recidivism, including: (cid:121) A person convicted of a crime who later commits and is convicted of another crime. (cid:121) A person convicted of a crime who violates parole or probation. (cid:121) A person who violates parole or probation more than once. (cid:121) A person who is convicted of a crime committed while on probation or parole (cid:121) A person who returns to incarceration. Rookie sheriff’s officers, just out of the academy, may work in tandem with another officer for six months before going out on their own. This procedure is for training and evaluation. One week of shadowing a mentor is an improvement, but does not seem to be an adequate amount of time. Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer Mendocino County Information Technology Operations Manager The episode with the out-of-warranty bulletproof vests is a major system failure. A system should have been in place to warn of the coming expiration. A stop gap system is now in place, but it falls far short of a failsafe solution. A DPO’s job is often a thankless one. A DPO II earns between $20.81 and $24.94 an hour.1 He or she is sometimes a social worker with a gun; sometimes a jailer with no jail. Usually, no one is happy to see a DPO coming. The Grand Jury recognizes that the information in this report only scratches the surface of the conditions and responsibilities of the Department. Managers and some staff report improvement in morale, while others are still concerned about trust and communication. The newer staff is reported to be “gung ho.” Despite budgetary difficulties and problems within the Department, the DPOs manage to do their job. The Grand Jury commends the CPO for making a very concerted effort to improve the communications, morale, and working conditions within the Department.

R8

the Department define the various types of recidivism to track the effectiveness of programs; (Findings 34-36) Response: (Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer) This recommendation have not yet been implemented, but will be in the future. A focus group will be organized to research agency standard definitions for recidivism and document their results

R9

the Department establish a recidivism baseline, with information from prior years, to compare present and future performance. Apply for a grant, or use Criminal Justice college students as interns for this project; (Findings 34-36) Response: (Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer) This recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be in the future. Once the Department researches and documents agency standard definitions for recidivism, it will work with IS to create a method via JALAN to capture the data. Discussion with IS is underway. Probation will remain open to grant opportunities. Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer Mendocino County Information Technology Operations Manager

R10

the Department track and publish current recidivism statistics on a regular basis; (Findings 34-36) Response: (Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer) This recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be in the future. As IS and Probation create a program to capture recidivism data, the results will be tracked and published as appropriate.

R12

the County begin planning a replacement for the antiquated JALAN software with a more flexible program, which would include better statistical extraction. (Findings 34-36) Response: (Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer) This recommendation requires further analysis. The Probation Department has noted the limitations of JALAN. Moving to a new system must be reviewed, discussed and approved by the Board of Supervisors and is subject to overall County needs. Response: (Mendocino County Board of Supervisors) This recommendation will be implemented over the next few years as financial resources become available. The County has identified the criminal justice system as one of the next areas of focus for technological upgrade. The planning process for a new or enhanced system will involve multiple County departments, as well as the Court system, and the County Executive Office. It will need to interface with a variety of other systems in order to be effective for interagency communication, case management and tracking, as well as statistical extraction. Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer Mendocino County Information Technology Operations Manager Response: (Mendocino County Information Technology Operations Manager General Services Agency (GSA) Director) The GSA Director agrees with this recommendation and plans to begin the process of creating a Criminal Justice IT System Replacement Committee in December 2008 when the County’s Microwave Project has entered into the completion phase. Comments Mendocino County Probation Officers are peace officers. They carry a badge, have handcuffs, may be armed and may make arrests. Mendocino County has a small population which puts limits on DPO specialization. DPOs must cover others’ jobs during vacations, illness, training, etc. Cross training between the Adult and Juvenile Divisions is useful and should be rewarded. The Mission Statement mentions keeping the community safe, but the Department really is attempting to do the following three tasks: (cid:121) keep both the officers and the community safe, (cid:121) keep people out of incarceration—jail, juvenile hall, prison, or the California Department of Correction and Rehabilitation Division of Juvenile Justice, (formerly the California Youth Authority); (cid:121) turn probationers into law abiding citizens. Is the Probation Department achieving its goals? The Grand Jury was unable to answer this question due to a lack of reliable and complete statistics on crime trends and various types of recidivism, including: (cid:121) A person convicted of a crime who later commits and is convicted of another crime. (cid:121) A person convicted of a crime who violates parole or probation. (cid:121) A person who violates parole or probation more than once. (cid:121) A person who is convicted of a crime committed while on probation or parole (cid:121) A person who returns to incarceration. Rookie sheriff’s officers, just out of the academy, may work in tandem with another officer for six months before going out on their own. This procedure is for training and evaluation. One week of shadowing a mentor is an improvement, but does not seem to be an adequate amount of time. Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer Mendocino County Information Technology Operations Manager The episode with the out-of-warranty bulletproof vests is a major system failure. A system should have been in place to warn of the coming expiration. A stop gap system is now in place, but it falls far short of a failsafe solution. A DPO’s job is often a thankless one. A DPO II earns between $20.81 and $24.94 an hour.1 He or she is sometimes a social worker with a gun; sometimes a jailer with no jail. Usually, no one is happy to see a DPO coming. The Grand Jury recognizes that the information in this report only scratches the surface of the conditions and responsibilities of the Department. Managers and some staff report improvement in morale, while others are still concerned about trust and communication. The newer staff is reported to be “gung ho.” Despite budgetary difficulties and problems within the Department, the DPOs manage to do their job. The Grand Jury commends the CPO for making a very concerted effort to improve the communications, morale, and working conditions within the Department.

R8

the Department define the various types of recidivism to track the effectiveness of programs; (Findings 34-36) Response: (Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer) This recommendation have not yet been implemented, but will be in the future. A focus group will be organized to research agency standard definitions for recidivism and document their results

R9

the Department establish a recidivism baseline, with information from prior years, to compare present and future performance. Apply for a grant, or use Criminal Justice college students as interns for this project; (Findings 34-36) Response: (Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer) This recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be in the future. Once the Department researches and documents agency standard definitions for recidivism, it will work with IS to create a method via JALAN to capture the data. Discussion with IS is underway. Probation will remain open to grant opportunities. Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer Mendocino County Information Technology Operations Manager

R10

the Department track and publish current recidivism statistics on a regular basis; (Findings 34-36) Response: (Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer) This recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be in the future. As IS and Probation create a program to capture recidivism data, the results will be tracked and published as appropriate.

R12

the County begin planning a replacement for the antiquated JALAN software with a more flexible program, which would include better statistical extraction. (Findings 34-36) Response: (Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer) This recommendation requires further analysis. The Probation Department has noted the limitations of JALAN. Moving to a new system must be reviewed, discussed and approved by the Board of Supervisors and is subject to overall County needs. Response: (Mendocino County Board of Supervisors) This recommendation will be implemented over the next few years as financial resources become available. The County has identified the criminal justice system as one of the next areas of focus for technological upgrade. The planning process for a new or enhanced system will involve multiple County departments, as well as the Court system, and the County Executive Office. It will need to interface with a variety of other systems in order to be effective for interagency communication, case management and tracking, as well as statistical extraction. Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer Mendocino County Information Technology Operations Manager Response: (Mendocino County Information Technology Operations Manager General Services Agency (GSA) Director) The GSA Director agrees with this recommendation and plans to begin the process of creating a Criminal Justice IT System Replacement Committee in December 2008 when the County’s Microwave Project has entered into the completion phase. Comments Mendocino County Probation Officers are peace officers. They carry a badge, have handcuffs, may be armed and may make arrests. Mendocino County has a small population which puts limits on DPO specialization. DPOs must cover others’ jobs during vacations, illness, training, etc. Cross training between the Adult and Juvenile Divisions is useful and should be rewarded. The Mission Statement mentions keeping the community safe, but the Department really is attempting to do the following three tasks: (cid:121) keep both the officers and the community safe, (cid:121) keep people out of incarceration—jail, juvenile hall, prison, or the California Department of Correction and Rehabilitation Division of Juvenile Justice, (formerly the California Youth Authority); (cid:121) turn probationers into law abiding citizens. Is the Probation Department achieving its goals? The Grand Jury was unable to answer this question due to a lack of reliable and complete statistics on crime trends and various types of recidivism, including: (cid:121) A person convicted of a crime who later commits and is convicted of another crime. (cid:121) A person convicted of a crime who violates parole or probation. (cid:121) A person who violates parole or probation more than once. (cid:121) A person who is convicted of a crime committed while on probation or parole (cid:121) A person who returns to incarceration. Rookie sheriff’s officers, just out of the academy, may work in tandem with another officer for six months before going out on their own. This procedure is for training and evaluation. One week of shadowing a mentor is an improvement, but does not seem to be an adequate amount of time. Mendocino County Chief Probation Officer Mendocino County Information Technology Operations Manager The episode with the out-of-warranty bulletproof vests is a major system failure. A system should have been in place to warn of the coming expiration. A stop gap system is now in place, but it falls far short of a failsafe solution. A DPO’s job is often a thankless one. A DPO II earns between $20.81 and $24.94 an hour.1 He or she is sometimes a social worker with a gun; sometimes a jailer with no jail. Usually, no one is happy to see a DPO coming. The Grand Jury recognizes that the information in this report only scratches the surface of the conditions and responsibilities of the Department. Managers and some staff report improvement in morale, while others are still concerned about trust and communication. The newer staff is reported to be “gung ho.” Despite budgetary difficulties and problems within the Department, the DPOs manage to do their job. The Grand Jury commends the CPO for making a very concerted effort to improve the communications, morale, and working conditions within the Department.