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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.

Tulare County Grand Jury • 2009-2010

Pro Per – "Propria Persona"

3 pages
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Note: Missing finding numbers detected: F9

Findings 17 findings

F1
On one occasion the inmate's legal mail was opened in error.
F2
The Bob Wiley Detention Facility and the Main Jail have law libraries with a phone equipped for non-recorded calls for Pro Per inmates.
F3
The Superior Court Judge who oversees the Pro Per inmates, determine how much money is placed on the inmate’s pre-paid phone card during any seven day period (Monday-Sunday).
F4
The law library at the Bob Wiley Detention Facility is enclosed and conversations cannot be overheard. T U L A R E C O U N T Y G R A N D J U RY R E P O R T 2 0 0 9 - 2 0 1 0 Ø 64
F5
It is possible for other inmates or a Correctional Officer to hear a conversation from within the Main Jail law library.
F6
The Tulare County Sheriff’s Department has a Pro Per Policy and Procedures Manual (Manual).
F7
The Manual outlines rules for telephone privileges. The Manual also states, “Violations of these rules related to the use of the telephone shall result in discipline and possible loss of Pro-Per privileges, including, but not limited to, the loss of the privilege to make telephone calls.” One inmate’s Personal Identification Number was used by other inmates and his telephone privileges were suspended.
F8
The Manual states, “A committee, consisting of a Judge of the Superior Court, an Attorney of the Public Defender’s Office, an Attorney of the County Counsel’s Office, and a member of the Sheriff’s Department will meet, no less than once annually to review this policy and procedures. The committee may make
F10
The Manual allows inmates to check out audio and video equipment to use during their law library session. No outside equipment is allowed in the Jail.
F11
The Manual allows inmates use of a computer to research law and other case related material. It also states, “The Sheriff will not be responsible for providing any computer instruction”.
F12
The Manual states, “Pro Per inmates will be given 10 hours of law library access in 3-5 sessions over a seven day period (Monday-Sunday).” Pro Per inmates are allowed law library access in accordance with the policy.
F13
During a visit to the Main Jail the Grand Jury observed a computer in the law library. A Correctional Officer was asked to demonstrate the log-on procedure. The officer tried for approximately 30 minutes to access the legal website unsuccessfully. There were no instructions to access the legal website.
F14
A subsequent visit to the Mail Jail law library revealed the same computer with type-written instructions taped to a cabinet. This computer was used by a member of the Grand Jury to access the legal website successfully using the new instructions provided. Reference cards were available to help search legal websites.
F15
During a visit to the Bob Wiley Detention Facility, the Grand Jury observed the computer in the law library. Juror attempts to access the legal website were unsuccessful.
F16
A subsequent visit to the Bob Wiley Detention Facility law library revealed that new instructions had been T U L A R E C O U N T Y G R A N D J U RY R E P O R T 2 0 0 9 - 2 0 1 0 65 × posted and a Juror accessed the legal website without difficulty.
F17
Legal Materials including softbound law books can be kept in one paperboard box, commonly referred to as a “banker’s box” in the inmate’s cell.
F18
Anything that can be used as a weapon or modified into a weapon (CDs, video equipment, pencils, etc.) cannot be kept in the cell. Special short pencils can be purchased by the inmate.

Recommendations 3