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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.
Mendocino County Grand Jury
• 2008-2009
The cover of this report was designed by graphic artist Tobin Keller. The images are of Pomo Indian baskets from the
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings and Recommendations 21 findings
F1
Page 35
The Ukiah Police Chief is also in charge of the Ukiah Fire Department as Director of Public Safety.
No recommendations for this finding
F2
Page 35
There are three captains, five sergeants, sixteen officers, seven dispatchers, two records clerks, one mechanic, one school resource officer (SRO) and two parking enforcement officers. There are currently no training sergeants.
No recommendations for this finding
F3
Page 35
All officers, including the SRO, are assigned their own patrol vehicles.
No recommendations for this finding
F4
Page 35
The current SRO has not received special training for his position.
No recommendations for this finding
F5
Page 36
The SRO has an office at Ukiah High School (UHS) and also goes to other schools to teach younger children about prevention of alcohol and other drug use, gangs and vandalism.
No recommendations for this finding
F6
Page 36
Marijuana and alcohol abuse are the biggest problems in and around the school this year. The SRO and school representatives perform locker and backpack checks on a random basis and whenever there is probable cause.
No recommendations for this finding
F7
Page 36
Student affiliation with rival gangs is a significant concern at UHS.
No recommendations for this finding
F8
Page 36
Due to construction, the SRO is not able to use his designated parking space in front of the school. This will be corrected when the construction is complete.
No recommendations for this finding
F9
Page 36
Dispatchers are given one month training at an academy and then work with an experienced dispatcher for three months.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
Page 29
begin, in the current fiscal year, to locate funds to commence a new planning cycle by no later than 2012 to incorporate and prioritize objectives and strategies consistent with anticipated transportation needs and economic circumstances. (Findings 9, 17, 18, 20-22, 42, 49)
F10
Page 36
If a non-English speaker calls 911, they are immediately transferred to a communications center where a language specialist transfers them to the correct interpreter.
No recommendations for this finding
F11
Page 36
The UPD currently has no service dogs. The UPD and Sheriff’s office have received a total of $100,000 from Homeland Security funds to purchase two dogs, special cars, equipment and training for the officers and the dogs. The officers and their dogs will attend two months of specialized training. Each dog will cost between $8,000 and $10,000. An officer has to make a commitment of three to five years to work in this position.
No recommendations for this finding
F12
Page 36
One dog will be assigned to the UPD and trained for bomb detection, the other will be assigned to the Sheriff’s Office for drug detection. Both will be trained to protect the officers.
No recommendations for this finding
F13
Page 36
There is an active bicycle law enforcement and safety awareness program. UPD issued 295 warnings and two citations during the past year. Violators’ names are taken and logged. The warnings issued were for bicycle safety and failure to wear helmets.
No recommendations for this finding
F14
Page 36
There are two parking officers and one parking enforcement vehicle. Although parking meters have been removed, the officers enforce posted time restrictions. City officials have delayed decisions on downtown parking to study what should be done.
No recommendations for this finding
F15
Page 36
The UPD sponsors an Explorers program to introduce young adults, ages 18- 20, to law enforcement professions.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5
Page 29
the Explorer program be continued. (Finding 15)
F16
Page 36
State funding for forensics and bookings is scheduled to end this year. UPD is seeking alternative funding sources.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6
Page 29
a continued search for funding for the forensics and bookings programs be given a high priority. (Finding 16)
F17
Page 36
The Grand Jury found significant upgrades to the evidence room. In particular, the security and cataloging of evidence is now state-of-the-art.
No recommendations for this finding
F18
Page 36
Project Sanctuary workers are involved in all domestic violence calls. This is a new collaborative effort between the Chief and Project Sanctuary.
No recommendations for this finding
F19
Page 36
The UPD annual report that had been discontinued is being produced again and distributed to the community. Copies are available at the UPD.
No recommendations for this finding
F20
Page 36
There are four openings for sworn officers.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
Page 29
begin, in the current fiscal year, to locate funds to commence a new planning cycle by no later than 2012 to incorporate and prioritize objectives and strategies consistent with anticipated transportation needs and economic circumstances. (Findings 9, 17, 18, 20-22, 42, 49)
F21
Page 36
The Chief stated it is difficult to find qualified applicants that are likely to stay in the community after training because the pay is higher in other cities. For that reason, he is trying to recruit locally.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
Page 29
begin, in the current fiscal year, to locate funds to commence a new planning cycle by no later than 2012 to incorporate and prioritize objectives and strategies consistent with anticipated transportation needs and economic circumstances. (Findings 9, 17, 18, 20-22, 42, 49)