Santa Cruz County Grand Jury • 2012-2013

Santa Cruz County Grand Jury JinoteNicaras Sister Cities County of Santa Cruz Grand Jury

Published: June 25, 2013 81 pages Consolidated Report

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Findings 7 findings

The Custody Alternatives Program (CAP) is vital to decreasing jail overcrowding.

There are presently insufficient written criteria for the selection of inmates for CAP. However, during the course of our investigation, jail personnel indicated to us they are developing additional policies and procedures.

There are no written guidelines to follow when an individual violates the terms of CAP.

There are few statistics on how well CAP is working.

There is a difference of opinion between police officers in the field and the Probation Department regarding the timely processing of PRCS violators.

As of April 1, 2013, AB 109 appears not to have resulted in critical jail overcrowding in Santa Cruz County. However, as the length of sentences and the number of inmates AB 109 – A Year in Review 15 sentenced to county jail instead of state prison increase, jail populations will likely expand.

The information provided in the Zoning Prescreen is not binding; it fails to warn the applicant that interpretation could change later. Navigating the Residential Building Permit Process 38

Recommendations 7

R1

The Chief Deputy of Corrections should consider expanding the CAP Program in order to decrease future jail overcrowding.
R2

The Chief Deputy of Corrections should complete and adopt written guidelines for eligibility for CAP.
R3

The Chief Deputy of Corrections should establish guidelines to follow when an individual violates the terms of CAP.
R4

The Chief Deputy of Corrections should establish a program to determine how successfully CAP is working.
R5

The Probation Department should improve communication with law enforcement agencies to facilitate placing a hold on probation violators.
R6

The Probation Department should contract with an independent data analyst to help determine the effectiveness of the County’s AB 109 implementation.
R7

The Planning Department should include a disclaimer on the Zoning Prescreen indicating the nonbinding nature of the document.

Commendations 5

CM1

C1. We commend Santa Cruz County for hiring the California Forensic Medical Group to perform medical services at the County Jail. This has resulted in the ability to have more officers patrolling the streets instead of transporting and guarding inmates at off- site medical facilities. C2. The Grand Jury commends the Santa Cruz Juvenile Hall staff, whose vision and dedication has led to the facility being a model for other agencies. C3. We also commend the Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County for implementing the R.I.S.E. program at the Rountree Men's Facility. AB 109 - A Year in Review Santa Cruz County Grand Jury Final Report 2012-2013
CM2

C1. The Grand Jury commends the Sheriff's Office and Probation Department for creating a partnership that includes health and human service program providers in addition to law enforcement agencies. C2. The Grand Jury commends Santa Cruz County for being recognized for its emphasis on health and human services in its AB 109 implementation. [9]
CM3

We commend the staff of the Planning Department for recognizing the need for more interaction with building professionals and homeowners in order to create a permit process streamlined to save time and money. We would like to see the public forums continued. Navigating the Residential Building Permit Process Santa Cruz County Grand Jury Final Report 2012-2013
CM4

C1. During our investigation a new ASM was hired in October 2012. Our main question in this investigation had been, why are these audit deficiencies that undermine the control of this critical agency so frequently unaddressed? The most common response was "we're short-staffed." Our recent interviews have revealed to us that the new ASM is working on the following: Table 3. Progress on Addressing Weaknesses Issues in this Grand Jury investigation Current status Material Weaknesses Reviewing Journal Entries in progress Reviewing Bank Statements and Reconciliations in progress 1999 Bond Covenant part of quarterly budget completed Recording of Grant Revenue in progress Deficiencies Government wide accounting practices in progress Reviewing Credit Card receipts in progress C2. One Director is calling for re-review of the auditors' Findings and Deficiencies from past audits. We commend these efforts and look forward to the audit results for fiscal year 2012-13.
CM5

C1. The Grand Jury commends the Student Support Services Department for providing an array of vital services in the mental health area while collaborating with multiple entities. SSSD is also to be commended for seeking and obtaining outside grants that almost fully fund its programs. C2. We also commend the SCCOE ROP programs, which are consistently praised by school superintendents for the exceptional opportunities they provide to a diverse number of students in Santa Cruz County. Santa Cruz County Office of Education Santa Cruz County Grand Jury Final Report 2012-2013