Contra Costa County Grand Jury • 2006-2007 • Agency Response
Response to: Compliance and Review Committee

Board of Supervisors Response to Grand Jury Report No. 0706:

Published: August 01, 2007 3 pages
Ver PDF original

Findings and Recommendations 10 findings

F1
Facilities inspected by the Grand Jury included: a. County Detention Facilities – Martinez, West County (Richmond), and Marsh Creek (Clayton). b. Superior Court Temporary Holding Facilities – Martinez, Pittsburg, Richmond, and Walnut Creek. c. Probation Department – Juvenile Hall (Martinez), Chris Adams Center (Martinez), and the Orin Allen Youth Rehabilitation Facility (The Byron Boy’s Ranch). d. City Jails – Antioch, El Cerrito, Hercules, Kensington, Lafayette, Martinez, Pinole, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, San Ramon, and Walnut Creek. Response: Agree.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
The Sheriff should implement the plan to remodel the women’s holding area within the intake section of the Martinez Detention Facility. Response: Has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future. The Sheriff’s Office has obtained preliminary drawings, with cost estimate of $15,229. They anticipate moving forward on the project in August 2007, subject to funding availability.
F2
Grand Jury inspections of the above-mentioned facilities were conducted in accordance with California Corrections Standards Authority guidelines. California Corrections Standards Authority regulations are contained in Title 15 and Title 24, California Code of Regulations. Response: Agree.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
The Sheriff should complete the project to secure all movable furniture to the floor or to adjacent stationary objects in the Martinez Detention Facility housing units to avoid vandalism and to discourage its use as weapons. Response: Has been implemented.
F3
County detention facility inspections (Martinez, West County, and Marsh Creek) included a review of common incident reports, grievance procedures, inmate requests for information, medical care practices, telephone and visiting procedures, and adherence to “72-hour requirement” for court hearings. Performance in all areas was found to be satisfactory. Site visits also included selected interviews with detainees to identify any areas of concern. None were identified. Response: Agree.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
The Sheriff should insist that the General Services Department promptly repair the shower plumbing problems in the affected West County Detention Facility housing units. Response: Has been partially implemented; remainder will be implemented.. All showers are now currently operational. The Sheriff's Office and General Services Department have agreed to permanently station a plumber, electrician and carpenter at the West County Detention facility, effective August 1, 2007. The new crew will address the remaining cosmetic plumbing issues in the showers.
F4
A review was made of the Inmate Welfare Fund-Canteen Program for the County Detention Facilities. The administration of the fund and program are consistent with the goals and objectives set forth by the oversight board. The operation of the fund includes appropriate and effective management controls and practices. Response: Agree.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
The Sheriff should replace the West County Detention Facility’s current fixed-view security cameras with new units that will allow staff members to modify their fields of view as required. Response: Requires further analysis. Camera replacement must include the addition of monitoring stations. The initial estimate for the monitoring system upgrade was $50,000. The Sheriff’s Office is in the process of requesting additional estimates. Following receipt of all cost estimates, a cost-benefit analysis will be considered, as well as the availability of funding.
F5
A review of the circumstances surrounding, and subsequent internal investigation of, two “Deaths in Custody” at the Martinez Detention Facility in 2006 led to the conclusion that procedures followed by the detention staff were consistent with CSA standards. Response: Agree. Report on the Inspection of Detention Facilities in Contra Costa County July 24, 2007 County Response to Grand Jury Report No. 0706
Related Recommendations (1)
R5
The Sheriff should follow-up with the General Services Department to accomplish the replacement of the floor covering immediately adjacent to the jail cells in the Richmond Superior Court Holding Facility. Response: Has been implemented. 3
F6
The Office of the Sheriff (“Sheriff”) plans to remodel the women’s holding area within the intake section in the Martinez Detention Facility to improve security. Response: Agree.
No recommendations for this finding
F7
Modifications are underway in the Martinez Detention Facility to secure all movable housing unit furniture to the floor or to adjacent stationary objects to reduce vandalism and to discourage its use as weapons. To date, four of six housing modules have been so modified. Response: Agree.
No recommendations for this finding
F8
The West County Detention Facility has experienced plumbing problems in several detainee housing unit showers. These problems were reported to the County General Services Department more than six months ago and corrections have not been made. Response: Agree.
No recommendations for this finding
F9
The West County Detention Facility’s security cameras offer only fixed views. Staff members are unable to modify their fields of view to focus on selected areas or individuals of interest outside of the cameras’ current fixed views. Response: Agree.
No recommendations for this finding
F10
The floor covering immediately adjacent to the jail cell area in the Richmond Superior Court Holding facility was found to be in need of replacement. Repair or refinishing does not appear to be a viable option. Response: Agree. Report on the Inspection of Detention Facilities in Contra Costa County July 24, 2007 County Response to Grand Jury Report No. 0706
No recommendations for this finding