2015-2016_Final_Report

Conclusions 19

• CL1
  The Grand Jury commends Del Oro High School administration for taking a bold, proactive and preventative approach regarding students’ health and safety at school dances. With this impactful decision to test for alcohol, they are still providing an activity to socialize, dance and support school spirit. The inclusion of the recommendations below will clarify and strengthen the process.
• CL2
  All five law enforcement agencies and Placer County Children’s System of Care place a high priority on child protection. They coordinate and cooperate with each other regarding referrals and investigations of child abuse/neglect allegations. All five law enforcement agencies provide training for sworn personnel and dispatchers relating to child abuse/neglect reporting and investigation. They have excellent working relationships and formal written agreements with the Placer County Children’s System of Care which has overall responsibility for child welfare services. The Grand Jury could not conclude that all non-sworn staff and volunteers are provided with child abuse/neglect reporting. The Grand Jury would like to commend the Placer County Children’s System of Care, Placer County Sheriff’s Department, Auburn Department of Public Safety, Lincoln Police Department, Rocklin Police Department and Roseville Police Department for their coordination in investigating child abuse/neglect referrals. - 30 - Placer County Grand Jury 2015-2016 Final Report
• CL3
  Every community has specific library requirements which should be taken into consideration before a library is considered for closure. This was not done. The Grand Jury investigation found the needs of the citizens in Meadow Vista and Loomis were not taken into consideration before determining the closure of the libraries. The Grand Jury could find no significant financial savings by closing these libraries.
• CL4
  In 2004 the Placer Consortium on Homeless and Affordable Housing Committee presented a ten- year plan to end homelessness in Placer County to the Board of Supervisors. Placer County has done a good job in soliciting and gathering input on this issue. As of this writing Placer County provides only a temporary emergency shelter located in the DeWitt Campus. There is a continuing and growing need for services that are accessible to the homeless population throughout the county. - 120 - Placer County Grand Jury 2015-2016 Final Report
• CL5
  With the exception of the recommendation noted below, the Grand Jury’s review of Auburn’s code enforcement policy and procedures found that they are adequate.
• CL6
  The Grand Jury’s investigation found that the City of Colfax’s code enforcement process is defined in the Municipal Code. However, the lack of a written document defining their procedures for managing complaints needs to be addressed. Additionally, their method of communication with the complainant needs to be improved. - 129 - Placer County Grand Jury 2015-2016 Final Report
• CL7
  The Grand Jury’s investigation found that the City of Lincoln’s code enforcement process is defined in the Municipal Code. However, the lack of a formal written document defining their procedures for managing complaints needs to be addressed. Additionally, their method of communication with the complainant needs to be improved.
• CL8
  The Grand Jury’s investigation found that the Town of Loomis’s code enforcement process is defined in the Municipal Code. However, at the time of the investigation, there were some deficiencies in their procedures and complaint process. The deficiencies are the lack of a written procedure for managing complaints and for keeping complainants apprised of the resolution. Also, information on the website does not explain to a citizen how to file a complaint.
• CL9
  The Grand Jury’s investigation found that the City of Rocklin’s code enforcement process is defined in the Municipal Code. However, the lack of a written document defining their procedures for managing complaints needs to be addressed. Additionally, their method of communication with the complainant needs to be improved for consistency. - 135 - Placer County Grand Jury 2015-2016 Final Report
• CL10
  The Grand Jury found that the City of Roseville has well-defined and documented code enforcement procedures. Their computer-based program tracks complaints from initiation through resolution and assures each department is accountable for resolving the complaint and closing out the issue. Procedures require follow-up contact with the complainants regarding on-going status and final resolution.
• CL11
  The Grand Jury concludes the revenue generated from Measure F is being properly allocated to firefighter’s salaries and benefits. However, the Newcastle Fire Protection District, like all special districts, has a duty to run its organization in a transparent, accountable, and responsible manner. The Newcastle Fire Protection District is not meeting this obligation to improve transparency and accountability. The pubic trust is diminished when the Board fails to implement Grand Jury recommendations they agreed to and stated would be implemented. The proper processing and safeguarding of special tax assessment records is not being given proper attention at Newcastle Fire Protection District. Just as the district has invested in new firefighting equipment to best serve its residents; it also needs to invest in an off-site back up record keeping system. The differing language of Measure F and Measure B governing the appeals and exception process for property owners presents a unique bureaucratic challenge for the Newcastle Fire Protection District. Nonetheless, it is the Board’s responsibility to ensure that each Measure’s specific language is followed. With the proper training and written procedures in place, the Newcastle Fire Protection District can improve the accuracy, consistency, and accountability of the Measure F and Measure B appeals and exception process. - 146 - Placer County Grand Jury 2015-2016 Final Report
• CL12
  While the Code Enforcement department is comprised of dedicated and hardworking staff members, the operations and management seem to be dysfunctional. There is no central coordination or tracking of complaints. Management does not know how many complaints are open, the disposition of those complaints, nor the manner in which they were resolved. Without meaningful data regarding the productivity of the department, it is doubtful that management can make any assessments about the efficiency and effectiveness of the Code Enforcement department. Without operational data, funding and staffing levels cannot be properly assessed and/or addressed. - 160 - Placer County Grand Jury 2015-2016 Final Report The process of investigating and resolving code violations can be complicated. It can take several months for a Code Enforcement Officer working with a property owner to satisfactorily resolve a violation. However, the complicated nature of resolving verifiable code violations does not absolve either the Code Enforcement department or the Community Resource Development Agency from their responsibility to communicate with the reporting party and to track complaints. Placer County should make a commitment to its citizens to provide an efficient and consistent Code Enforcement department.
• CL13
  To date, Laura’s Law has proven to be an effective option to support client participation in outpatient mental health services. Placer County successfully planned for and implemented Laura’s Law with the noted exception of the public awareness effort.
• CL14
  The Grand Jury concludes that Placer County Sheriff’s Office’s internal policy, training, and procedures regarding use of force, and complaint submittal and investigation process, demonstrates a positive level of dedication and professionalism. The Grand Jury concludes that the Placer County Sheriff’s Office has a procedure for receiving and processing complaints that meets or exceeds state requirements. The Grand Jury concludes that the Placer County Sheriff’s Office has developed and implemented an appropriate policy pertinent to the use of force. This Grand Jury concludes that the Placer County Sheriff’s Office is well aware of the need for, and places a high priority on, trust between citizens and law enforcement personnel.
• CL15
  The Grand Jury was generally satisfied with the operation of the Auburn Police Department facility, although there were some possible safety and operation concerns noted.
• CL16
  As a result of the shifting of responsibilities from the state to counties, the jail population now consists of individuals incarcerated for more serious offenses and for longer terms. Progress is being made in providing educational, vocational, mental and physical health services. These services are necessary to meet the needs of this evolving inmate population and potentially reduce recidivism rates. All Placer County Jails and holding cells are secured, well managed, and in overall good condition with the exception of the recommendations noted below. The limitations of the old Burton Creek facility hinder the county’s ability to provide adequate services to the eastern end of the county.
• CL17
  The Grand Jury concludes that the staff and management of the JDF are to be commended for their positive attitudes when dealing with detainees as well as providing continuing educational opportunities, including job seeking skills, for the long term detainees.
• CL18
  The RCPS and holding cells appeared to be well-managed and maintained by staff. The Grand Jury commends the RCPS for its operation and upkeep of its facility. However, the lighting issue in the holding facility is a problem for officer safety. The Grand Jury also commends the RCPS for working with other community partners and making their facility available for training and regional emergency services. - 198 - Placer County Grand Jury 2015-2016 Final Report
• CL19
  The Grand Jury commends the RPS for its operation and upkeep of this facility.