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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.

Lake County Grand Jury • 2006-2007

Public Safety Committee Reports

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Findings 136 findings

F1 Page 103
The Clearlake Police Department has a staff of 27 sworn officers, and one interim administrator.
F2 Page 103
Adults arrested are pre-booked, fingerprinted, and transported during the day to the County Jail in Lakeport. Juveniles arrested are transported immediately to the Juvenile Hall.
F3 Page 103
The Police Department currently uses hard copy fingerprinting which delays quick identification in many cases. Electronic Lifes- can capability provides much faster results.
F4 Page 103
For the year 2006 there were 3962 written reports and over 23,000 incidents.
F5 Page 103
Delays are created by not having 911 calls coming directly to Clearlake. 911 calls are re-routed from the Sheriff’s Department.
F6 Page 103
Department procedures are currently being restructured.
F7 Page 103
A permanent Chief of Police has been hired by the Clearlake City Council.
F8 Page 103
All the areas of the department visited were clean and secure. 104 2006-2007 Lake County Grand Jury Final Report Public Safety Committee
F9 Page 105
The discussions with personnel at the sites were mainly concern- ing the difficulty in recruitment and retention of officers. At the holding facilities there is adequate staffing.
F10 Page 105
There are five courtrooms in session on Mondays and Fridays when holding cells are utilized.
F11 Page 105
The holding cells are clean and painting is done regularly to cover graffiti and other damage done by the inmates.
F12 Page 105
The security is strict with one officer to six inmates.
F13 Page 105
Only one out of the six surveillance cameras was working in the observation room. The committee was told that there was a cur- rent camera repair work order in progress.
F14 Page 105
Morale was found to be high and the personnel seemed to be dedicated and enjoy their work.
F15 Page 107
The grounds were very well maintained.
F16 Page 107
The buildings were structurally sound, clean, and well main- tained.
F17 Page 107
The cells were clean, properly stocked with towels and bedding, and the plumbing was functional. The temperature within the cell areas was comfortable.
F18 Page 107
The kitchen dining area was clean and all appliances appeared to be safe and in good working order.
F19 Page 107
The pots, pans, and utensils appeared to be clean and stocked properly. The sink was clear of any dirty dishes.
F20 Page 107
The inmates all appeared to be in good health and dressed in clean clothing.
F21 Page 107
Inmates are classified based on criminal sophistication. They are segregated into different units based on their classification. The three classifications are minimum, medium, and maximum secu- rity. Each classification is issued a different style and color cloth- ing so they are easily recognizable.
F22 Page 107
Inmates are allowed an amount of time out of their cell based upon their classification. Minimum-security inmates can be out of their cells up to fourteen hours a day, medium-security in- mates two hours per day, and maximum-security inmates three hours per week. 108 2006-2007 Lake County Grand Jury Final Report Public Safety Committee
F23 Page 108
Inmates no longer have access to weight lifting equipment. The recreation now available is handball and general exercise.
F24 Page 108
Nine cells are maximum-security cells that house one inmate each; the remainder of the cells are double occupancy.
F25 Page 108
Inmates can be reclassified for misconduct. Rule violations are handled internally and inmates are entitled to a hearing. An Op- erations Sergeant answers all grievances.
F26 Page 108
Grievance forms are available in the main room of the cellblocks.
F27 Page 108
The maximum capacity at the facility is 286. There were 283 in- mates at the time of the Grand Jury visit.
F28 Page 108
Inmates are furnished clothing, bedding, food, and personal hy- giene items. They can purchase other items through the facility commissary if they have the funds to do so.
F29 Page 108
State Board of Corrections, fire and health inspections are per- formed at the facility annually. The Correctional Medical Author- ity (CMA) accreditation was current.
F30 Page 108
Suicide and escape attempts were both minimal in year-to-date counts, two and four respectively. There have been no successful suicides or escapes thus far for the calendar year 2006.
F31 Page 108
If an inmate is convicted of an escape, they are sentenced to state prison.
F32 Page 108
The current staff to inmate ratio is 65:1. The maximum allowed is 100:1.
F33 Page 108
The staff diversity is 29 males and 14 females. There are eight ad- ditional aides, two males and six females. Five of the additional staff is multilingual.
F34 Page 108
Guards are equipped with tasers, pepper spray, and radios.
F35 Page 108
The county pays postal expenses for two letters per week for indi- gent inmates.
F36 Page 108
Incoming and outgoing mail is searched for contraband. Privi- leged mail from courts and attorneys is opened in front of the in- mate.
F37 Page 108
Inmates are entitled to 2 thirty-minute visits each week. Visits can be scheduled to accommodate working family members when required.
F38 Page 108
Educational programs are offered to inmates including a typing class. The County Office of Education provides instructors. Maxi- mum-security inmates are not permitted to attend classes.
F39 Page 108
The laundry facility is operated 24-hours a day, 7-days a week.
F40 Page 108
Cooking is done by inmate workers and overseen by a food ser- vice coordinator.
F41 Page 108
Currently, the facility is looking into the use of solar panels.
F42 Page 108
Jury trial and release clothing are provided as needed to inmates via donation and thrift store shopping. 109 2006-2007 Lake County Grand Jury Final Report Public Safety Committee
F43 Page 111
The facility holds 40 juveniles. During this visit, there were 35 in custody.
F44 Page 111
The traditional classrooms were clean and well equipped. The lab had 18 computers and appeared to be a comfortable place in which learning is the focus. Juvenile Hall works with the Office of Education in an effort to provide the juveniles with an opportu- nity to become productive citizens.
F45 Page 111
In general, all areas were clean and in good repair.
F46
It appeared discipline was not a problem. There seemed to be a lot of positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior.
F47 Page 111
The committee received complaints about late food delivery, sub- stitutions, missing food, and inappropriate temperatures. The Lake County Jail furnishes the food to Juvenile Hall. At a subse- quent meeting with the Lake County Jail Commander the com- mittee relayed the complaints and the committee was assured im- provements are a definite priority and quickly forthcoming.
F48 Page 111
The holding cell and safety cell had been vandalized. A work or- der is in place to make the repairs. 112 2006-2007 Lake County Grand Jury Final Report Public Safety Committee
F49 Page 112
Staff recruiting and retention are a problem.
F50 Page 113
The original building loan was for two million dollars. Cost over- runs amounting to $200,000 were added to the original loan.
F51 Page 113
There is a reserve amount in the bank that will cover two annual payments.
F52 Page 113
There are no appreciable changes in equipment and personnel from the findings of last year’s Grand Jury oversight visit. Calls, transfers, and medical requests for transportation remain rela- tively the same as well.
F53 Page 113
The committee was told of problems and delays caused by the fact that 60% of the Central Dispatch personnel are in training.
F54 Page 113
The committee was impressed with the furnishings. The depart- ment acquired all furnishings from surplus facilities and at auc- tion sales in an effort to save money.
F55 Page 115
Inmates seem to be in good spirits and from all appearances en- joy their work. 116 2006-2007 Lake County Grand Jury Final Report Public Safety Committee
F56 Page 116
The camp is designed to house 110 minimum-security males.
F57 Page 116
The camp’s budget provides three meals a day to inmates at $2.75 per person.
F58 Page 116
In a 10-month period the camp provided 23,896 hours of service to local communities.
F59 Page 116
The crews have also provided 96,760 hours of work projects to state agencies.
F60 Page 116
The inmate fire crews have provided 114,672 hours in emergency responses to fire and floods.
F61 Page 116
According to the brochure provided by the Camp Commander, the taxpayers have saved approximately $1,146,720 to date.
F62 Page 116
On a scale of 1 to 10, the committee would rate the camp’s opera- tion as a full 10.
F63 Page 117
The complainant’s allegations were based on hearsay and the com- plainant was not able to pinpoint witnesses.
F64 Page 117
Further pursuit was not warranted.
F65 Page 117
The records indicate the Deputy’s termination was handled properly and the Deputy was not rehired.
F66 Page 117
After numerous unsuccessful attempts to contact all the parties in- volved and considerable amounts of time spent in this investigation the committee was unable to resolve the allegations.
F67 Page 119
Per the Sheriff, current applications for the Deputy Sheriff posi- tions are not forthcoming from the African-American population.
F68 Page 119
The applicant cited by the complainant was not hired by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office because the applicant was not qualified.
F69 Page 119
The committee concluded there was no bias shown in this par- ticular incident.
F70 Page 119
According to the Sheriff, all deputies receive training at county expense.
F71 Page 121
The county is attempting to establish a youth crime task force. None exists as of the writing of this report.
F72 Page 121
A youth crime task force would attempt to establish an under- standing of the youth gang phenomena, mitigate youth gang criminal activity, and apprehend those who violate the law.
F73 Page 121
The task force would include representation from the LCSO, local police, the District Attorney’s Office, county schools, churches, and parents. 122 2006-2007 Lake County Grand Jury Final Report Public Safety Committee
F74 Page 122
Recruitment and retention of officers is a serious problem for the LCSO.
F75 Page 122
The LCSO does not have a “white-collar” crime division.
F76 Page 122
As of December 2006, the LCSO is short eight officers.
F77 Page 122
The LCSO does not have an Internal Affairs Division.
F78 Page 122
Recruitment and retention problems appear to be financial. The LCSO believes greater pay and better benefits would mitigate these problems.
F79 Page 123
There is no holding cell or place for fingerprinting or booking. This is done at the Hill Road Jail by the Lake County Sheriff’s Of- fice (LCSO).
F80 Page 123
The buildings are well kept, organized and very secure.
F81 Page 123
The officers work four 10-hour days; they have four days on and three days off.
F82 Page 123
The department is in the process of changing the present com- puter program to a more workable and user-friendly system. This program will be more comprehensive and allow the sharing of some information with the LCSO. This should be implemented by the time this report is published.
F83 Page 123
This year 1,287 calls for service were received. Most of the calls are: − Alcohol related (DUI, Public Intoxication) − Assaults (assault, battery, spousal abuse) − Theft (robbery, burglary, shoplifting)
F84 Page 123
There are documented gang members in the City of Lakeport.
F85 Page 123
There are three criminal categories that require registration. In the City of Lakeport there are: Sex Offenders (8 Registered) Narcotics Offenders (9 Registered) Arsonists (0 Registered)
F86 Page 125
The internal investigation was detailed, thorough and profession- ally conducted.
F87 Page 125
The committee found that the complainant, although very con- cerned, was misled in most of the information furnished by the parties mentioned in the complaint. Most of the alleged instances were based on hearsay, misinformation and incorrect observa- tions.
F88 Page 127
In the two years since the matter was brought to the attention of the departments of law enforcement, no charges had been filed as of March 2007.
F89
The timetable of events: July 2005 - the Center Director of the Board recalled in an interview with the committee, that his telephone call to the LCSO requesting an investigation was denied, citing lack of funds and qualified per- sonnel to investigate. July 2005 - request to the District Attorney’s Office resulted in an independent investigation in which 9000 pages of bank records were recorded as evidence. The LCSO was alerted to pick-up the results and begin interviewing witnesses. There is no record denot- ing witnesses were interviewed. 128 2006-2007 Lake County Grand Jury Final Report Public Safety Committee November 2005 - LCSO records show that this was the first date to receive the request for an investigation. August 2006-a citizen’s complaint was received by the Grand Jury requesting an investigation of elder abuse, with only a mention tying it to the alleged unauthorized actions of the senior center. October 2006 - a citizen’s complaint was received by the Grand Jury concerning the lack of action taken by law enforcement agencies in the previous two years. The complaint stated that the approximate amount of the misappropriation of funds to be $150,000. The first scan of the center’s records by the committee found that figure to be in excess of $168,000. January 2007- the Grand Jury’s findings were turned over to the District Attorney’s Office. Subsequent papers and records received by the Grand Jury revealed other possible charges.
F90 Page 128
The LCSO cited no funds and no qualified personnel to analyze the alleged embezzlement were available.
F91 Page 128
It was learned by the committee that funds were available, but nothing was initiated.
F92 Page 128
The alleged unauthorized actions involved a large amount of cash and included money funded by the county.
F93 Page 128
Lack of attention to this matter continued for two years.
F94 Page 128
The committee determined that inaction to this matter was perva- sive and inexcusable.
F95 Page 129
The complainant defied above advice, brought marijuana into the jail and was charged and convicted of a felony. This extended his incarceration to a one year sentence rather than a thirty day in- carceration for a driving infraction.
F96 Page 129
The complainant refused to abide by the Rules of Conduct during custody. The rule violations (from Custody Information Booklet) numbering 202, 220, 233, 237, 302, 310 and 311 resulted in the Jail Hearing Board finding complainant guilty on all above rule violations. Each time, the complainant’s jail time was extended by ten days.
F97 Page 129
The complainant refused a lawful order of the Jail Staff.
F98 Page 129
The complainant’s refusal to be evaluated by the Jail Medical Staff resulted in denial of a wheel chair.
F99 Page 129
The complainant’s repeated use of at least 18 grievance reports has constituted a wasteful time of the Jail Staff since most were of similar grievances.
F100 Page 131
The Fire District will now cover 350 square miles.
F101 Page 131
Staffing consists of 17 full-time and 2 part-time employees and 78 volunteers.
F102 Page 131
Volunteers, when accepted, are given 240 hours of state required training. They are issued $1200 worth of gear. The cost of a physical examination is paid and their Workers’ Compensation Insurance of $1060 per volunteer is paid.
F103 Page 131
A notable improvement in operations was the result of the stan- dardized training. 132 2006-2007 Lake County Grand Jury Final Report Public Safety Committee
F104 Page 132
Various required refresher courses for firefighters are given twice a week by an in-house training staff.
F105 Page 132
Currently during low priority calls, if a patient asks to go to a hos- pital, paramedics must transport them. Perhaps, Lake County should consider Paramedic Initiated Refusal (PIR) as practiced in San Francisco.
F106 Page 132
The shortage of water in Spring Valley (covered by the NSFPA) is deemed critical in light of proper fire protection. It was explained that the filtration system at Spring Valley can handle more water; however, water storage is lacking. The need for an additional 300,000 gallon water tank and more pumps is critical.
F107 Page 132
Recently, the water level in the existing storage tank showed a very low level. This amount would have easily been exhausted had a major fire occurred. Spring Valley is the NSFPA’s fastest growing region.
F108 Page 132
The 2005/2006 Grand Jury recommended funds for a wildland en- gine. Funds from the Indian Gaming Compact fulfilled this recom- mendation. Two smaller wildland vehicles were purchased and placed into service. Two more are on order. Each truck cost $72,000 as opposed to a larger truck costing approximately $237,000.
F109 Page 132
By pooling their resources, the NSFPA can afford early vehicle pay- offs, saving on the interest. This also provides the area with funds to repair and modernize antiquated equipment.
F110 Page 133
The staff consists of 23 officers, 6 clerks and 17 part-time help. Fourteen officers work at Juvenile Hall including a superinten- dent and an aide. Currently 6 vacancies exist.
F111 Page 133
On the average, 26 juvenile and 90 adult reports are filed monthly.
F112 Page 133
There is a great need for well-trained staff to supervise adults on probation.
F113 Page 133
The recidivism rate of repeat adults on probation is 70 percent.
F114 Page 133
The chief indicated morale was good.
F115 Page 133
The chief indicated that the current juvenile hall is nearing ca- pacity.
F116 Page 135
The Lake County Search and Rescue Office operates with 3 offi- cers, 21 volunteers, and 25 junior officers who are county teenag- ers.
F117 Page 135
As of December 2006, there have been 13 call outs. Normally there are 6 to 15 call outs annually.
F118 Page 135
Due to lack of funding, the office is not staffed full-time.
F119 Page 135
People who join the Search and Rescue Team must undergo many hours of intense training.
F120 Page 135
The Office of Emergency Services has a mutual-aid program in which additional help can be obtained by the Rescue Teams.
F121 Page 135
There is a nonprofit association that Rescue Teams can draw on for equipment and training. In addition, there is $480,000 trust fund that the Search and Rescue Office uses to help fund the program. 136 2006-2007 Lake County Grand Jury Final Report Public Safety Committee
F122 Page 136
An assistant is needed to manage the trust fund at the Sheriff’s Department finance office.
F123 Page 136
The Lake County Search and Rescue Office developed the stan- dard training guide for new teams for the State of California.
F124 Page 136
Lake County has the largest contingent of volunteers when called out to other counties.
F125 Page 136
Lake County has been complimented by other counties for having the best, well-trained volunteers in service.
F126 Page 136
Volunteers applications for Search and Rescue can be obtained at the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and also at the annual Lake County Fair.
F127 Page 137
The Sheriff’s Department has 12 vacancies, including 8 Deputy Sheriffs and 4 Dispatchers.
F128 Page 137
As of the date of the visit, records indicate results of the marijuana eradication program are: 248,437 plants destroyed, 154 pounds of processed marijuana confiscated, and 9 firearms confiscated. In addition there were 6 search warrants and 4 arrests.
F129 Page 137
Lake County has 240 registered sex offenders who must be checked-on regularly.
F130 Page 137
The Sheriff reports the department receives 15 to 30 monthly refer- rals for child molestation investigations.
F131 Page 137
All Deputy Sheriffs are Deputy Coroners.
F132 Page 137
Annually, there are 230 to 280 death investigations in the county.
F133 Page 137
Death investigations average 6 hours per investigation.
F134 Page 137
A certified pathologist is on contract and performs autopsies as necessary.
F135 Page 137
Some deaths do not require an autopsy. An autopsy is required if the decedent had not been seen by their doctor in the preceding twenty days, or if death is due to trauma or a violent act.
F136 Page 137
Autopsy rates vary from $855 in Lakeport to $930 in Lower Lake. The cost of an autopsy in a homicide case starts at $1500. 138 2006-2007 Lake County Grand Jury Final Report Public Safety Committee

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