Santa Cruz County Grand Jury
• 2005-2006
Final Report and Responses Santa Cruz County Jails Review
⚠️ 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.
Note: Missing finding numbers detected: F25, F26, F27, F28, F29, F30, F31, F32, F33, F34, F35, F36, F37, F38
Findings and Recommendations 35 findings
F1
The staff is professional and well trained in the day-to-day functioning of the institution.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
The Sheriff’s Department and the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors should continue to work on solutions to address jail overcrowding. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors AGREES. This recommendation has been implemented. A committee to address jail overcrowding has been established that includes judges, Probation, the District Attorney’s Office, the Public Defender, the Health Services Agency, State Parole, County Counsel and others to review the existing processes and develop recommendations to reduce jail overcrowding. The board approved an additional $313,163 for 2005-06 to fund jail alternatives and to increase pre-trial services. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office AGREES. The recommendation has been implemented. The Sheriff's Office has an ongoing overcrowding committee facilitated by the Detention Bureau that regularly reports to the Board of Supervisors. - 8 Santa Cruz County Jails Review
F2
The facility, though old, is well maintained, clean and well managed by the staff.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
The Board of Supervisors should take action to increase the pay scale for the detention nursing staff. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors PARTIALLY AGREES. This recommendation will be evaluated as part of the employee bargaining process, which is currently in process.
F3
The number of nurses on staff is inadequate for the current jail population.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
The Board of Supervisors should work to re-open the medical clinic at the Rountree facility to reduce the workload of the nursing staff and to cut transportation costs of bringing inmates to the Main Jail for treatment. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors NEITHER AGREES NOR DISAGREES. This recommendation requires further analysis. Operating a medical clinic at Rountree would be very costly, and those costs must be evaluated along with the other options being considered by the jail overcrowding committee.
F4
The present method of dispensing medication is not cost effective.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
The Main Jail should adopt “bubble” packaging for dispensing medication to save money. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office AGREES. The recommendation has been implemented in August of 2005.
F5
The Main Jail continues to face overcrowding.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5
Jail administrators and staff should be commended for the care and integrity they apply toward the running of this institution.
F6
The grievance procedure allows inmates the opportunity to express their concerns, and the staff responds in a timely fashion.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6
The Main Jail should continue to conduct the inmate grievance procedure in the fair and well-documented manner they currently employ. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office AGREES. The recommendation has been implemented, and the policy has been updated in June of 2005. Rountree Medium Security Findings
F7
Rountree is a well-run facility.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7
Rountree is a well-run facility.
F8
Rountree inmates can benefit from a variety of programs and educational opportunities.
Related Recommendations (1)
R8
Rountree inmates can benefit from a variety of programs and educational opportunities.
F9
The grievance procedures are due for a review and possible update.
Related Recommendations (1)
R9
The grievance procedures are due for a review and possible update.
F10
The staff at Rountree performs its duties in a professional manner.
Related Recommendations (1)
R10
The staff at Rountree performs its duties in a professional manner.
F11
Closing the medical facility resulted in otherwise eligible inmates being housed in the Main Jail facility because of prescription drug needs.
Related Recommendations (1)
R11
Closing the medical facility resulted in otherwise eligible inmates being housed in the Main Jail facility because of prescription drug needs. Recommendations
F12
The Blaine Street Jail buildings and grounds are attractive and well maintained.
Related Recommendations (1)
R12
The staff should be commended for their attractive and well-run facility. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors AGREES. The county appreciates and concurs with the Grand Jury’s commendation. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office AGREES. - 14 Santa Cruz County Jails Review The recommendation has been implemented. In July 2005, the Board of Corrections completed a bi-annual inspection of the Blaine Street Facility and commented that it was well run, clean and could be looked at as a model for other facilities. Juvenile Hall Findings
F13
The facility is well staffed, and staff appears to be attuned to the needs of the inmates.
Related Recommendations (1)
R13
The Home Electronic Monitoring Program should be continued as it reduces the facility population.
F14
There is a variety of useful activities available to the inmates.
Related Recommendations (1)
R14
The Board of Supervisors should budget money to upgrade the security system to include security cameras and electronic doors. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors AGREES. - 16 Santa Cruz County Jails Review This recommendation is being implemented. Funds allocated in 2004-05 have been carried over into 2005-06 to complete a review of the security system and begin preliminary upgrades to that system.
F15
Juvenile Hall is well managed with a caring and diverse staff.
Related Recommendations (1)
R15
Juvenile Hall is well managed with a caring and diverse staff.
F16
The Juvenile Hall buildings and grounds are well maintained.
Related Recommendations (1)
R16
The Juvenile Hall buildings and grounds are well maintained.
F17
Construction of a closed gymnasium would allow for adequate physical activity during poor weather.
Related Recommendations (1)
R17
Construction of a closed gymnasium would allow for adequate physical activity during poor weather.
F18
The Home Electronic Monitoring program reduces the Juvenile Hall population.
Related Recommendations (1)
R18
The Home Electronic Monitoring program reduces the Juvenile Hall population.
F19
For security and safety reasons, electronic doors need to be installed throughout the facility.
Related Recommendations (1)
R19
For security and safety reasons, electronic doors need to be installed throughout the facility.
F20
The heating and ventilation system in Juvenile Hall is inadequate.
Related Recommendations (1)
R20
The heating and ventilation system in Juvenile Hall is inadequate. Recommendations
F21
The California Youth Authority Camp facility was well managed by a professional and well-trained staff.
Related Recommendations (1)
R21
The California Youth Authority Camp facility was well managed by a professional and well-trained staff.
F22
The California Youth Authority Fire Camp provided a community service to Santa Cruz County.
Related Recommendations (1)
R22
The California Youth Authority Fire Camp provided a community service to Santa Cruz County.
F23
The support provided to the CDF by the CYA wards was a beneficial service to our community.
Related Recommendations (1)
R23
The support provided to the CDF by the CYA wards was a beneficial service to our community.
F24
The wards once housed there have lost an enriching opportunity to learn an employment skill, which might have kept them from returning to a life of crime.
Related Recommendations (1)
R24
The wards once housed there have lost an enriching opportunity to learn an employment skill, which might have kept them from returning to a life of crime. Recommendations
F39
The Board of Corrections’ rated capacity is 42 inmates. As of May 4, 2005, the facility had 22 inmates. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors AGREES. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office AGREES.
No recommendations for this finding
F40
There have been six escapes (walkaways) in the past year. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors AGREES. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office AGREES.
No recommendations for this finding
F41
There have been no deaths in the past year. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors AGREES. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office AGREES.
No recommendations for this finding
F42
Fire drills are held monthly. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors AGREES. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office AGREES.
No recommendations for this finding
F43
There are 25 rooms, five of which do not house inmates. These are used for storage or office space. The inmates’ rooms house up to two inmates per room. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors AGREES. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office AGREES.
No recommendations for this finding
F44
Meals are prepared by inmates from menus provided by the county dietitian. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors PARTIALLY AGREES. Inmate meals are prepared by inmate kitchen workers under the direction of jail kitchen staff who follow a menu prepared by the county dietician. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office PARTIALLY AGREES. Inmate meals are prepared by inmate kitchen workers under the direction of jail kitchen staff who follow a menu prepared by the county dietician. - 12 Santa Cruz County Jails Review
No recommendations for this finding
F45
There are two classrooms in the facility. Attendance at these classes is voluntary. The classes offered are: • GED (General Equivalency Degree); • job skills; • Pajaro Valley Substance Abuse Prevention and Student Assistance; • exit plans; • computers; • crocheting and knitting; • parenting skills; • communication skills; • women’s health; • Narcotics Anonymous; • Alcoholics Anonymous; and • Bible study, various church groups. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors AGREES. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office AGREES.
No recommendations for this finding
F46
Grievances are handled through a grievance form. An inmate can request this form from a staff member. If the grievance concerns a staff member, the grievance is handled with that staff member and the director. If the grievance concerns other areas, it is discussed with the director. Grievances are usually handled upon receipt of the form. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors AGREES. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office AGREES.
No recommendations for this finding
F47
Each inmate is given a set behavior rules. If there is a violation of these rules, the following steps are taken: • a verbal warning is issued; • a written warning is issued; • privileges are lost; • extra work detail is assigned; • counseling is scheduled with the director; and • if there are too many infractions, the inmate is sent to the Main Jail. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors AGREES. Santa Cruz County Jails Review - 13 Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office AGREES.
No recommendations for this finding
F48
Both the interior and exterior of the building are clean and neatly maintained. The outside area is in a garden setting and used by inmates for activities such as reading and socializing and is also used for family visits. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors AGREES. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office AGREES.
No recommendations for this finding
F49
There is one officer on duty for all shifts, 24 hours a day. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors AGREES. Along with the full-time, on-duty officer, a supervising correctional officer is on duty Monday through Thursday during business hours. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office PARTIALLY AGREES. Along with one full-time, on-duty officer, a supervising correctional officer is on duty Monday through Thursday during business hours. Conclusions
No recommendations for this finding
Additional Recommendations 38
These recommendations are not explicitly linked to specific findings.
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R28On December 3, 2005, the population was 55, well within the rated capacity of 96.
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R29The S.A.F.E. program, a drug rehabilitation program, had 27 participants on December 3, 2005.
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R30The on-site nursing position was eliminated in February of 2004 due to budget cuts. As a result, the facility cannot house any inmates requiring daily medical injections or psychotropic drug dosing. Other types of prescription drugs are dispensed by a nurse from the Main Jail seven days a week for two hours in the morning. Detention staff estimated that 25-30 inmates on psychotropic drugs could be housed at Rountree if the medical facility were staffed by a full-time, on-site nurse. This would alleviate Main Jail overcrowding. Santa Cruz County Jails Review - 9 Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors PARTIALLY AGREES. Many inmates who require daily medical injections need additional medical services and could not be housed at Rountree even with an on-site nurse at the facility. While it is possible that an on-site nurse at Rountree might mean that a certain number of inmates could be housed at Rountree rather than the Main Jail, that number is unknown. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office PARTIALLY AGREES. The on-site nursing position would help to alleviate Main Jail overcrowding.
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R31Non-urgent medical issues are handled by transporting inmates to the Main Jail medical facility or, on occasion, to Doctors on Duty by officer-driven vehicle. Emergency medical issues are handled by transporting inmates to the Watsonville Community Hospital by either ambulance or officer-driven vehicle. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office AGREES.
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R32An established and documented grievance procedure, dated May 4, 1996, is in place to respond to issues relating to conditions of confinement.
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R33General housekeeping/cleanliness of the medium security facility was observed to be very good by the touring Grand Jury members. Rountree Minimum Security Facility Findings
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R34On December 3, 2005, the population was 115, well within the rated capacity of 162.
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R35There have been 13 escapes (walkaways) since the seating of the 2004-2005 Grand Jury, up from seven during the term of the 2003-2004 Grand Jury.
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R36There are ample opportunities for inmates to participate in numerous programs during incarceration. A partial list follows. • Education: English as a Second Language (ESL) • General Equivalency Diploma (GED)/ESL • GED Testing • Self Improvement: • Alcoholics Anonymous • Narcotics Anonymous • Bible study/church • AIDS awareness class/testing • Substance abuse - 10 Santa Cruz County Jails Review • Tobacco cessation • Vocational: • Auto body and paint • Computer skills • Building maintenance and landscaping
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R37A designated area outside the facility is maintained for family visits.
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R38An established and documented grievance procedure, dated May 4, 1994, is in place to deal with issues relating to conditions of confinement. Conclusions
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R50This facility has a State Board of Corrections rating of 42 detainees. It has an average daily population of 24.7 (fiscal year).
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R51This facility has passed inspection by the State Board of Corrections, the local Fire Department and Nutritional Health.
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R52The County Board of Education provides school programs for Juvenile Hall wards.
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R53The average length of stay in Juvenile Hall is between nine and 11 days.
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R54Counseling and substance abuse treatment are part of the Juvenile Probation process. Juvenile Hall is not a treatment program but has a drug counselor on staff 20 hours per week. Mental health services are provided 80 hours per week.
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R55Juveniles are housed in two units. One of the units houses boys who are more “criminally sophisticated.” The other unit houses girls and less “criminally sophisticated” boys.
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R56Juveniles are given an orientation to the facility upon intake. They are given a list of the rules and consequences which they must acknowledge and sign.
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R57Rules and grievance procedures are posted, and a box is provided to receive the grievance forms. The box is checked twice daily.
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R58Juveniles are assigned to a housing unit based on a classification system that includes consideration of: • age; • gender; and • type of crime.
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R59Parents are charged $24 per day while their child is in Juvenile Hall.
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R60Juvenile Probation has a Home Electronic Monitoring Program which allows for early release. Two counselors make daily visits to wards released on this program.
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R61This facility houses juveniles between the ages of 12 and 18. Children under the age of 12 are the responsibility of Child Protective Services and are not housed at Juvenile Hall.
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R62This facility does not have a covered gymnasium.
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R63The detainees’ rooms are small, and they contain: • a bed; Santa Cruz County Jails Review - 15 • a sink; • a drinking fountain; and • a toilet.
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R64Juvenile Hall does not have adequate heating, ventilation or air conditioning. The walls of the detainees’ rooms are made of cement blocks. They retain extreme temperatures. Juvenile Hall staff report that the inadequacy of the heating and air conditioning is not compatible with good public health. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors PARTIALLY AGREES. The county agrees that there is no air conditioning and that the heating system should be replaced. Replacement of these systems has been identified for future funding.
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R65There are electronic doors entering the facility and the courtyard, but other areas do not have electronic doors. Staff reported that electronic doors throughout the facility would improve the response time in an emergency. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors AGREES. Security issues within the Juvenile Hall remain a priority. The need for electronic doors, as well as cameras, monitors and other security-related equipment, is currently being reviewed by a consulting firm. Some funds have been set aside to address Juvenile Hall security. Conclusions
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R66This facility had a State Board of Corrections rated capacity of 85. Prior to closure, its average daily population was approximately 46.
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R67The wards were all at least 18 years old and sentenced to the California Youth Authority, where they would stay until they were 25 years old or had completed their sentences.
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R68The wards had already served a portion of their sentences in a locked California Department of Corrections Youth Authority facility before being moved to the Fire Camp.
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R69This facility provided a full high school program.
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R70This facility employed seven counselors to work with the wards to address any emotional problems they may have had and to prepare them for release back into the community.
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R71Many of the wards were trained to work on a fire crew, which could prepare them for employment upon their release.
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R72The grievance procedure was well defined and taken seriously by the staff. Both written and verbal responses were provided to the wards.
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R73There had never been a suicide or suicide attempt at this facility.
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R74This was a minimal security facility and the wards slept in a dorm setting with shared showers and toilet facilities. The heating system was old and unable to heat the facility adequately.
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R75Meals were shared in a central dining area and the food served was plentiful and well prepared.
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R76There were 22 escapes during the past year. All were “walkaways” from job sites. Conclusions
Conclusions 24
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CL1The staff is professional and well trained in the day-to-day functioning of the institution.
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CL2The facility, though old, is well maintained, clean and well managed by the staff.
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CL3The number of nurses on staff is inadequate for the current jail population.
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CL4The present method of dispensing medication is not cost effective.
-
CL5The Main Jail continues to face overcrowding.
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CL6The grievance procedure allows inmates the opportunity to express their concerns, and the staff responds in a timely fashion.
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CL7Rountree is a well-run facility.
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CL8Rountree inmates can benefit from a variety of programs and educational opportunities.
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CL9The grievance procedures are due for a review and possible update.
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CL10The staff at Rountree performs its duties in a professional manner.
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CL11Closing the medical facility resulted in otherwise eligible inmates being housed in the Main Jail facility because of prescription drug needs.
-
CL12The Blaine Street Jail buildings and grounds are attractive and well maintained.
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CL13The facility is well staffed, and staff appears to be attuned to the needs of the inmates.
-
CL14There is a variety of useful activities available to the inmates.
-
CL15Juvenile Hall is well managed with a caring and diverse staff.
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CL16The Juvenile Hall buildings and grounds are well maintained.
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CL17Construction of a closed gymnasium would allow for adequate physical activity during poor weather.
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CL18The Home Electronic Monitoring program reduces the Juvenile Hall population.
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CL19For security and safety reasons, electronic doors need to be installed throughout the facility.
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CL20The heating and ventilation system in Juvenile Hall is inadequate.
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CL21The California Youth Authority Camp facility was well managed by a professional and well-trained staff.
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CL22The California Youth Authority Fire Camp provided a community service to Santa Cruz County.
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CL23The support provided to the CDF by the CYA wards was a beneficial service to our community.
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CL24The wards once housed there have lost an enriching opportunity to learn an employment skill, which might have kept them from returning to a life of crime.