Mera Department of Corrections Manuel Perez Director of Corrections*

The jail staff consist of: (1) Chief, (1) Asst. Chief, (2) Lieutenants, (7) Sergeants, (10) Corporals, (83) CO I/II's, and 17 Admin / Clerical Personnel and (1) Maintenance Worker. The respondent agrees with the findings.

There is sufficient staffing to properly handle the responsibilities of the jail. The respondent disagrees partially with the findings. Madera County Department of Corrections currently has ten (10) vacancies and nine (9) unfunded positions and these staff shortages contribute to staff overtime usage and added expenditures. While the recent wage increase is expected to mitigate our retention the challenge is seeking qualified applicants to apply.

The inmate supervisory staff is ethnically diverse. The respondent agrees with the findings.

Staffing overtime is not a problem and varies depending upon several factors such as sick leave, vacation and training. The respondent disagrees partially with the findings. Madera County Department of Corrections currently has ten (10) vacancies and nine (9) unfunded positions and these staff shortages contribute to staff overtime usage and added expenditures. These staff shortages continue to be the challenge with finding qualified candidates to apply which taxes our departmental budget expenses. 14191 Road 28, Madera, CA 93638 • (559) 675-7951 • FAX (559) 661-5130 5 4

The classroom visited during the tour was observed to be quiet and orderly. The respondent agrees with the findings.

Several members of staff credited the 2014-2015 Grand Jury report, which highlighted the jail staff's low wage scale, as having an influence on increasing their pay scale. The staff believes this increase has assisted the jail by lowering turnover, providing adequate staffing levels, and higher morale. The respondent disagrees partially with the findings. Madera County Department of Corrections has seen an overall improvement with staff morale due to the wage increase implementation and the great support by the BOS and CAO regarding public safety in its entirety county wide. It is still early to seen the impact the wage increase will have with regards to retention and attracting quality candidates to fill the nineteen (19) vacancies which is our long term goal in establishing adequate staffing levels for safety and the security of inmates, staff and community.

During the tour, there were no concerns observed. The jail is being run efficiently and safely. The respondent agrees with the findings.