Modoc County Sheriff's Office*

Maintenance issues reported in 2024 have been largely addressed. However, there are still areas within the jail where cameras systems are either outdated or non-functional. This creates potential risks for both staff and inmates and exposes the County to potential liability. Response: I agree with the Grand Jury's findings. The Modoc County Sheriff's Office is working with Modoc County Administration, the Modoc County Information Technology Department and a Security Company to replace existing cameras and to add additional cameras in and around the jail facility. We hope to have the contract agreement before the Board of Supervisors in late October or November of this year.

Planning for a replacement facility has not advanced due to insufficient funding associated with increased cost, inability to secure additional funding due to onerous regulations and restrictions beyond the control of Modoc County. Response: I agree with this finding. Planning for a replacement facility has been limited due to funding challenges that have constrained progress, largely driven by inflation. Available local funding has not been sufficient to meet these increased costs. At the same time, efforts to secure additional state and federal funding have been unsuccessful due to restrictive eligibility requirements and regulations beyond the County's control. ONE NATION, UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL. The County remains committed to pursuing the replacement facility. Ongoing efforts include exploring alternative funding opportunities, advocating for changes in state and federal programs to better support small and rural counties, and trying to identify an affordable project manager.

Staffing shortages, particularly among female deputies, remain an ongoing challenge due to a general lack of interested or qualified candidates for rural, remote positions. Response: I agree with this finding. Recruiting and retaining qualified staff, particularly female deputies, continues to be difficult in a rural and geographically remote county such as Modoc. The pool of interested and qualified applicants remains limited. I have made efforts to increase awareness of career opportunities, including participating in high school internship programs. While these internships have not directly resulted in new hires, they have provided valuable exposure to local students—both male and female—regarding career opportunities as correctional deputies. The program has introduced potential candidates at an earlier stage, building awareness of the profession even if immediate recruitment outcomes have been limited. I remain committed to continuing to explore and develop strategies to improve recruitment and retention, including partnerships with educational institutions, outreach efforts, and improving working conditions for correctional staff.