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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.

Santa Cruz County Grand Jury • 2023-2024

_x_ Agree __ Partially Disagree __ Disagree Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree):

Published: July 24, 2023 27 pages
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Findings and Recommendations 10 findings

F1 Page 172
Permanent mandatory overtime for Corrections Officers has a negative effect on them that leads to high turnover, and the need to hire more COs and train them, which is inefficient and demoralizing for the Sheriff’s Office. _X AGREE __ PARTIALLY DISAGREE __ DISAGREE Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree): Required Response from the Santa Cruz County Sheriff Envisioning the Future of our Jails Due by July 24, 2023 2022-2023 Consolidated Final Report with Responses 165
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
Page 164
In the next budget cycle the Board of Supervisors should allocate more funding to the Sheriff’s Office to be used to increase Correctional Officer pay, and/or give out increased hiring or retention bonuses as the Sheriff’s Office determines. (F1) _x_ HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED – summarize what has been done HAS NOT YET BEEN IMPLEMENTED BUT WILL BE IN THE FUTURE – __ summarize what will be done and the timeframe REQUIRES FURTHER ANALYSIS – explain the scope and timeframe __ (not to exceed six months) __ WILL NOT BE IMPLEMENTED – explain why Required response explanation, summary, and timeframe: On September 13, 2022, the Board of Supervisors approved a three-year agreement with the Santa Cruz Correctional Officers Association, resulting in an approximate 11% increase with additional incentives for Supervising Correctional Officers (4%) and a Longevity/Retention Bonus for all Correctional Officers with over eight years of service (3%). Contract provisions intentionally focused on recruitment and retention to address the historical difficulty in filling vacancies for Corrections Officer positions. The challenges faced by Santa Cruz County are not unique and are compounded by the need for extensive backgrounds, 24/7 operations, and the nature of the job. In addition, the Board approved a recruiting and hiring incentive program in October 2021 that pays $10,000 (subject to legally required taxes) to a new hire in the classification of Corrections Officer and/or lateral transfer upon completion of the new hire probationary period, which is one year or 2080 County service hours. These efforts have yielded 34 new hires since October 2021. County staff will continue working collaboratively on strategies to stabilize the Corrections workforce, which is critical to sustaining stable and experienced personnel in performing their essential work to ensure the safety and care of all individuals incarcerated. 2022-2023 Consolidated Final Report with Responses 157
F2 Page 173
Overcrowding at the Main Jail would be alleviated if the Blaine Street Women’s Jail and the second unit at Rountree could be reopened. __ AGREE _X PARTIALLY DISAGREE __ DISAGREE Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree): Blaine Street was reopened on 5/19/23. Opening the second unit at Rountree would help ease overcrowding but would not solve it entirely. Overcrowding is a result of many different factors including but not limited to our administratively separated population, different classifications of incarcerated persons, and factors such as mental illness and substance abuse. Required Response from the Santa Cruz County Sheriff Envisioning the Future of our Jails Due by July 24, 2023 166 Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury
Related Recommendations (2)
R2
Page 183
The Blaine Street Women’s Jail should be reopened as soon as practical, but definitely before the end of 2023. (The reopening is imminent and will occur mid May 2023) (F2 – F4) _X HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED – summarize what has been done HAS NOT YET BEEN IMPLEMENTED BUT WILL BE IN THE FUTURE – __ summarize what will be done and the timeframe REQUIRES FURTHER ANALYSIS – explain the scope and timeframe __ (not to exceed six months) __ WILL NOT BE IMPLEMENTED – explain why Required response explanation, summary, and timeframe: Blaine Street facility was reopened on 5/19/23. Required Response from the Santa Cruz County Sheriff Envisioning the Future of our Jails Due by July 24, 2023 176 Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury
R3
Page 184
After Blaine Street, the second unit at Rountree should be reopened as soon as sufficient staffing is available, and preferably (F2, F4, F5) __ HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED – summarize what has been done HAS NOT YET BEEN IMPLEMENTED BUT WILL BE IN THE FUTURE – _X summarize what will be done and the timeframe REQUIRES FURTHER ANALYSIS – explain the scope and timeframe __ (not to exceed six months) __ WILL NOT BE IMPLEMENTED – explain why Required response explanation, summary, and timeframe: The Sheriff’s Office will continue to recruit, hire, and retain Correctional Officers. When staffing permits, we plan to reopen the second housing unit at Rountree. We do not have a timetable for that at this time. Required Response from the Santa Cruz County Sheriff Envisioning the Future of our Jails Due by July 24, 2023 2022-2023 Consolidated Final Report with Responses 177
F3 Page 174
Keeping women who do not need to be in a high security facility in the Main Jail is clearly detrimental to their mental health, and to their chances of staying out of jail once released. __ AGREE _X PARTIALLY DISAGREE __ DISAGREE Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree): Blaine Street is more conducive to programming and a better overall environment. We disagree that the Main Jail is “clearly detrimental to their mental health, and to their chances of staying out of jail once released.” We believe mental health and recidivism are more complex issues and cannot be reduced to merely the environment in which one is housed while in custody; nor is the security level of a custodial facility determinative to its effectiveness of future recidivism rates. Required Response from the Santa Cruz County Sheriff Envisioning the Future of our Jails Due by July 24, 2023 2022-2023 Consolidated Final Report with Responses 167
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
Page 183
The Blaine Street Women’s Jail should be reopened as soon as practical, but definitely before the end of 2023. (The reopening is imminent and will occur mid May 2023) (F2 – F4) _X HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED – summarize what has been done HAS NOT YET BEEN IMPLEMENTED BUT WILL BE IN THE FUTURE – __ summarize what will be done and the timeframe REQUIRES FURTHER ANALYSIS – explain the scope and timeframe __ (not to exceed six months) __ WILL NOT BE IMPLEMENTED – explain why Required response explanation, summary, and timeframe: Blaine Street facility was reopened on 5/19/23. Required Response from the Santa Cruz County Sheriff Envisioning the Future of our Jails Due by July 24, 2023 176 Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury
F4 Page 175
Reopening Blaine Street and the second unit at Rountree would give the Sheriff’s Office much more scope to balance the jail population between the three facilities, and would allow some inmates from the Main Jail to move to Rountree and take advantage of the programming available there. _X AGREE __ PARTIALLY DISAGREE __ DISAGREE Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree): Required Response from the Santa Cruz County Sheriff Envisioning the Future of our Jails Due by July 24, 2023 168 Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury
Related Recommendations (3)
R2
Page 183
The Blaine Street Women’s Jail should be reopened as soon as practical, but definitely before the end of 2023. (The reopening is imminent and will occur mid May 2023) (F2 – F4) _X HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED – summarize what has been done HAS NOT YET BEEN IMPLEMENTED BUT WILL BE IN THE FUTURE – __ summarize what will be done and the timeframe REQUIRES FURTHER ANALYSIS – explain the scope and timeframe __ (not to exceed six months) __ WILL NOT BE IMPLEMENTED – explain why Required response explanation, summary, and timeframe: Blaine Street facility was reopened on 5/19/23. Required Response from the Santa Cruz County Sheriff Envisioning the Future of our Jails Due by July 24, 2023 176 Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury
R3
Page 184
After Blaine Street, the second unit at Rountree should be reopened as soon as sufficient staffing is available, and preferably (F2, F4, F5) __ HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED – summarize what has been done HAS NOT YET BEEN IMPLEMENTED BUT WILL BE IN THE FUTURE – _X summarize what will be done and the timeframe REQUIRES FURTHER ANALYSIS – explain the scope and timeframe __ (not to exceed six months) __ WILL NOT BE IMPLEMENTED – explain why Required response explanation, summary, and timeframe: The Sheriff’s Office will continue to recruit, hire, and retain Correctional Officers. When staffing permits, we plan to reopen the second housing unit at Rountree. We do not have a timetable for that at this time. Required Response from the Santa Cruz County Sheriff Envisioning the Future of our Jails Due by July 24, 2023 2022-2023 Consolidated Final Report with Responses 177
R7
Page 167
The Sheriff’s Office should commission a study to determine the most effective use of the three jails and any modifications to existing facilities needed to house the expected jail population into the future. This study should be completed (F4, F9, F10) __ HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED – summarize what has been done HAS NOT YET BEEN IMPLEMENTED BUT WILL BE IN THE FUTURE – __ summarize what will be done and the timeframe REQUIRES FURTHER ANALYSIS – explain the scope and timeframe _x_ (not to exceed six months) __ WILL NOT BE IMPLEMENTED – explain why Required response explanation, summary, and timeframe: The Sheriff’s Office and County Administrative Office have been exploring the best approach to conduct this study, known as a Facility Needs Assessment. In the next six months, they will determine whether to issue a Request for Proposals to identify a consultant for this assessment. Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury Grand Jury Responses to the findings and recommendations in the 2022-2023 Grand Jury Report, “Envisioning the Future of our Jails.....” Caitlin Smith Tue, Aug 8, 2023 at 4:35 PM Good Afternoon, Please see attached for the Board of Supervisors, the Public Defender, and Sheriff’s responses to the findings and recommendations in the 2022-2023 Grand Jury Report, “Envisioning the Future of our Jails – We Continue to ‘Kick The Can’.” Best, Caitlin C. Smith County Supervisors’ Analyst Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors 701 Ocean Street, Room 500 Santa Cruz, CA 95060 831-454-2200 main 831-454-3516 direct caitlin.smith@santacruzcounty.us To email all five members of the Board of Supervisors at once, please use: BoardOfSupervisors@santacruzcounty.us 4 attachments Future of our Jails response Cover letter.pdf 37K Future of our Jails Report-Board of Supervisors response.pdf 321K Future of our Jails Report-Sheriff's response.pdf 256K Future of our Jails Report-Public Defender Response.pdf 212K 2022-2023 Consolidated Final Report with Responses 161 County of Santa Cruz BOARD OF SUPERVISORS 701 OCEAN STREET, SUITE 500, SANTA CRUZ, CA 95060-4069 (831) 454-2200 • FAX: (831) 454-3262 TDD/TTY - Call 711 MANU KOENIG ZACH FRIEND JUSTIN CUMMINGS FELIPE HERNANDEZ BRUCE MCPHERSON FIRST DISTRICT SECOND DISTRICT THIRD DISTRICT FOURTH DISTRICT FIFTH DISTRICT August 8, 2023 The Honorable Syda Cogliati Santa Cruz Courthouse 701 Ocean Street Santa Cruz, CA 95060 RE: Response to the 2022-2023 Grand Jury Report titled "Envisioning the Future of our Jails - We Continue to 'Kick The Can"' Dear Judge Cogliati: The purpose of this letter is to formally transmit the responses of the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, the Santa Cruz County Public Defender, and the Santa Cruz County Sheriff to the 2022-2023 Grand Jury Report titled "Envisioning the Future of our Jails - We Continue to 'Kick The Can'." Sincerely, ZACH FRI · ND, Chair Board of Supervisors ZF: cs
F5 Page 176
Lack of programming at the Main Jail is bad for inmate welfare, both their mental health while on the inside, and their ability to stay out of the criminal justice system once released. __ AGREE _X PARTIALLY DISAGREE __ DISAGREE Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree): The Sheriff’s Office believes in the value of programming for incarcerated persons. We believe it can have a positive effect on their well-being, should they choose to participate. We believe mental health and recidivism are much more complex than issues such as environment and access to programming. Required Response from the Santa Cruz County Sheriff Envisioning the Future of our Jails Due by July 24, 2023 2022-2023 Consolidated Final Report with Responses 169
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
Page 184
After Blaine Street, the second unit at Rountree should be reopened as soon as sufficient staffing is available, and preferably (F2, F4, F5) __ HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED – summarize what has been done HAS NOT YET BEEN IMPLEMENTED BUT WILL BE IN THE FUTURE – _X summarize what will be done and the timeframe REQUIRES FURTHER ANALYSIS – explain the scope and timeframe __ (not to exceed six months) __ WILL NOT BE IMPLEMENTED – explain why Required response explanation, summary, and timeframe: The Sheriff’s Office will continue to recruit, hire, and retain Correctional Officers. When staffing permits, we plan to reopen the second housing unit at Rountree. We do not have a timetable for that at this time. Required Response from the Santa Cruz County Sheriff Envisioning the Future of our Jails Due by July 24, 2023 2022-2023 Consolidated Final Report with Responses 177
F6 Page 177
Programs such as those run by the Public Defender’s Office and CAFES that reduce recidivism are effective because they give former inmates the mental health and/or substance abuse treatments they need, as well as case management and supportive housing. _X AGREE __ PARTIALLY DISAGREE __ DISAGREE Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree): Required Response from the Santa Cruz County Sheriff Envisioning the Future of our Jails Due by July 24, 2023 170 Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury
Related Recommendations (2)
R4
Page 185
Programming at the Main Jail, both that intended to stimulate and entertain inmates, and that intended to provide them with skills for life on the outside, should be restarted as soon as practical and as Covid restrictions allow. (F6) _X HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED – summarize what has been done HAS NOT YET BEEN IMPLEMENTED BUT WILL BE IN THE FUTURE – __ summarize what will be done and the timeframe REQUIRES FURTHER ANALYSIS – explain the scope and timeframe __ (not to exceed six months) __ WILL NOT BE IMPLEMENTED – explain why Required response explanation, summary, and timeframe: The Sheriff’s Office restarted in-person programming in May 2022. Contracted organizations must recruit and train staff to provide programs. We are continually evaluating new programs but are somewhat limited at the Main Jail by lack of classrooms and space to conduct group programs. Required Response from the Santa Cruz County Sheriff Envisioning the Future of our Jails Due by July 24, 2023 178 Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury
R6
Page 166
In the next budget cycle, County Behavioral Health should be funded to adequately treat released inmates with mental illness, including supportive housing where necessary. (F6 – F9) __ HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED – summarize what has been done HAS NOT YET BEEN IMPLEMENTED BUT WILL BE IN THE FUTURE – __ summarize what will be done and the timeframe REQUIRES FURTHER ANALYSIS – explain the scope and timeframe _x_ (not to exceed six months) __ WILL NOT BE IMPLEMENTED – explain why Required response explanation, summary, and timeframe: The FY 2023-24 budget provides County Behavioral Health with funding to treat mental illness and provide supportive housing to those in need of these services, including released inmates. Funding allocations are determined annually as part of the budget cycle. The FY 2024-25 budget will be developed beginning in fall 2023 and ending in spring 2024 during which time staff will determine how much additional funding is available to support these programs. 2022-2023 Consolidated Final Report with Responses 159
F7 Page 160
Lack of continuing care for released inmates, most especially those with mental illness, SUD and/or who will be homeless after release, significantly contributes to recidivism, which then contributes to the need for a new jail. _x_ AGREE __ PARTIALLY DISAGREE __ DISAGREE Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree): 2022-2023 Consolidated Final Report with Responses 153
Related Recommendations (2)
R5
Page 165
The Public Defender’s Office should receive funding in the next budget cycle to provide adequate anti recidivism programs. (F7 – F9) __ HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED – summarize what has been done HAS NOT YET BEEN IMPLEMENTED BUT WILL BE IN THE FUTURE – __ summarize what will be done and the timeframe REQUIRES FURTHER ANALYSIS – explain the scope and timeframe _x_ (not to exceed six months) __ WILL NOT BE IMPLEMENTED – explain why Required response explanation, summary, and timeframe: The FY 2023-24 budget provides the Public Defender’s Office with funding to provide holistic representation to the people they represent. This holistic model of representation supports countywide efforts to reduce recidivism and connect people to meaningful, stabilizing services and support in the community. Funding allocations are determined annually as part of the budget cycle. The FY 2024-25 budget will be developed beginning in fall 2023 and ending in spring 2024 during which time staff will determine how much additional funding is available to support these programs. Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury
R6
Page 166
In the next budget cycle, County Behavioral Health should be funded to adequately treat released inmates with mental illness, including supportive housing where necessary. (F6 – F9) __ HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED – summarize what has been done HAS NOT YET BEEN IMPLEMENTED BUT WILL BE IN THE FUTURE – __ summarize what will be done and the timeframe REQUIRES FURTHER ANALYSIS – explain the scope and timeframe _x_ (not to exceed six months) __ WILL NOT BE IMPLEMENTED – explain why Required response explanation, summary, and timeframe: The FY 2023-24 budget provides County Behavioral Health with funding to treat mental illness and provide supportive housing to those in need of these services, including released inmates. Funding allocations are determined annually as part of the budget cycle. The FY 2024-25 budget will be developed beginning in fall 2023 and ending in spring 2024 during which time staff will determine how much additional funding is available to support these programs. 2022-2023 Consolidated Final Report with Responses 159
F8 Page 161
Some continuing care does exist, but is massively underfunded, especially for former inmates who need supportive housing. _x_ AGREE __ PARTIALLY DISAGREE __ DISAGREE Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree): There is a need for additional continuing care in the community, particularly for those suffering from mental illness or substance use disorders. Supportive housing is especially critical for former inmates who are unhoused and struggling with these challenges. There is also a need to make continuing care that does exist less diffuse and difficult to access. Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury
Related Recommendations (2)
R5
Page 165
The Public Defender’s Office should receive funding in the next budget cycle to provide adequate anti recidivism programs. (F7 – F9) __ HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED – summarize what has been done HAS NOT YET BEEN IMPLEMENTED BUT WILL BE IN THE FUTURE – __ summarize what will be done and the timeframe REQUIRES FURTHER ANALYSIS – explain the scope and timeframe _x_ (not to exceed six months) __ WILL NOT BE IMPLEMENTED – explain why Required response explanation, summary, and timeframe: The FY 2023-24 budget provides the Public Defender’s Office with funding to provide holistic representation to the people they represent. This holistic model of representation supports countywide efforts to reduce recidivism and connect people to meaningful, stabilizing services and support in the community. Funding allocations are determined annually as part of the budget cycle. The FY 2024-25 budget will be developed beginning in fall 2023 and ending in spring 2024 during which time staff will determine how much additional funding is available to support these programs. Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury
R6
Page 166
In the next budget cycle, County Behavioral Health should be funded to adequately treat released inmates with mental illness, including supportive housing where necessary. (F6 – F9) __ HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED – summarize what has been done HAS NOT YET BEEN IMPLEMENTED BUT WILL BE IN THE FUTURE – __ summarize what will be done and the timeframe REQUIRES FURTHER ANALYSIS – explain the scope and timeframe _x_ (not to exceed six months) __ WILL NOT BE IMPLEMENTED – explain why Required response explanation, summary, and timeframe: The FY 2023-24 budget provides County Behavioral Health with funding to treat mental illness and provide supportive housing to those in need of these services, including released inmates. Funding allocations are determined annually as part of the budget cycle. The FY 2024-25 budget will be developed beginning in fall 2023 and ending in spring 2024 during which time staff will determine how much additional funding is available to support these programs. 2022-2023 Consolidated Final Report with Responses 159
F9 Page 162
The Main Jail is old, has been overcrowded, and does not meet current requirements for incarceration. __ AGREE _x_ PARTIALLY DISAGREE __ DISAGREE Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree): The Main Jail is old, overcrowded and in need of replacement. The Main Jail is not conducive to modern Corrections practices and would not be built the same way under current practices, policies, and community expectations. However, the Main Jail has passed all Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) Inspections and does meet current requirements for use as a corrections facility. 2022-2023 Consolidated Final Report with Responses 155
Related Recommendations (3)
R5
Page 165
The Public Defender’s Office should receive funding in the next budget cycle to provide adequate anti recidivism programs. (F7 – F9) __ HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED – summarize what has been done HAS NOT YET BEEN IMPLEMENTED BUT WILL BE IN THE FUTURE – __ summarize what will be done and the timeframe REQUIRES FURTHER ANALYSIS – explain the scope and timeframe _x_ (not to exceed six months) __ WILL NOT BE IMPLEMENTED – explain why Required response explanation, summary, and timeframe: The FY 2023-24 budget provides the Public Defender’s Office with funding to provide holistic representation to the people they represent. This holistic model of representation supports countywide efforts to reduce recidivism and connect people to meaningful, stabilizing services and support in the community. Funding allocations are determined annually as part of the budget cycle. The FY 2024-25 budget will be developed beginning in fall 2023 and ending in spring 2024 during which time staff will determine how much additional funding is available to support these programs. Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury
R6
Page 166
In the next budget cycle, County Behavioral Health should be funded to adequately treat released inmates with mental illness, including supportive housing where necessary. (F6 – F9) __ HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED – summarize what has been done HAS NOT YET BEEN IMPLEMENTED BUT WILL BE IN THE FUTURE – __ summarize what will be done and the timeframe REQUIRES FURTHER ANALYSIS – explain the scope and timeframe _x_ (not to exceed six months) __ WILL NOT BE IMPLEMENTED – explain why Required response explanation, summary, and timeframe: The FY 2023-24 budget provides County Behavioral Health with funding to treat mental illness and provide supportive housing to those in need of these services, including released inmates. Funding allocations are determined annually as part of the budget cycle. The FY 2024-25 budget will be developed beginning in fall 2023 and ending in spring 2024 during which time staff will determine how much additional funding is available to support these programs. 2022-2023 Consolidated Final Report with Responses 159
R7
Page 167
The Sheriff’s Office should commission a study to determine the most effective use of the three jails and any modifications to existing facilities needed to house the expected jail population into the future. This study should be completed (F4, F9, F10) __ HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED – summarize what has been done HAS NOT YET BEEN IMPLEMENTED BUT WILL BE IN THE FUTURE – __ summarize what will be done and the timeframe REQUIRES FURTHER ANALYSIS – explain the scope and timeframe _x_ (not to exceed six months) __ WILL NOT BE IMPLEMENTED – explain why Required response explanation, summary, and timeframe: The Sheriff’s Office and County Administrative Office have been exploring the best approach to conduct this study, known as a Facility Needs Assessment. In the next six months, they will determine whether to issue a Request for Proposals to identify a consultant for this assessment. Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury Grand Jury Responses to the findings and recommendations in the 2022-2023 Grand Jury Report, “Envisioning the Future of our Jails.....” Caitlin Smith Tue, Aug 8, 2023 at 4:35 PM Good Afternoon, Please see attached for the Board of Supervisors, the Public Defender, and Sheriff’s responses to the findings and recommendations in the 2022-2023 Grand Jury Report, “Envisioning the Future of our Jails – We Continue to ‘Kick The Can’.” Best, Caitlin C. Smith County Supervisors’ Analyst Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors 701 Ocean Street, Room 500 Santa Cruz, CA 95060 831-454-2200 main 831-454-3516 direct caitlin.smith@santacruzcounty.us To email all five members of the Board of Supervisors at once, please use: BoardOfSupervisors@santacruzcounty.us 4 attachments Future of our Jails response Cover letter.pdf 37K Future of our Jails Report-Board of Supervisors response.pdf 321K Future of our Jails Report-Sheriff's response.pdf 256K Future of our Jails Report-Public Defender Response.pdf 212K 2022-2023 Consolidated Final Report with Responses 161 County of Santa Cruz BOARD OF SUPERVISORS 701 OCEAN STREET, SUITE 500, SANTA CRUZ, CA 95060-4069 (831) 454-2200 • FAX: (831) 454-3262 TDD/TTY - Call 711 MANU KOENIG ZACH FRIEND JUSTIN CUMMINGS FELIPE HERNANDEZ BRUCE MCPHERSON FIRST DISTRICT SECOND DISTRICT THIRD DISTRICT FOURTH DISTRICT FIFTH DISTRICT August 8, 2023 The Honorable Syda Cogliati Santa Cruz Courthouse 701 Ocean Street Santa Cruz, CA 95060 RE: Response to the 2022-2023 Grand Jury Report titled "Envisioning the Future of our Jails - We Continue to 'Kick The Can"' Dear Judge Cogliati: The purpose of this letter is to formally transmit the responses of the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, the Santa Cruz County Public Defender, and the Santa Cruz County Sheriff to the 2022-2023 Grand Jury Report titled "Envisioning the Future of our Jails - We Continue to 'Kick The Can'." Sincerely, ZACH FRI · ND, Chair Board of Supervisors ZF: cs
F10 Page 163
The Main Jail might be adequate for incarcerating inmates who need to be in a high security facility, providing it can be renovated to meet current incarceration requirements for a much reduced population. __ AGREE __ PARTIALLY DISAGREE _x_ DISAGREE Response explanation (required for a response other than Agree): The current Main Jail needs to be fully replaced. The building is old, resulting in continual and costly maintenance, and lacks the modern design and infrastructure needed to ensure efficient and secure operations. A new jail facility can address these shortcomings by incorporating state-of-the-art systems, improved inmate management techniques, and enhanced facilities for staff and inmates alike, while prioritizing the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders through better programming spaces, educational resources, and medical and mental health services. Additionally, a new facility can be designed with sustainability in mind, promoting energy efficiency while creating a safer and more effective environment for both staff and inmates that meets modern correctional standards. Furthermore, continued operation of multiple facilities in different parts of the County is costly and not an efficient use of limited staffing resources. Consolidating facilities to a smaller geographic area would allow more efficient utilization of staffing. Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury
Related Recommendations (1)
R7
Page 167
The Sheriff’s Office should commission a study to determine the most effective use of the three jails and any modifications to existing facilities needed to house the expected jail population into the future. This study should be completed (F4, F9, F10) __ HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED – summarize what has been done HAS NOT YET BEEN IMPLEMENTED BUT WILL BE IN THE FUTURE – __ summarize what will be done and the timeframe REQUIRES FURTHER ANALYSIS – explain the scope and timeframe _x_ (not to exceed six months) __ WILL NOT BE IMPLEMENTED – explain why Required response explanation, summary, and timeframe: The Sheriff’s Office and County Administrative Office have been exploring the best approach to conduct this study, known as a Facility Needs Assessment. In the next six months, they will determine whether to issue a Request for Proposals to identify a consultant for this assessment. Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury Grand Jury Responses to the findings and recommendations in the 2022-2023 Grand Jury Report, “Envisioning the Future of our Jails.....” Caitlin Smith Tue, Aug 8, 2023 at 4:35 PM Good Afternoon, Please see attached for the Board of Supervisors, the Public Defender, and Sheriff’s responses to the findings and recommendations in the 2022-2023 Grand Jury Report, “Envisioning the Future of our Jails – We Continue to ‘Kick The Can’.” Best, Caitlin C. Smith County Supervisors’ Analyst Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors 701 Ocean Street, Room 500 Santa Cruz, CA 95060 831-454-2200 main 831-454-3516 direct caitlin.smith@santacruzcounty.us To email all five members of the Board of Supervisors at once, please use: BoardOfSupervisors@santacruzcounty.us 4 attachments Future of our Jails response Cover letter.pdf 37K Future of our Jails Report-Board of Supervisors response.pdf 321K Future of our Jails Report-Sheriff's response.pdf 256K Future of our Jails Report-Public Defender Response.pdf 212K 2022-2023 Consolidated Final Report with Responses 161 County of Santa Cruz BOARD OF SUPERVISORS 701 OCEAN STREET, SUITE 500, SANTA CRUZ, CA 95060-4069 (831) 454-2200 • FAX: (831) 454-3262 TDD/TTY - Call 711 MANU KOENIG ZACH FRIEND JUSTIN CUMMINGS FELIPE HERNANDEZ BRUCE MCPHERSON FIRST DISTRICT SECOND DISTRICT THIRD DISTRICT FOURTH DISTRICT FIFTH DISTRICT August 8, 2023 The Honorable Syda Cogliati Santa Cruz Courthouse 701 Ocean Street Santa Cruz, CA 95060 RE: Response to the 2022-2023 Grand Jury Report titled "Envisioning the Future of our Jails - We Continue to 'Kick The Can"' Dear Judge Cogliati: The purpose of this letter is to formally transmit the responses of the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, the Santa Cruz County Public Defender, and the Santa Cruz County Sheriff to the 2022-2023 Grand Jury Report titled "Envisioning the Future of our Jails - We Continue to 'Kick The Can'." Sincerely, ZACH FRI · ND, Chair Board of Supervisors ZF: cs