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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 • 2019-2020

Success and Progress for Post-conviction Criminal Justice in Lake County

Published: May 18, 2020 19 pages
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Findings and Recommendations 7 findings

F1 Page 122
The Probation Department has not yet followed through on its promise to better inform the public about available programs and activities for children and youth in Lake County.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
Page 123
The Probation Department should do more to inform the public about available programs for children and youth in Lake County. (F1)
F2 Page 122
The Probation Department has recommended renewing the county’s contract with the Tehama County Juvenile Hall for another two years. The Board of Supervisors makes approvals for such requests.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
Page 123
The Board of Supervisors should renew the contract with the Tehama County Juvenile Hall for two more years. (F2)
F3 Page 122
The Sheriff’s Department is striving to bring the Lake County jail into compliance with state facility standards under the CCR Title 15 regulations. It can continue those efforts, especially by providing enough toilets, sinks and bathing areas to comply with the state’s standards.
Related Recommendations (2)
R3
Page 123
The Sheriff’s Department should continue efforts to comply with state regulations by completing construction and other efforts to ensure the Lake County jail has enough toilets, sinks and bathing facilities. (F3)
R4
Page 123
The Sheriff’s Department should provide beds and mattresses to all inmates and stop using “boats”. (F3)
F4 Page 122
There is not enough programming for inmates at the Lake County jail because there are not enough corrections officers to transport and supervise them even if there were more activities available.
No recommendations for this finding
F5 Page 122
Both the Probation and Sheriff’s Departments have difficulty recruiting and retaining employees because the county’s wages are too low and the benefits are too expensive.
Related Recommendations (2)
R5
Page 123
The Board of Supervisors may fund the full complement of 55 corrections officers for the Lake County jail to promote safety and better programming for inmates and to relieve correctional officers from excessively long work shifts. (F5)
R6
Page 123
The Board of Supervisors may reevaluate wages and benefits for correctional officers to encourage their retention. (F5)
F6 Page 122
The Probation Department and Mendo Lake Alternatives need improved signage to direct new clients to the appropriate location.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7
Page 123
The Probation Department and Mendo Lake Alternatives should redo their signage to better direct clients to appropriate services. (F6)
F7 Page 122
The Sheriff’s Department is taking steps to control the smuggling of heroin and other illegal drugs into the county jail. These will continue in earnest after the COVID-19 restrictions on visitation are lifted. 121
Related Recommendations (1)
R8
Page 123
The Sheriff’s Department should continue to take vigorous action to control the smuggling of heroin and other illegal drugs into the county jail. (F7) 122 REQUESTS FOR RESPONSES: Pursuant to Penal Code sec, 933c, the following responses are required: Board of Supervisors R 1, 2,5, 6 and 7 – ( ) Sheriff’s Department R 3, 4, and 8— ( ) The following are invited to respond: Mendo Lake Alternatives R 7— ( ) FOOTNOTES 1. Brown v. Plata, 563 US 493 (2011) 2. State Treasurer, California Community Corrections Partnership, Performance Incentives Act of 2009 (SB 678) Lake County 3. Interview Lake County Sheriff, May 18, 2020 123