receiving/transportation location, public visitation booths, and general administration. Additionally, the Grand Jury

The inmate sick room and the Pod 32A sick call cell had medical equipment stored in the adjoining restrooms adjacent to the commodes. A wheelchair, oxygen tank, and crutches were all stored in an area next to a toilet. Additionally, the pulmonary air modules in both of these locations were dirty and in need of cleaning.

In Pod 32A, dirt and debris from the multi-purpose room was swept into an empty closet rather than being disposed of and electrical plugs were burnt. Also, the exercise yard in Pod 32A was 2004-2005 Alameda County Civil Grand Jury Final Report ________________________________________________________________________ 44 not used for exercise but instead was used for storing cleaning equipment (e.g., brooms, mops, etc.)

The Grand Jury noted an electrical hoist in the hot food preparation area of the kitchen directly over a pot of boiling potatoes that had paint chips which were peeling off the equipment. This hoist is used to move large vats of food, and the vats of food were uncovered. The peeling paint from the hoist could fall into the open food vats and cause contamination. Additionally, food lids in the cold storage area were damaged and did not seal properly. The size of this jail, along with the quality of its staff, is impressive. The Alameda County Sheriff’s jail system is continually awarded high honors by the American Corrections Association. The Sheriff’s Office has also been awarded triple accreditation, and pursuant to the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), a national organization, holds the highest honors in the state. It should be noted that the quest for accreditation has become woven into the fabric of the department and underlies training facilities, management, personnel decisions, administration, and policies and procedures. This quest for accreditation occurs every three years and is a continuous process. This accreditation pursuit is voluntary but ensures the department strives to meet the highest national standards of law enforcement. The problems listed in this report, although requiring correction, are minimal considering the scope of services provided by this facility. Overall, the Grand Jury was impressed with this facility, the personnel, and with the maintenance of the jail.