Sacramento County Grand Jury
• 2017-2018
Sacramento County Grand Jury 2017-2018 Middle of the Night Jail Releases: Balancing Safety and Jail Processing Concerns
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings and Recommendations 5 findings
F2
Until the ATIMS system becomes operational, the Jail continues to process releases without regard to the time of release. This results in more than necessary late-night releases occurring on a daily basis.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
Until implementation of ATIMS, steps should be taken to minimize late night releases as recommended.
F3
There may be inconsistencies within the different shifts regarding how CORs are processed by Jail desk personnel and given to release officers. The chain of command, including who is responsible, is not defined.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
Existing written instructions on processing CORs should be updated with a goal of processing such releases consistently and as quickly as possible.
F4
The Jail has no written checklist type system in place to inform inmates of their options upon release.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
A written or electronic checklist-type release form should be developed and utilized to fully inform persons being released of their options during late night hours to incorporate all suggestions previously noted. 47
F5
The Jail does not have a taxi service contract or taxi voucher system that would provide persons being released in the middle of the night with the free option of a taxi service.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5
The County should contract or use a voucher system to provide a taxi service option for late night releases.
F6
The present debit card system is not user friendly, does not offer a cash option, and may result in a service charge. Further, use of the system may result in the loss of amounts under $20.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6
The existing debit card system should be reviewed, with the aim of making it more user friendly. Persons being released should be given cash if their balances are less than $20.
Additional Recommendations 1
These recommendations are not explicitly linked to specific findings.
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R1Implementation of the new ATIMS system should be expedited and specifically be aimed at minimizing late night releases.
Conclusions 1
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CL1Addressing the concerns of late night releases involves a balancing of safety issues with Jail overcrowding/need-to-keep-the-system moving issues. Given that balance, we are recommending that late night releases be minimized and that steps be taken to ensure that released individuals are informed of their options.