The Jail Inspection Reports

Note: Missing finding numbers detected: F19, F20, F21, F22, F23, F24, F25, F26, F27, F28, F29, F30, F31, F32, F33, F34, F35, F36, F37, F38, F39, F40, F41, F42, F43, F44, F45, F46, F47, F48, F49

Conclusions 20

• CL1 Page 42
  Due to the lack of funds, the project to convert inward-opening doors to outward- opening doors in detainee cells was terminated halfway through the project. Currently half of the doors on detainee rooms open inward, which limits space in an already small area. In addition, detainees can barricade the doors from the inside, causing unsafe conditions for staff and the detainee.
• CL2 Page 42
  Due to the lack of funds, the existing recreational space at the juvenile facility is limited to a small, cracked and uneven concrete quad area for all recreational activities. The backfield area is not fenced and does not have security cameras. Conclusions: C10. The doors that swing inward into the cells create a safety hazard for both detainee and staff. C11. Additional recreational space could be provided if the rear of the facility was fenced and security cameras were added. There would be access to a lawn area that would provide a more outdoorsy feel instead of the concrete recreational space that currently exits.
• CL3 Page 8
  The Grand Jury commends the staff at the Main Jail for creating a culture in which strict behavioral guidelines are balanced with dignity and respect.
• CL4 Page 8
  The Grand Jury commends the staff at the Main Jail for their positive attitude despite continually having to do more with less.
• CL5 Page 8
  The Grand Jury also commends the staff at the Main Jail for grouping inmates by degree of sociability and safety potential rather than by ethnicity.
• CL6 Page 8
  The Grand Jury commends the mental health staff for their exceptional dedication to the treatment of inmates with mental health issues.
• CL7 Page 17
  The Grand Jury commends the staff at the Blaine Street Women's Facility for its professional and competent manner of running the facility.
• CL8 Page 17
  The Grand Jury commends the staff for maintaining a clean and orderly computer room.
• CL9 Page 17
  The Grand Jury commends the staff for accessing the Gemma program.
• CL10 Page 26
  The Grand Jury commends the Rountree staff and correctional officers for the smooth transition during the combination of the minimum and medium detention facilities. The general well-being and safety of the inmates, staff, and correctional officers remained a priority and daily operations were not disrupted.
• CL11 Page 35
  The Grand Jury commends the correctional officers and staff for maintaining a well- controlled environment within Court Holding, particularly given the need to update the facility.
• CL12 Page 39
  The Grand Jury commends the officers and staff of the Watsonville Holding Facility for their exemplary management and maintenance of the facility as well as their dedication and diligence in assuring the safety and well-being of the inmates, the correctional officers, and the public. Responses Required: NONE Respond Within/ Respondent Findings Recommendations Respond By WATSONVILLE COURT HOLDING FACILITY 112 ∫ Santa Cruz County Grand Jury Final Report 2009-2010 CONDITIONS OF DETENTION Secure non-public access, movement within and egress. If the same entrance is used by both minors and adults, is movement scheduled so that there is no opportunity for contact/communication? Yes. Juveniles and adults are kept apart from one another. Are minors separated from adults once inside court holding area? Yes, both auditorially and visually. Access to toilets and washing facilities: Yes. Access to drinking fountain or water: Yes. SUPERVISION OF ADULTS Staff training completed? (Including segregation of occupants, emergency procedures and planning, and suicide prevention) Yes. All staff and correctional officers are trained in the above areas. Is there an established classification plan for adults? Is classification information received in a timely manner? Yes. Prior to each day that court is in session the holding cell staff receives a classification report for all inmates scheduled for court appearances. After receiving the classification report, they check the data against three different sources for accuracy. Is there a suicide prevention program? Yes. Ability and frequency of staff to supervise adults: There are six separate holding cells, one each for: (1) General population, (2) Females, (3) Juveniles, (4) Special needs (e.g., inmates requiring wheelchair access), (5) Norteños, (6) Sureños. There are frequent and regular checks on all inmates in the holding cells: every 30 minutes for adults, every 15 minutes for juveniles. Review of Incident Reports: NA. Number adults interviewed: 0 Comments: For safety reasons it was recommended by the Sheriff's Office that the Grand Jury members visit holding cells when inmates were not present. WATSONVILLE COURT HOLDING FACILITY The Jail Inspection Reports ∫ 113 SUPERVISION OF MINORS Staff training completed? (Including segregation of minors, emergency procedures and planning, and suicide prevention) Yes. Is there an established classification plan for minors? Is classification information received in a timely manner? There is a classification plan for minors. Yes. Is there a suicide prevention program? Yes. Ability and frequency of staff to supervise minors Staff check on juveniles every 15 minutes. Review of Incident Reports: NA. Number minors interviewed: 0 Comments: Approximately three juveniles a month are held in the Watsonville Court Holding facility. WATSONVILLE COURT HOLDING FACILITY 114 ∫ Santa Cruz County Grand Jury Final Report 2009-2010 Santa Cruz County Grand Jury 2009-2010 Juvenile Facility Inspection Report Inspection Date(s): Facility Name: September 22, 2009 SANTA CRUZ JUVENILE HALL January 28, 2010 Address: Rated Capacity: 42 3650 Graham Hill Road Occupancy: 26 Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Background: Santa Cruz Juvenile Hall, built in 1968, provides temporary and secure facilities for juveniles between the ages of 13 through 18. The law requires that reasonable efforts be made to keep juveniles at home and in the community rather than in detention. The youth are kept in Juvenile Hall only if public and personal safety issues rise to the level where home release is not feasible or there is a strong likelihood the juvenile will not make his or her court appearance. Findings: F10. Due to the lack of funds, the project to convert inward-opening doors to outward- opening doors in detainee cells was terminated halfway through the project. Currently half of the doors on detainee rooms open inward, which limits space in an already small area. In addition, detainees can barricade the doors from the inside, causing unsafe conditions for staff and the detainee. F11. Due to the lack of funds, the existing recreational space at the juvenile facility is limited to a small, cracked and uneven concrete quad area for all recreational activities. The backfield area is not fenced and does not have security cameras. Conclusions: C10. The doors that swing inward into the cells create a safety hazard for both detainee and staff. C11. Additional recreational space could be provided if the rear of the facility was fenced and security cameras were added. There would be access to a lawn area that would provide a more outdoorsy feel instead of the concrete recreational space that currently exits.
• CL13 Page 43
  The staff is to be commended for their persistance in obtaining funds from grants.
• CL14 Page 43
  The staff is to be commended for their progressive attitude in incorporating state of the art and well-researched methodologies in juvenile offender rehabilitation.
• CL15 Page 43
  The Grand Jury commends the kitchen staff for their continual efforts in enhancing nutritional offerings for detainees, including use of organic products as well as reducing fat content in the food served.
• CL16 Page 43
  The staff is to be commended for their use of "high strictness, high warmth," which encourages a positive attitude among detainees and facilitates the quick re-entry into their home environment.
• CL17 Page 54
  The Grand Jury commends Camp 45 and CAL FIRE for the excellent working relationship and communication they have established at the camp.
• CL18 Page 54
  The Grand Jury commends the management and staff of Camp 45 for creating a caring and supportive environment that contributes to the success of the rehabilitation process.
• CL19 Page 54
  The Grand Jury commends Camp 45 for the utilization of inmates in creating delicious meals and baked goods as well as a very well-run kitchen.
• CL20 Page 54
  The Grand Jury commends Camp 45 for creating a welcoming atmosphere with outside grounds that include tables and barbecues. Visitors are able to enjoy the beautiful surroundings while providing inmates a chance for contact with family and friends.

Comments 16

• CO1 Page 7
  At the time of this inspection, there were five unfilled correctional officer positions due to budget constraints.
• CO2 Page 7
  The mental health of inmates is handled by medications, the social model, counseling, and behavior modification. Mental health services are limited due to a shortage of trained mental health professionals to serve the needs of so many inmates.
• CO3 Page 16
  While the officers had been on weekly rotations to monitor and maintain order at the facility, currently the Sheriff's Office has ended the rotation and a permanent officer has been assigned to the site.
• CO4 Page 16
  Inmates at Blaine Street attend classes at the Main Jail. However, the classroom space there is divided by an accordion partition and the classrooms often are noisy. Additionally, the classes for women are limited to basic education and life skills. Conclusions: C4. The presence of a permanent officer onsite is a significant improvement, especially in the areas of employee-inmate relations and inmate accountability. There is more stability and consistency because inmates are clearer on expectations. C5. Improving the classroom space and the curriculum for women inmates would provide a better learning environment and perhaps enable the women to learn skills that would be useful to them when they are no longer incarcerated.
• CO5 Page 25
  In January 2010, in a cost saving measure, minimum security inmates were moved into the medium risk facility for housing. The minimum risk facility (commonly referred to as “The Farm”) remains open to minimum security inmates for day activities such as GED classes and auto body classes.
• CO6 Page 34
  The Santa Cruz Holding Facility is very old and has only five cells available to separate inmates by classification. The general population cell houses as many as 20 inmates at a time. Rival gangs are separated, with one cell devoted to Sureños members and one cell to Norteños members. Females are placed in one cell, and juveniles, mental health inmates, and special circumstances inmates reside in the fifth cell. The approximate number of custodials per day is 50. Conclusions: C8. With a high volume of inmates and only five holding cells, it is a challenge to adequately separate inmates who pose a danger to one another and therefore to staff. Given the configuration of the holding cells, juveniles (particularly those who are affiliated with a gang) are at risk for being influenced by adult gang members.
• CO7 Page 38
  The Watsonville Holding Facility is a new facility that is state of the art and referred to by many correctional officers as “the jewel of Santa Cruz County.” The Watsonville Holding Facility has six holding cells for the following classifications: general population, females, juveniles, special needs such as inmates needing wheel chair access, and rival gangs. The Sureños and Norteños are kept in separate holding cells. The average number of custodials per day is 18 with a maximum capacity of 48. Conclusions: C9. The Watsonville Holding Facility incorporates several innovative and specific methods for assuring the safety of inmates and officers including a secure sally port area for the transfer of detainees, extensive video surveillance, a state of the art secure control room and well thought out classification of cell populations.
• CO8 Page 53
  The 2007-2008 Grand Jury report recommended that Camp 45 install surveillance cameras at access points in the rear of the property. Upon inspection of the facility and through communication with management, the 2009-2010 Grand Jury learned that the cameras have not been installed.
• CO9 Page 53
  GED and college extension programs for inmates sometimes are provided by Feather River College in Lassen County. Currently only GED classes are offered. No teachers are available to the inmates onsite; students must communicate with teachers through phone conversations. Assignments are completed and sent to Feather River College via a bus that travels to Susanville once a week. Conclusions: C12. Surveillance cameras would provide additional safety to the camp and potentially deter inmates from trying to escape. C13. The distance from the camp to the college limits the number of course offerings. In addition, the quality of education is not optimum with communication mostly via phone.
• CO10 Page 7
  On the two occasions that the Grand Jury toured the Main Jail, it found boxes of supplies stored in the hallways. The boxes blocked the visibility of the fire alarm. Conclusions: C1. The shortage of correctional officers hinders the individual care and progress of inmates and overburdens the workload of the current correctional officers. C2. Reduction of recidivism is possible if there are alternatives for mental health inmates such as appropriate medications and behavioral programs. C3. The Main Jail does not have adequate storage for supplies. Supplies are stored in areas that create a hazard to staff and inmates. SANTA CRUZ COUNTY MAIN JAIL 80 ∫ Santa Cruz County Grand Jury Final Report 2009-2010
• CO11 Page 25
  Medical services are not available at the Rountree facility. Emergency medical cases are transported to local Doctors on Duty or Watsonville Community Hospital. Mental health professionals are available on an on-call basis. Inmates requiring mental health prescription medication cannot be housed at Rountree due to lack of medical personnel. Conclusions: C6. The conjoining of the two facilities was conducted in an efficient manner causing minimal disruption and optimal results. C7. Lack of medical and mental health treatment at the Rountree facility limits the type of inmate who can be housed at the facility and contributes to the overcrowding of the Main Jail ROUNTREE MINIMUM/MEDIUM CORRECTIONAL FACILITY 98 ∫ Santa Cruz County Grand Jury Final Report 2009-2010
• CO12 Page 23
  12-Step alcohol and drug programs, 7) nondenominational religious studies, 8) yoga, and 9) a class on life after release from custody called "Getting Out and Staying Out" provided by the community volunteer group Friends Outside. Atmosphere of classroom(s): Professional, attentive, mutual respect. Are there adequate supplies (books, paper, computers, et cetera)? Yes. Are activities and coursework assigned by teachers? Yes. BLAINE STREET WOMEN’S FACILITY 96 ∫ Santa Cruz County Grand Jury Final Report 2009-2010 Relationship between staffs of educational program staff and facility staff: Mutually appreciative. BLAINE STREET WOMEN’S FACILITY The Jail Inspection Reports ∫ 97 Santa Cruz County Grand Jury 2009-2010 Correctional Facility Inspection Report Facility Name: Inspection Date(s): ROUNTREE MINIMUM/MEDIUM September 3, 2009 CORRECTIONAL FACILITY January 14, 2010 Address: Rated Capacity: 110 90/100 Rountree Lane Occupancy: 109 (1/14/10) Watsonville, CA 95076 Background: The Rountree correctional facility houses two classifications of male inmates: minimum risk and medium risk. Rountree inmates are nonviolent offenders and most have been sentenced to a year or less. The minimum risk inmates are not considered to pose a threat to other inmates and do not possess a high level of criminal sophistication. These inmates can qualify for the Work Extension Program or Work Release Program. The medium risk inmates require incarceration and/or segregation from other inmates but do not require the level of maximum security found at the Main Jail. Many Rountree inmates are awaiting trial or sentencing. In early January 2010, minimum security inmates were moved into the medium risk facility for housing. The Grand Jury visited the combined facility on January 14, 2010, and this inspection report is based on the newly restructured, combined facility. Findings: F6. In January 2010, in a cost saving measure, minimum security inmates were moved into the medium risk facility for housing. The minimum risk facility (commonly referred to as “The Farm”) remains open to minimum security inmates for day activities such as GED classes and auto body classes. F7. Medical services are not available at the Rountree facility. Emergency medical cases are transported to local Doctors on Duty or Watsonville Community Hospital. Mental health professionals are available on an on-call basis. Inmates requiring mental health prescription medication cannot be housed at Rountree due to lack of medical personnel. Conclusions: C6. The conjoining of the two facilities was conducted in an efficient manner causing minimal disruption and optimal results. C7. Lack of medical and mental health treatment at the Rountree facility limits the type of inmate who can be housed at the facility and contributes to the overcrowding of the Main Jail ROUNTREE MINIMUM/MEDIUM CORRECTIONAL FACILITY 98 ∫ Santa Cruz County Grand Jury Final Report 2009-2010
• CO13 Page 34
  Conclusions: C8. With a high volume of inmates and only five holding cells, it is a challenge to adequately separate inmates who pose a danger to one another and therefore to staff. Given the configuration of the holding cells, juveniles (particularly those who are affiliated with a gang) are at risk for being influenced by adult gang members.
• CO14 Page 51
  Atmosphere of classroom(s): Engaging and respectful. Are there adequate supplies (books, paper, computers, et cetera)? Yes. Are activities and coursework assigned by teachers? Students are given the same work as at any other high school. Are minors required to do homework? Yes. Number of minors not attending. Reason?
• CO15
  SANTA CRUZ JUVENILE HALL 124 ∫ Santa Cruz County Grand Jury Final Report 2009-2010 ACCESS TO MEDICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES Available 6 hours a day for medical and 8 hours a day for mental health services, 7 days a week. SANTA CRUZ JUVENILE HALL The Jail Inspection Reports ∫ 125 Santa Cruz County Grand Jury 2009-2010 Correctional Facility Inspection Report Inspection Date(s): Facility Name: November 12, 2009 CAMP 45 – INMATE FIRE CAMP January 28, 2010 Address: Rated Capacity: 100 + 10% overflow 13575 Empire Grade Occupancy: 97 Santa Cruz, CA Background: Camp 45 is a minimum security facility for male inmates who have gone through a comprehensive screening process prior to their assignment at the camp. In a joint arrangement between California Correctional Center in Susanville, California, and CAL FIRE, the prisoners provide fire fighting services as well as conservation-related projects for local, state and federal agencies. The correctional facility in Susanville overseas the camp as specified by the State of California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation operations manual, Title 15 and State penal codes. As a State-run facility over which the County of Santa Cruz has no jurisdiction, there is no obligation on the part of the State to respond to the Santa Cruz Grand Jury report. Findings: F12. The 2007-2008 Grand Jury report recommended that Camp 45 install surveillance cameras at access points in the rear of the property. Upon inspection of the facility and through communication with management, the 2009-2010 Grand Jury learned that the cameras have not been installed. F13. GED and college extension programs for inmates sometimes are provided by Feather River College in Lassen County. Currently only GED classes are offered. No teachers are available to the inmates onsite; students must communicate with teachers through phone conversations. Assignments are completed and sent to Feather River College via a bus that travels to Susanville once a week. Conclusions: C12. Surveillance cameras would provide additional safety to the camp and potentially deter inmates from trying to escape. C13. The distance from the camp to the college limits the number of course offerings. In addition, the quality of education is not optimum with communication mostly via phone.
• CO16 Page 12
  MEALS/NUTRITION The kitchen area – Is it clean? Are knives and chemicals locked? Very clean. Yes. Have the inmates working in the kitchen been trained? Inmates working in the kitchen have been certified prior to camp placement by the Calfornia Correctional Center. Are meals served in the cell, dayroom, or at a central cafeteria? Central cafeteria. Are inmates allowed to converse during meals? Yes. Length of time allowed for eating: Meals typically completed between 25 and 40 minutes. PERSONAL APPEARANCE OF INMATES What is appearance of inmates (dirty, unkempt, well groomed, et cetera)? Inmates appeared well groomed. Showers – Frequency, privacy, maintained, supervised by staff? Daily showers are allowed between 6:30 am and 10:00 pm. No supervision by staff. Cleaned twice a day by inmates. Are there any reported assaults by inmates on inmates? No. Condition of clothing (does the clothing fit, appropriate for weather, etc)? Condition of clothing is related to length of time served. It is appropriate for the weather as well as work performed. CAMP 45 – INMATE FIRE CAMP The Jail Inspection Reports ∫ 131 PROGRAMS Exercise inside or outside? How frequently is it offered? How much time is each inmate offered? Do men get more exercise time than women? Exercise equipment available outside. Inmates are allowed to do basic calisthenics and stretches in the doorways. Exercise is allowed between 6:30 am and 10:30 pm. No women at the facility. Are there clergy available to inmates on request? Is there access to religious services? Clergy is available upon request through California Correctional Center. Religious services are provided three times a week: Saturday, Sunday, and Bible Study on Thursday. Are anger management and other applicable programs available? No anger management but both Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous provided. Are medical services available? How frequently is mental health staff onsite? How long do inmates wait to be seen? Sick call is offered morning and evening for basic cough/cold/first aid. Any injury or progressive medical situation is referred to local hospitals, clinics, or the Susanville correctional facility. Are vocational classes available? If so, what types (cooking, gardening, painting, computers, et cetera)? Basic skills and certificates for Fire Fighter-I classification, chainsaw training, and Preparation for Class-A Truck Driver License. Has been designated for a Vocational Auto Mechanic program in the near future. Is there a program to involve community volunteers? Yes. They are responsible for the Bible Study as well as the Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous classes. Is there a work program? The entire camp is a work program. Other: DISCIPLINE OF INMATES How often is discipline enacted? What is the range of discipline options? An average of six to eight reports are generated per month. Verbal counseling , written reprimands, and administrative/serious rules violations reports. If inmates cross over camp boundaries, they are considered to be escapees and will be transferred back to Susanville. CAMP 45 – INMATE FIRE CAMP 132 ∫ Santa Cruz County Grand Jury Final Report 2009-2010 GRIEVANCES What are the most common types of grievances filed by inmates? Is there a record kept based on type and number? Personal property theft. Records are kept based on number and type of grievance filed. CORRESPONDENCE Is there limited free postage to inmates without money? Yes. Incoming/outgoing – are inmates aware that mail can be read? Yes. All outgoing mail is inpsected by staff and sealed in the presence of the inmate. Confidential correspondence to attorneys, legislators, CSA, et cetera – How is it handled? All correspondence is opened and inspected in the presence of the inmate. Do inmates have access to telephones? What are the restrictions? Yes. All calls are monitored with a record of the phone number and name of the person who called. Files are kept. No cell phones. VISITATION Is there adequate space and privacy? Convenient times or accommodations to family work schedules, et cetera? Yes. There is a visiting room and picnic area with barbecue grills for family visits. Hours are 9:00 am to 3:30 pm Saturday and Sunday. Are there provisions for special visits with attorneys and clergy? California Correctional Center's litigation department coordinates all legal or attorney visits. Clergy visits are handled either by telephone or at the correctional center. Does staff supervise visits? Yes. Do all inmates have access to visiting? – If not give reasons: Yes. EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS College levels, high school level, other: GED and college extension programs. Name of school district providing educational services: Feather River College in Lassen County. CAMP 45 – INMATE FIRE CAMP The Jail Inspection Reports ∫ 133 Number of teachers – full time, part-time, substitutes: Various teachers assist through phone conversations with inmates. Additionally, assistance is provided through communication with the correctional center. Number of inmates and in what types of educational programs: Currently 6. Atmosphere of classroom(s): Correspondence courses only. School work is completed during inmates free time, with assignments sent to the college on the bus that goes to Susanville once a week. Are there adequate supplies (books, paper, computers, et cetera)? Yes. Are activities and coursework assigned by teachers? Yes. Relationship between staffs of educational program staff and facility staff: Little interaction due to geographical distance. CAMP 45 – INMATE FIRE CAMP 134 ∫ Santa Cruz County Grand Jury Final Report 2009-2010 Composite Table of Required Responses Respond Respondent Findings Recommendations Within/By Main Jail: F1 – F3 R1 – R3 Blaine Street: F5 R5 Santa Cruz County 60 Days Rountree: F7 R6 Board of Supervisors September 1, 2010 Santa Cruz Holding: F8 R7 Juvenile Hall F10, F10 R8, R9 Santa Cruz County 90 Days Probation Juvenile Hall F10, F10 R8, R9 October 1, 2010 Department Main Jail: F1-F3 R1-R3 Santa Cruz County Blaine Street: F4, F5 R4, R5 60 Days Sheriff’s Office Rountree: F7 R6 September 1, 2010 Santa Cruz Holding: F8 R7 90 Days CAL FIRE Camp 45: F12, F13 R10, R11 October 1, 2010 California Department of 90 Days Camp 45: F12, F13 R10, R11 Corrections and October 1, 2010 Rehabilitation Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors Responses Main Jail F1. At the time of this inspection, there were five unfilled correctional officer positions due to budget constraints. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors – AGREE F2. The mental health of inmates is handled by medications, the social model, counseling, and behavior modification. Mental health services are limited due to a shortage of trained mental health professionals to serve the needs of so many inmates. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors – PARTIALLY DISAGREES The reason Mental Health Services are limited is not due to a shortage of trained mental health professionals but because funding available from the State for Mental Health services has experienced cuts for the last three years, and the Mental Health Division of the Health Services The Jail Inspection Reports ∫ 135 Agency continues to faces significant challenges due to a reduction of almost $3 million in Proposition 63 (Mental Health Services Act) funding for 2010-11. F3. On the two occasions that the Grand Jury toured the Main Jail, it found boxes of supplies stored in the hallways. The boxes blocked the visibility of the fire alarm. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors – AGREE The County agrees that boxes of supplies have from time to time been stored in the hallways at the Main Jail. R1. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office and the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors should develop a plan to remedy the shortage of correctional officers in the Main Jail so that the plan can be implemented as funds become available. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors – HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED As in previous years, the Sheriff’s Office has a plan in place to fill existing vacancies should funding become available for this purpose. R2. The Grand Jury recommends that the Sheriff’s Office and the Board of Supervisors seek additional funds to increase mental health services for inmates. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors – HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED As they have in prior years, the County’s Health Services Agency and the Sheriff-Coroner have applied for grants for mentally ill offenders whenever funding opportunities have become available. In addition, the County’s Health Services Agency has also sought funding for dual diagnosis (drug abuse/mental health) programming, but at this time, no new funding has been identified. R3. The Sheriff’s Office and the Board of Supervisors should solve the storage problem at the Main Jail by finding an appropriate place to house supplies or by purchasing additional storage space. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors – HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED All areas in front of fire alarms have been cleared of obstruction, and the Sheriff’s Office has assigned the fire safety officer to monitor keeping these areas clear. The Sheriff’s Office does not believe that there is a need for additional storage at this time. Blaine Street Women’s Facility F5. Inmates at Blaine Street attend classes at the Main Jail. However, the classroom space there is divided by an accordion partition and the classrooms often are noisy. Additionally, the classes for women are limited to basic education and life skills. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors – DISAGREE Inmates at the Blaine Street facility do not attend classes at the Main Jail. Classes for Blaine Street inmates attend classes conducted at Blaine Street. The Blaine Street facility offers a number of classes, programs and support groups to the occupants including Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, New Direction, Parenting, Computer Lab, Art and Writing through the University of California at Santa Cruz, Walnut Avenue Domestic Violence Support, Health Education, Yoga and faith-based programs. Women at the Blaine Street facility are eligible to participate in the Gemma Day Program. Gemma staff screen, interview and 136 ∫ Santa Cruz County Grand Jury Final Report 2009-2010 enroll 6 to 8 women at a time, giving priority to those who will be homeless upon their release from jail, and who have long incarceration histories. The Day Program is a 9-week series of diverse life skills classes that can prepare women for reentry into the community. Women who participate in the Day Program and who do not have a safe place to live upon release can apply for the Gemma Residential Program. R5. The Sheriff’s Office and the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors should allocate funds to create a classroom and expand the curriculum to include more general education classes and job- training skills. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors – WILL NOT BE IMPLEMENTED Jail program curriculum is evaluated monthly by a fulltime program manager dedicated to this task, and inmate curriculum and programs change, expand or decrease based on inmate populations, available instructors, and available funding. Rountree Minimum / Medium Correctional Facility F7. Medical services are not available at the Rountree facility. Emergency medical cases are transported to local Doctors on Duty or Watsonville Community Hospital. Mental health professionals are available on an on-call basis. Inmates requiring mental health prescription medication cannot be housed at Rountree due to lack of medical personnel. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors – PARTIALLY AGREE It is accurate to say that medical services provided by Sheriff’s medical staff are not available at the Rountree facility. However, as mentioned previously, emergency medical services are provided and mental health professionals are available on an on-call basis. R6. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office should assign medical personnel to Rountree to administer medications. This would allow inmates who are housed at the Main Jail because they need medication, but who otherwise would qualify for Rountree, to be transferred to that facility, which perhaps would be a better setting for them and also ease overcrowding at the Main Jail. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors – WILL NOT BE IMPLEMENTED AT THIS TIME At this time, funding is not available to provide additional medical personnel that could be deployed to the Rountree facility. As additional funding becomes available, the increase of medical personnel will be considered with other program needs. Santa Cruz Court Holding Facility F8. The Santa Cruz Holding Facility is very old and has only five cells available to separate inmates by classification. The general population cell houses as many as 20 inmates at a time. Rival gangs are separated, with one cell devoted to Sureños members and one cell to Norteños members. Females are placed in one cell, and juveniles, mental health inmates, and special circumstances inmates reside in the fifth cell. The approximate number of custodials per day is 50. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors – PARTIALLY AGREE Juveniles are rarely held in the holding facility for the Santa Cruz Court. The Jail Inspection Reports ∫ 137 R7. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office and the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors should develop a plan to update the Santa Cruz Holding Facility and to fully utilize the Watsonville Holding Facility and the Watsonville courthouse to alleviate the overcrowding of certain individual cells in the Santa Cruz Holding Facility. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors – WILL NOT BE IMPLEMENTED AT THIS TIME The Superior Court has transferred all criminal courts from the Watsonville Courthouse facility to the Santa Cruz Courthouse facility. This practice will prevent the County from utilizing the Watsonville Holding facility at this time. The Santa Cruz Holding facility meets all federal and State requirements. Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors / Santa Cruz County Probation Department Joint Responses Juvenile Hall F10. Due to the lack of funds, the project to convert inward-opening doors to outward-opening doors in detainee cells was terminated halfway through the project. Currently half of the doors on detainee rooms open inward, which limits space in an already small area. In addition, detainees can barricade the doors from the inside, causing unsafe conditions for staff and the detainee. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors – PARTIALLY AGREE It is correct that the County has not converted all the doors in detainee cells. However, those rooms with inward opening doors are no longer used to house detainees so there are no safety issues. F11. Due to the lack of funds, the existing recreational space at the juvenile facility is limited to a small, cracked and uneven concrete quad area for all recreational activities. The backfield area is not fenced and does not have security cameras. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors – AGREE R8. The Probation Department and the Board of Supervisors should provide funds to complete the door alteration project to increase safety as well as increase the amount of space for the detainee. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors – This recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted. The door alteration (change in door swing) was originally initiated to provide better access to detainee rooms, in cases of double bunking, when the facility was over crowded. One half of the rooms have been modified as such. Because of the success of the past ten years of detention reform efforts, the Juvenile Hall population has consistently remained at, or under 60% of capacity. Overcrowded conditions are not anticipated in the foreseeable future. Should they occur, the available rooms, with modified door swing would provide ample resources to meet a population of up to 140% of the facility’s rated capacity. R9. The Probation Department and the Board of Supervisors should allocate funds to secure the backfield and install security cameras. 138 ∫ Santa Cruz County Grand Jury Final Report 2009-2010 Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors – THIS RECOMMENDATION HAS NOT YET BEEN IMPLEMENTED BUT WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE FUTURE In 2009, the County was awarded grant funds to construct a multi-use recreational facility. Part of the scope of that project will be to provide secure fencing and security equipment, so as to make a larger play field available for use, in addition to the multi-use indoor facility. The construction on this project is currently planned for completion by the end of 2013. Sheriff’s Office Responses Main Jail F1. At the time of this inspection, there were five unfilled correctional officer positions due to budget constraints. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office – AGREE F2. The mental health of inmates is handled by medications, the social model, counseling, and behavior modification. Mental health services are limited due to a shortage of trained mental health professionals to serve the needs of so many inmates. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office – NO RESPONSE (DEFERS TO HSA) The Sheriff’s office defers response to this statement to the County Health Services Agency (HSA). HSA employs and manages mental health professionals providing service at the jail. F3. On the two occasions that the Grand Jury toured the Main Jail, it found boxes of supplies stored in the hallways. The boxes blocked the visibility of the fire alarm. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office – AGREE R1. The Santa Cruz County Sheriffs Office and the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors should develop a plan to remedy the shortage of correctional officers in the Main Jail so that the plan can be implemented as funds become available. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office – HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED The Sheriffs Office has a plan for additional correctional officers should funds become available. R2. The Grand Jury recommends that the Sheriffs Office and the Board of Supervisors seek additional funds to increase mental health services for inmates. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office – REQUIRES FURTHER ANALYSIS The County Health Services Agency (HSA) manages mental health services in corrections. The Sheriff’s Office is satisfied with the level of service provided by HSA employees in the jail but is not in a position to recommend staffing levels for another agency. R3. The Sheriffs Office and the Board of Supervisors should solve the storage problem at the Main Jail by finding an appropriate place to house supplies or by purchasing additional storage space. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office – HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED All fire alarms have been cleared of obstructions and are checked monthly by the fire safety officer. No additional storage space will be purchased. The Jail Inspection Reports ∫ 139 Blaine Street Women’s Facility F4. While the officers had been on weekly rotations to monitor and maintain order at the facility, currently the Sheriff’s Office has ended the rotation and a permanent officer has been assigned to the site. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office – NO RESPONSE F5. Inmates at Blaine Street attend classes at the Main Jail. However, the classroom space there is divided by an accordion partition and the classrooms often are noisy. Additionally, the classes for women are limited to basic education and life skills. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office – DISAGREE Blaine Street inmates do not attend classes inside the Main Jail. In addition to basic education and life skill courses, women are provided courses in alcohol and drug cessation, spiritual services (multiple faiths), and trauma support. R4. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office should continue the strategy of having a permanent officer on site. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office – NO RESPONSE R5. The Sheriff’s Office and the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors should allocate funds to create a classroom and expand the curriculum to include more general education classes and job- training skills. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office – HAS BEEN PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED Jail program curriculum is evaluated monthly by a fulltime programs manager. Inmate curriculum and programs change, expand or decrease based on inmate populations, available instructors, and available funding. There is no psychical space at the Main Jail for an additional classroom. Rountree Minimum / Medium Correctional Facility F7. Medical services are not available at the Rountree facility. Emergency medical cases are transported to local Doctors on Duty or Watsonville Community Hospital. Mental health professionals are available on an on-call basis. Inmates requiring mental health prescription medication cannot be housed at Rountree due to lack of medical personnel. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office – AGREE R6. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office should assign medical personnel to Rountree to administer medications. This would allow inmates who are housed at the Main Jail because they need medication, but who otherwise would qualify for Rountree, to be transferred to that facility, which perhaps would be a better setting for them and also ease overcrowding at the Main Jail. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office – WILL NOT BE IMPLEMENTED The Sheriff’s Office does not have additional medical staff to assign to Rountree. 140 ∫ Santa Cruz County Grand Jury Final Report 2009-2010 Santa Cruz Court Holding Facility F8. The Santa Cruz Holding Facility is very old and has only five cells available to separate inmates by classification. The general population cell houses as many as 20 inmates at a time. Rival gangs are separated, with one cell devoted to Sureños members and one cell to Norteños members. Females are placed in one cell, and juveniles, mental health inmates, and special circumstances inmates reside in the fifth cell. The approximate number of custodials per day is 50. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office – AGREE R7. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office and the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors should develop a plan to update the Santa Cruz Holding Facility and to fully utilize the Watsonville Holding Facility and the Watsonville courthouse to alleviate the overcrowding of certain individual cells in the Santa Cruz Holding Facility. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office – WILL NOT BE IMPLEMENTED The Santa Cruz Court holding facility provides adequate separation of inmates and complies with State and Federal standards. Note: Camp 45 is operated by the State of California. Since it is located within Santa Cruz County, the Grand Jury is required to inspect the facility. However, CAL FIRE and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation are not in the purview of Santa Cruz County, and are not required to respond; any response would be at the option of the state agency. CAL FIRE Responses Camp 45 F12. The 2007-2008 Grand Jury report recommended that Camp 45 install surveillance cameras at access points in the rear of the property. Upon inspection of the facility and through communication with management, the 2009-2010 Grand Jury learned that the cameras have not been installed. Response: CAL FIRE – NO RESPONSE F13. GED and college extension programs for inmates sometimes are provided by Feather River College in Lassen County. Currently only GED classes are offered. No teachers are available to the inmates onsite; students must communicate with teachers through phone conversations. Assignments are completed and sent to Feather River College via a bus that travels to Susanville once a week. Response: CAL FIRE– NO RESPONSE R10. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation should install surveillance cameras at access points in the rear of the Camp 45 property to increase the safety and protection of staff and inmates. Response: CAL FIRE– NO RESPONSE The Jail Inspection Reports ∫ 141 R11. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and Camp 45 should establish partnerships with local colleges and/or universities to offer onsite GED and college extension programs to provide a more convenient educational experience. Response: CAL FIRE– NO RESPONSE California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Responses Camp 45 F12. The 2007-2008 Grand Jury report recommended that Camp 45 install surveillance cameras at access points in the rear of the property. Upon inspection of the facility and through communication with management, the 2009-2010 Grand Jury learned that the cameras have not been installed. Response: California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation – NO RESPONSE F13. GED and college extension programs for inmates sometimes are provided by Feather River College in Lassen County. Currently only GED classes are offered. No teachers are available to the inmates onsite; students must communicate with teachers through phone conversations. Assignments are completed and sent to Feather River College via a bus that travels to Susanville once a week. Response: California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation – NO RESPONSE R10. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation should install surveillance cameras at access points in the rear of the Camp 45 property to increase the safety and protection of staff and inmates. Response: California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation – NO RESPONSE R11. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and Camp 45 should establish partnerships with local colleges and/or universities to offer onsite GED and college extension programs to provide a more convenient educational experience. Response: California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation – NO RESPONSE 142 ∫ Santa Cruz County Grand Jury Final Report 2009-2010 Sources Documents/Publications State of California, California Code of Regulations, Title 15 Crime Prevention and Corrections, December 2009 State of California, California Code of Regulations, Title24 Minimum Standards for Local Detention Facilities, December 2009 The daily Population Analysis Report published at the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office web site Interviews/Contacts Administrators and Personnel: Blaine Street Women’s Facility CAL FIRE Camp 45 Juvenile Hall Juvenile Probation Main Jail Rountree Medium/Minimum Facility Santa Cruz Holding Facility Watsonville Holding Facility Web Sites http://www.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/grandjury/GJ2005_final/3%20-%201%20CJ%20 %20Jail%20Review.htm http://www.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/grandjury/GJ2008_final/1-5%20Jails%20Review.htm http://www.scsheriff.com/

No Responses Found 1

Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.