Kern County Grand Jury • 2000-2001

Ad Hoc Committees

13 pages
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Findings and Recommendations 18 findings

F1
The Bakersfield Search and Rescue Team are currently in the process of establishing the SAR Medical Team and it should be operational within the next 6–12 months.
No recommendations for this finding
F2
The Indian Wells Mine Rescue Team is currently suspended due to insufficient staffing to perform mine/confined space rescue. Team members have been absorbed by other teams (Tehachapi and Kern Valley). • The feasibility of reestablishing the team will be discussed at a future SAR Captains’ meeting
No recommendations for this finding
F3
New bomb squad equipment is budgeted and distributed on an as-needed basis. Future years’ acquisitions will depend on the budget.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
The Bomb Squad should continue to search for grants that may provide for a much needed updated vehicle and other equipment. (Findings 3, 4 and 5) NOTES: • The Kern County Sheriff should post a copy of this report where it will be available for public review. • Persons wishing to receive an email notification of newly released reports may sign up at: www.co.kern.kern.ca.us/grandjury. • Present at past Kern County Grand Jury Final Reports and Responses can be accessed on the Kern County Grand Jury website: www.co.kern.ca.us/grandjury. RESPONSE REQUIRED WITH 60 DAYS PRESIDING JUDGE KERN COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT 1415 TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 212 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 CC: TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 600 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301
F4
The Bomb Squad has worked with vendors to design a truck that will meet desired specifications. The current vehicle appears to have inadequate space with little room once all equipment is loaded.
No recommendations for this finding
F5
Funding for a new vehicle has been sought through OES. Unused grant funds from previous fiscal years across the State have also been sought. This has been unsuccessful.
No recommendations for this finding
F6
Maintenance on the robot is performed by Bomb Squad Technicians who are self- trained for most repairs. The manufacturer is used as required for parts and service.
No recommendations for this finding
F7
Physical skills tests are conducted in and out of the bomb suit along with an oral interview after having been recommended by the deputy’s supervisor to join the bomb squad.
No recommendations for this finding
F8
Once accepted, the deputy is referred to as a “Bomb Para-Tech”, a temporary position. The squad begins training and evaluating the deputy for the next year, until accepted into the FBI Hazardous Devices School. Upon completion, the deputy becomes a Bomb Technician, capable of rendering explosives safe.
No recommendations for this finding
F9
As a member of the IABTI, Bomb Technicians maintain a close working relationship and share information with other bomb technicians from approximately 60 countries throughout the world.
No recommendations for this finding
F10
The Bomb Squad has received over 52 call-outs this year.
No recommendations for this finding
F11
A part of the K-9 training includes training “agitators.” • Agitators are deputies that have not received training as a dog handler • An agitator acts as a decoy by wearing protective gear and allowing the K-9 team to search for and apprehend them
No recommendations for this finding
F12
Using deputies as agitators has proven to be beneficial in giving the deputy the opportunity to learn about the K-9 program and the role of handler. This creates a group of qualified candidates for future handler positions
No recommendations for this finding
F13
The K-9 stays at the deputy’s home, is fed and trained by that deputy. The K-9 accompanies the deputy to all assignments.
No recommendations for this finding
F14
Though the City Police Department and the County K-9 Units do not consistently train together; at least twice a year joint training sessions are conducted. This allows for the two units to work better together in the field, as well as allowing the teams to learn from one another.
No recommendations for this finding
F15
Coverage times for the K-9 Unit have at least one team on duty from 5 PM until 6 AM seven days a week. If a K-9 team is needed between 6 AM and 5 PM all of the teams are available to be called out.
No recommendations for this finding
F16
At this time, the K-9 Unit does not have a “cadaver” dog. According to the deputies, it can be confusing for a K-9 to be cross-trained in search and rescue and finding cadavers.
No recommendations for this finding
F17
The budget expense towards purchasing and training is only used in the event a K-9 is retired from service and needs to be replaced during the fiscal year • The salary for the deputy is paid out of the Sheriff’s general budget
No recommendations for this finding
F18
The Probation Department’s K-9 has been trained in narcotics detection, tracking, obedience and protection. This team is also active in community events and various school activities, e.g., school carnivals. • The team does not train with the KCSO K-9 Unit • The K-9 Deputy Probation Officer is paid out of the Probation Department’s general budget COMMENTS: The Committee is impressed with the many volunteers in Search and Rescue and the multitude of coverage and services they provide. The Kern River is highly dangerous and has taken many lives. The Committee thanks the Kern County Sheriff and members of the Bomb Squad for an informative interview and was impressed with their knowledge and enthusiasm for the job. The Committee, along with the entire Grand Jury, was impressed with the K-9 Unit and is proud of the services provided by the dedicated deputies, as well as their four-footed partners.
No recommendations for this finding

Comments 3