Elder Abuse

R2

Each Sheriff’s Academy graduate is issued a protective vest. Currently, the policy for wearing protective vests when working in the jails is voluntary. Many Sheriff’s Department employees who work in the jails do not wear protective vests. During the past five years, a similar voluntary policy was in effect at the California Institution for Men (CIM) at Chino until an employee died as a result of being stabbed. He was not wearing a protective vest. The Grand Jury realizes that an incident similar to this is possible at any of our facilities. At present at CIM, all personnel are required to wear protective vests. RECOMMENDATIONS 09-33 Require all Sheriff’s Department employees to have an annual TB test as part of their continued service with the department. (Finding 1) 09-34 Require designated Sheriff’s Department employees working in the jails to wear protective vests while on duty. (Finding 2) 32 2008-2009 San Bernardino County Grand Jury Final Report PROBATION DEPARTMENT SUMMARY In November 2007, the County of San Bernardino (County) ended its partnership with a subsidiary of a national juvenile group home company. The once enthusiastic and hopeful plan of the San Bernardino County Probation Department, the company, and its subsidiary to house juveniles in a new facility called the Fred D. Jones Youth Center (Center) ended in November, 2007. The subsidiary emptied its Hesperia facility of personnel and juveniles and closed its doors. The facility was sold and reopened as a public charter school.

R4

09-29 Require that OHS submit the completed 10-Year Plan to the Board of Supervisors for approval well in advance of the application deadline to HUD. (Finding 6) 09-30 Urge mayors and city councils that are not currently part of the OHS Partnership to support the County leadership by identifying one or more providers of permanent supportive housing for chronically homeless persons. (Finding 6) 09-31 Request that cities within the homeless partnership of the County provide more support to the County’s 10-year plan and prepare for their cities to address the homeless conditions. (Finding 6) 09-32 Allow no contracts with paid consultants to assist in applications for HUD funding. (Finding 7) 30 CO ITTEE A AND JUSTICE LAW AND JUSTICE COMMITTEE LAW AND JUSTICE COMMITTEE Front row le t to rig t: James Wilson, Dr. Peter Bulza, Jan Flammang, Roger D. Trussell, Sandra Shahan, Ken Taylor Back row le t to rig t: John R. Saathoff, Dr. Harry Stavros, Tom Hale 2008-2009 San Bernardino County Grand Jury Final Report LAW AND JUSTICE COMMITTEE The Law and Justice Committee experienced a very active year of investigations. Our term enabled us to focus on the following three areas: (cid:120) All of the San Bernardino County Jails and several of the Sheriff’s stations (cid:120) Probation (High Desert Juvenile Detention and Assessment Center and the Fred D. Jones Youth Center) (cid:120) Public Defender (Indigent Defense Fund process and staffing) San Bernardino County Jails/Stations: The following jail facilities were inspected: Adelanto Detention Center Barstow Station Big Bear Station Central Detention Center Colorado River Station Glen Helen Rehabilitation Center Twin Peaks Station Victor Valley Station West Valley Detention Center Yucaipa Station Juvenile Detention and Assessment Centers: Apple Valley Gilbert Street Rancho Cucamonga Visitation reports were written on each of the above facilities. Findings and recommendations were written on those facilities where we deemed improvements were needed. GENERAL FINDINGS FOR JAILS The Sheriff’s Department is concerned about the safety of department personnel. Proactive involvement in lessening the possibility of danger to Sheriff’s Department employees needs to be pursued in the following areas: 1. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, the number of reported cases of tuberculosis (TB) in the U.S. during the past decade has been on the rise. TB is spread from person to person through the air. Individuals working in confined environments, such as jails, patrol cars or offices, are more likely to contract the disease than individuals working outdoors. During this past summer, there was an incident in the Needles area that brought members of the Sheriff’s Department into contact with a food service worker who, allegedly, had active TB. The Sheriff’s Department did an outstanding job in dealing with this situation. 31 2008-2009 San Bernardino County Grand Jury Final Report After the first of this year, a community college student was also diagnosed with TB. TB-related incidents are becoming numerous, and contracting TB is more likely for those dealing with the public. The California Department of Corrections requires their personnel have a TB test every year. California public schools require their personnel to have a TB test every two years. If TB is diagnosed early, medications are available for effective treatment. 2. Each Sheriff’s Academy graduate is issued a protective vest. Currently, the policy for wearing protective vests when working in the jails is voluntary. Many Sheriff’s Department employees who work in the jails do not wear protective vests. During the past five years, a similar voluntary policy was in effect at the California Institution for Men (CIM) at Chino until an employee died as a result of being stabbed. He was not wearing a protective vest. The Grand Jury realizes that an incident similar to this is possible at any of our facilities. At present at CIM, all personnel are required to wear protective vests. RECOMMENDATIONS 09-33 Require all Sheriff’s Department employees to have an annual TB test as part of their continued service with the department. (Finding 1) 09-34 Require designated Sheriff’s Department employees working in the jails to wear protective vests while on duty. (Finding 2) 32 2008-2009 San Bernardino County Grand Jury Final Report PROBATION DEPARTMENT SUMMARY In November 2007, the County of San Bernardino (County) ended its partnership with a subsidiary of a national juvenile group home company. The once enthusiastic and hopeful plan of the San Bernardino County Probation Department, the company, and its subsidiary to house juveniles in a new facility called the Fred D. Jones Youth Center (Center) ended in November, 2007. The subsidiary emptied its Hesperia facility of personnel and juveniles and closed its doors. The facility was sold and reopened as a public charter school.

R09-25

Provide and display large, visible posters, of at least 11 by 17 inches. Posters will provide information regarding the reporting of elder abuse and are to be displayed near exits of all of the Senior Centers listed on the DAAS website. (Findings 1, 2) 26

R09-33

Require all Sheriff’s Department employees to have an annual TB test as part of their continued service with the department. (Finding 1)

R09-38

Upgrade all exterior cameras to include recording capabilities. (Finding 1) 38

R09-39

Put Indigent Fee Schedule on a separate page from the probation warning. (Finding 1) 39

R09-40

Replace evaporative cooling system with an air conditioning system. (Finding 1)

R09-42

Expedite the remodel and expansion of the facility. (Finding 1)

R09-47

Provide a state-of-the-art monitoring/recording video system similar to the one created at Victorville for ALL of the other small jails. (Finding 1)

R09-50

Replace Crown Victoria automobiles with 4-wheel drive vehicles on a scheduled basis. (Finding 1)

R09-52

Paint the building, which is old and in need. (Finding 1)

R09-55

Add one more restroom jail-side and remodel the existing one. (Finding 1)

R09-64

Review the ratio of prisoners-to-guards for the purpose of escorting prisoners to and from the holding area to the courtrooms. (Finding 1)

R09-66

Replace emergency generator which is a vital piece of equipment and needs to be replaced or updated. (Finding 1)

R09-68

Relocate to a larger building. (Finding 1) WEST VALLEY DETENTION CENTER BACKGROUND The Captain of West Valley Detention Center gave the Grand Jury an over-view of this facility. The jail was built over a three-year period and opened in 1991 for 3,200 beds. It currently houses between 2,700 to 2,900 men and women. This is the primary booking facility for the County. Of the 600 employees, 261 are sworn Deputy Sheriffs; the remaining staff includes secretaries, Security Custody Assistants (SCA), Sheriff Custody Specialists (SCS), medical personnel, records staff, education staff and maintenance staff. West Valley is also a transportation hub with 13 buses and 13 vans. These vehicles are on the road most of the day transporting prisoners from one jail to another throughout the state. The medical clinic has two physicians on duty, kidney dialysis rooms, and tuberculosis (TB) and hepatitis rooms with a reverse air duct system so disease cannot be spread. The dental clinic has the latest equipment and three dental chairs. Prisoners are transported to this facility from other County jails for medical/dental treatment. 50

R09-69

Establish security at the rear of the facility where the power plant is located. (Finding 1) 51

R09-70

Require lessees to provide a security deposit to cover the costs of inspections, clean-up, and damage. (Finding 1)

R09-74

Enact a policy of renewing photo I.D. badges on a periodic basis. (Finding 1)

R09-75

Require supervisors and managers to monitor employees to ensure their wearing of current, clear, and undamaged photo I.D. badges. (Finding 1) 56

R09-76

Take immediate steps to relocate the Facilities Management custodial supply storage area to an adequate, safe, and secure area for all county employees, contracted employees, and members of the public. (Finding 1)

R09-77

Modify vendor contracts to allow communication between employees and supervisors to include the use of either cell phones or pagers. (Finding 1) 58

R09-78

Shift the responsibility for the emergency electrical system at WVDC from Facilities Management to the Sheriffs Department. (Finding 1)

R09-80

Create a Plant Manager position at WVDC for the purpose of overseeing all electrical maintenance and testing at the facility. (Finding 1)

R09-82

Amend the Code of Ethics to include a section prohibiting the use of a public office or position by a public official for personal gain. (Findings 1, 2, and 3)

R09-84

Require that all gifts and outside income be reported online, using the Form 700, within a thirty-day window instead of annually. (Finding 1) 66

R09-85

Enact County ordinance setting a cap on campaign contributions to a candidate's campaign committee by individuals, corporations, PACs, employees unions and other non-individual contributors. (Findings 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) 68

R09-86

Establish a credible selection process for members of the ethics commission that is untainted by political influences and biases. Such a selection process must result in an independent ethics commission. (Findings 1, 2, 3) 70

R09-87

Support the Board of Supervisors' action of terminating the option purchase agreement with the Flood Control District and the cooperative agreement with the City of Rancho Cucamonga. (Finding 1)

R2

Each Sheriff’s Academy graduate is issued a protective vest. Currently, the policy for wearing protective vests when working in the jails is voluntary. Many Sheriff’s Department employees who work in the jails do not wear protective vests. During the past five years, a similar voluntary policy was in effect at the California Institution for Men (CIM) at Chino until an employee died as a result of being stabbed. He was not wearing a protective vest. The Grand Jury realizes that an incident similar to this is possible at any of our facilities. At present at CIM, all personnel are required to wear protective vests. RECOMMENDATIONS 09-33 Require all Sheriff’s Department employees to have an annual TB test as part of their continued service with the department. (Finding 1) 09-34 Require designated Sheriff’s Department employees working in the jails to wear protective vests while on duty. (Finding 2) 32 2008-2009 San Bernardino County Grand Jury Final Report PROBATION DEPARTMENT SUMMARY In November 2007, the County of San Bernardino (County) ended its partnership with a subsidiary of a national juvenile group home company. The once enthusiastic and hopeful plan of the San Bernardino County Probation Department, the company, and its subsidiary to house juveniles in a new facility called the Fred D. Jones Youth Center (Center) ended in November, 2007. The subsidiary emptied its Hesperia facility of personnel and juveniles and closed its doors. The facility was sold and reopened as a public charter school.

R4

09-29 Require that OHS submit the completed 10-Year Plan to the Board of Supervisors for approval well in advance of the application deadline to HUD. (Finding 6) 09-30 Urge mayors and city councils that are not currently part of the OHS Partnership to support the County leadership by identifying one or more providers of permanent supportive housing for chronically homeless persons. (Finding 6) 09-31 Request that cities within the homeless partnership of the County provide more support to the County’s 10-year plan and prepare for their cities to address the homeless conditions. (Finding 6) 09-32 Allow no contracts with paid consultants to assist in applications for HUD funding. (Finding 7) 30 CO ITTEE A AND JUSTICE LAW AND JUSTICE COMMITTEE LAW AND JUSTICE COMMITTEE Front row le t to rig t: James Wilson, Dr. Peter Bulza, Jan Flammang, Roger D. Trussell, Sandra Shahan, Ken Taylor Back row le t to rig t: John R. Saathoff, Dr. Harry Stavros, Tom Hale 2008-2009 San Bernardino County Grand Jury Final Report LAW AND JUSTICE COMMITTEE The Law and Justice Committee experienced a very active year of investigations. Our term enabled us to focus on the following three areas: (cid:120) All of the San Bernardino County Jails and several of the Sheriff’s stations (cid:120) Probation (High Desert Juvenile Detention and Assessment Center and the Fred D. Jones Youth Center) (cid:120) Public Defender (Indigent Defense Fund process and staffing) San Bernardino County Jails/Stations: The following jail facilities were inspected: Adelanto Detention Center Barstow Station Big Bear Station Central Detention Center Colorado River Station Glen Helen Rehabilitation Center Twin Peaks Station Victor Valley Station West Valley Detention Center Yucaipa Station Juvenile Detention and Assessment Centers: Apple Valley Gilbert Street Rancho Cucamonga Visitation reports were written on each of the above facilities. Findings and recommendations were written on those facilities where we deemed improvements were needed. GENERAL FINDINGS FOR JAILS The Sheriff’s Department is concerned about the safety of department personnel. Proactive involvement in lessening the possibility of danger to Sheriff’s Department employees needs to be pursued in the following areas: 1. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, the number of reported cases of tuberculosis (TB) in the U.S. during the past decade has been on the rise. TB is spread from person to person through the air. Individuals working in confined environments, such as jails, patrol cars or offices, are more likely to contract the disease than individuals working outdoors. During this past summer, there was an incident in the Needles area that brought members of the Sheriff’s Department into contact with a food service worker who, allegedly, had active TB. The Sheriff’s Department did an outstanding job in dealing with this situation. 31 2008-2009 San Bernardino County Grand Jury Final Report After the first of this year, a community college student was also diagnosed with TB. TB-related incidents are becoming numerous, and contracting TB is more likely for those dealing with the public. The California Department of Corrections requires their personnel have a TB test every year. California public schools require their personnel to have a TB test every two years. If TB is diagnosed early, medications are available for effective treatment. 2. Each Sheriff’s Academy graduate is issued a protective vest. Currently, the policy for wearing protective vests when working in the jails is voluntary. Many Sheriff’s Department employees who work in the jails do not wear protective vests. During the past five years, a similar voluntary policy was in effect at the California Institution for Men (CIM) at Chino until an employee died as a result of being stabbed. He was not wearing a protective vest. The Grand Jury realizes that an incident similar to this is possible at any of our facilities. At present at CIM, all personnel are required to wear protective vests. RECOMMENDATIONS 09-33 Require all Sheriff’s Department employees to have an annual TB test as part of their continued service with the department. (Finding 1) 09-34 Require designated Sheriff’s Department employees working in the jails to wear protective vests while on duty. (Finding 2) 32 2008-2009 San Bernardino County Grand Jury Final Report PROBATION DEPARTMENT SUMMARY In November 2007, the County of San Bernardino (County) ended its partnership with a subsidiary of a national juvenile group home company. The once enthusiastic and hopeful plan of the San Bernardino County Probation Department, the company, and its subsidiary to house juveniles in a new facility called the Fred D. Jones Youth Center (Center) ended in November, 2007. The subsidiary emptied its Hesperia facility of personnel and juveniles and closed its doors. The facility was sold and reopened as a public charter school.

R09-27

Establish the OHS as the lead fiscal agency on behalf of San Bernardino County Homeless Partnership. (Finding 2)

R09-28

Request that HUD provide training for each agency to establish 100% accuracy and timeliness for HMIS entries and request that HUD monitor the County’s application process from start to completion. (Findings 2, 3, 4)

R09-34

Require designated Sheriff’s Department employees working in the jails to wear protective vests while on duty. (Finding 2) 32

R09-35

Clarify responsibilities and state exact time specifications in future contracts with private companies. (Finding 2)

R09-41

Install new flooring in the housing pods. (Finding 2) BARSTOW STATION BACKGROUND The Barstow Jail facility is the oldest Sheriff’s building in the county. This Type I facility has a capacity for 36 male prisoners and 12 female prisoners. The Barstow Sheriff’s Station is responsible to protect a 9,812 square-mile field area plus the jail operation. West Valley Detention Center (WVDC) does approximately 400 bookings for this facility. Buses pick up and deliver prisoners each day. The prisoners are non- sentenced and held no longer than overnight for court appearances. Inmate workers (four trustees) and County Facilities Management maintain the building and grounds. The trustees have a barracks-style room with a computer. Jail Deputies work eight-hour shifts, Patrol Deputies work 10-hour shifts, and the Watch Commander works a 12-hour shift. Additionally, they operate with Military Police at Fort Irwin on felony cases. Deputies are not required to wear protective vests within the jail. They do wear protective vests while on patrol. The kitchen is clean and small. It is adequate for serving the staff and the 48 present inmates. The jail cook is a trustee who is Regional Occupational Program (ROP) certified and handles the preparation of food sent from WVDC. FINDINGS 1. The Board of Supervisors has approved $3.5 million for two phases of expansion. 2. The roof leaks in the Bridge (control room). 3. The exposed electrical wiring problems in the Bridge constitute a potential safety hazard. 4. A low-hanging metal box in the entry way is a potential safety hazard. 5. Restroom/locker room facilities are inadequate for female employees. 41

R09-43

Repair the roof leaks in the Bridge area and the electrical/wiring problems. (Findings 2, 3)

R09-48

Provide additional secured parking in the area. (Finding 2)

R09-51

Replace Boston Whaler patrol boats on a scheduled basis. (Finding 2) 43

R09-53

Provide prisoners housed in dorms with footlockers to store their extra clothing and food in order to keep the area free from insects and vermin. (Finding 2)

R09-56

Take steps as soon as possible to secure the parking area from public access. (Finding 2)

R09-57

Include adequate fencing and gates for controlled access at either end. (Finding 2)

R09-65

Paint the upper cell area and repair deteriorating floors. (Finding 2) 48

R09-67

Repair or replace fencing on the east side of the station. (Finding 2) VICTOR VALLEY STATION BACKGROUND The facility was built in 1973, and it is cramped and crowded. The jail is a court holding facility with 67 beds. This is a Type 1 facility with three-man cells for 96-hour holding. There are two deputies who work the court-holding facility. There are 76 employees including 61 sworn deputies. Each deputy can cover 200 miles on each shift depending on the calls coming in. Three areas are covered with this facility: Phelan, 49

R09-71

Provide financing for aeronautical-based development of the 300 agricultural acres around the Chino Airport. (Finding 2) 54

R09-79

Begin a systematic process for testing the electrical equipment at the WVDC emergency power plant. (Finding 2)

R09-26

Establish a Homeless Advocate Officer position in the Sheriff’s Department. (Finding 3) HOMELESS CONTINUUM OF CARE BACKGROUND Recent investigations into the conditions of and care for the homeless of San Bernardino County (SBC) indicated that the County has some homeless programs in place, but more oversight is needed in order to create an effective and comprehensive plan. The 2008 application submitted by the San Bernardino County Continuum of Care (CoC) to the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) was not awarded funding for new projects. This highlights areas of concern in the County’s homeless program. This Grand Jury report demonstrates that a lack of cooperation among participating agencies has resulted in the loss of millions of dollars for new programs for the County. Prior to the CoC Debriefing Summary, the 2008-2009 Grand Jury was comfortable with the direction of the homeless programs in the County. At the Homeless 28

R09-36

Conduct operational and financial audits on private business enterprises. (Finding 3)

R09-37

Perform background checks on executive personnel before entering into contracts with private companies. (Finding 3) HIGH DESERT JUVENILE DETENTION AND ASSESSMENT CENTER SUMMARY The four-year old Probation Department facility, located north of Apple Valley on Dale Evans Parkway, is a state-of-the-art facility. The basic layout is a mirror image of the older sister facility at West Valley Juvenile Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga. It is well-designed and engineered for the safety of both inmates and workers. Personnel, at all levels interviewed, were enthusiastic about the facility and their own positions. There is tight control over the inmates (wards) in highly-structured programs and environment. 113 sworn officers work assigned shifts of eight hours each, plus overtime. 36

R09-49

Transfer at least one additional female SCS and/or deputy sheriff to the Big Bear Station. (Finding 3) COLORADO RIVER STATION BACKGROUND The Colorado River Sheriff’s Station building was constructed in 1973. The building is clean but, other than the kitchen, has no ceiling sprinkler system. Fire extinguishers are easily available. The kitchen area has been updated with modern sink, stove, counters, and refrigerator. Prisoner food is delivered every week from West Valley Detention Center (WVDC). The facility includes a laundry room. The building has an intake area for booking and one attorney visiting room. Fingerprinting, booking photos, and a breathalyzer machine are located in a separate room. There are also visiting rooms with phones for prisoners and family members. Due to the monsoons in the desert areas, maintenance crews check back-up generators monthly for serviceability. All vehicles are kept in the secured fenced parking lot. FINDINGS 1. Crown Victoria automobiles currently in use are not appropriate for off-road use. 2. The aging Boston Whaler patrol boats need constant repairs causing additional expense to a limited budget. RECOMMENDATIONS

R09-54

Enlarge the Receiving Room area in order to process large groups of incoming prisoners. (Finding 3) MORONGO STATION BACKGROUND The Morongo Basin Station is the third largest Sheriff’s station in the County, both in number of calls which averages 5,000 per month and the area serviced, 52,000 square miles. Five patrolled districts service a population of about 85,000. The area of responsibility includes the incorporated City of Twenty-nine Palms and the Town of Yucca Valley. Unincorporated communities are Morongo Valley, Landers, Johnson Valley, Joshua Tree, Wonder Valley, Pioneer Town, Amboy, Cadiz and Flamingo Heights. The station is located in the County’s Law and Justice Complex in Joshua Valley. This facility also houses three courtrooms as well as other County offices. There are two satellite offices in Yucca Valley and Twenty-nine Palms. They have joint law enforcement jurisdiction and authority on the Twenty-nine Palms Marine Corps Base located within the boundaries of the City of Twenty-nine Palms. The entire building accommodates 92 personnel. This number includes the jail division which has five deputies, a corporal, and five Sheriff Custodial Specialists (SCS) booking officers. This Type I Jail has a 75-bed capacity with a maximum stay of 96 hours. The jail houses pretrial inmates, with the exception of four inmate workers who are housed separately. Inmates are picked up by bus and transported to West Valley Detention Center on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. No medical care is available on site, but prescription drugs can be dispensed. Minor or simple treatment is administered by the hospital which is about 300 yards from the jail. Inmates with serious medical injuries are transported to West Valley Detention Center. 45

R09-58

Update the squad room and detective area into permanent or upgraded facilities to relieve the confined space problem. (Finding 3)

R09-72

Review the Master Plan, update the data, consider the current economic circumstances of the County and of general aviation; then re-evaluate the assumptions to reflect current economic realities. (Finding 3)

R09-81

Institute a servicing and certification program for the following electrical equipment at WVDC: a. Switch gear at all electrical locations. b. Electrical control equipment. c. Emergency generators. d. Transformers. e. Any other equipment required to maintain emergency back-up power to WVDC. (Finding 3) 62

R09-44

Remove the low-hanging metal box in the entry area. (Finding 4)

R09-59

Remodel or rearrange kitchen equipment. (Finding 4)

R09-73

Schedule the safety inspections at regular intervals to complement safety inspections performed by the Division of Aeronautics. (Finding 4) 55

R09-83

Draft and approve a Board policy that establishes start-up time frames, staffing and budget limits, with emphasis on minimum staff until an official takes office. (Finding 4) STREAMLINE FORM 700 - REPORTING OF GIFTS AND INCOME BACKGROUND San Bernardino County’s Board of Supervisors has created a commendable one- stop, main County internet site. In addition to reporting Board activities and other contact information on an easily accessible web link, it now has an Open Government link that provides access to financial reporting information including the Statement of Economic Interest and County Conflict of Interest Code Form 700 procedure. A Form 700 is used to report all gifts, such as lunches, tickets, and other personal services, and also includes any outside income. Designated County officials and their executive staffs, members of County boards and commissions, and some other local public entities are required to file a Form 700 when assuming/leaving office and on an annual basis. Due to recent well-publicized problems with Form 700 reporting, the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors has requested that the Grand Jury investigate and make recommendations to streamline the reporting procedure for Form 700. FINDINGS 1. The current San Bernardino County’s Form 700 reporting procedure utilizes the internet to aid users in posting information. This makes it much easier to fill out the form as it saves information from previous years. However, with the current 65

R09-88

Dispose of the flood control property in the future utilizing the established County auction procedure. (Finding 4)

R09-45

Provide adequate female locker/restroom facilities. (Finding 5)

R09-60

Take immediate steps to bring the jail area doorways into ADA compliance. (Finding 5)

R4

09-29 Require that OHS submit the completed 10-Year Plan to the Board of Supervisors for approval well in advance of the application deadline to HUD. (Finding 6) 09-30 Urge mayors and city councils that are not currently part of the OHS Partnership to support the County leadership by identifying one or more providers of permanent supportive housing for chronically homeless persons. (Finding 6) 09-31 Request that cities within the homeless partnership of the County provide more support to the County’s 10-year plan and prepare for their cities to address the homeless conditions. (Finding 6) 09-32 Allow no contracts with paid consultants to assist in applications for HUD funding. (Finding 7) 30 CO ITTEE A AND JUSTICE LAW AND JUSTICE COMMITTEE LAW AND JUSTICE COMMITTEE Front row le t to rig t: James Wilson, Dr. Peter Bulza, Jan Flammang, Roger D. Trussell, Sandra Shahan, Ken Taylor Back row le t to rig t: John R. Saathoff, Dr. Harry Stavros, Tom Hale 2008-2009 San Bernardino County Grand Jury Final Report LAW AND JUSTICE COMMITTEE The Law and Justice Committee experienced a very active year of investigations. Our term enabled us to focus on the following three areas: (cid:120) All of the San Bernardino County Jails and several of the Sheriff’s stations (cid:120) Probation (High Desert Juvenile Detention and Assessment Center and the Fred D. Jones Youth Center) (cid:120) Public Defender (Indigent Defense Fund process and staffing) San Bernardino County Jails/Stations: The following jail facilities were inspected: Adelanto Detention Center Barstow Station Big Bear Station Central Detention Center Colorado River Station Glen Helen Rehabilitation Center Twin Peaks Station Victor Valley Station West Valley Detention Center Yucaipa Station Juvenile Detention and Assessment Centers: Apple Valley Gilbert Street Rancho Cucamonga Visitation reports were written on each of the above facilities. Findings and recommendations were written on those facilities where we deemed improvements were needed. GENERAL FINDINGS FOR JAILS The Sheriff’s Department is concerned about the safety of department personnel. Proactive involvement in lessening the possibility of danger to Sheriff’s Department employees needs to be pursued in the following areas: 1. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, the number of reported cases of tuberculosis (TB) in the U.S. during the past decade has been on the rise. TB is spread from person to person through the air. Individuals working in confined environments, such as jails, patrol cars or offices, are more likely to contract the disease than individuals working outdoors. During this past summer, there was an incident in the Needles area that brought members of the Sheriff’s Department into contact with a food service worker who, allegedly, had active TB. The Sheriff’s Department did an outstanding job in dealing with this situation. 31 2008-2009 San Bernardino County Grand Jury Final Report After the first of this year, a community college student was also diagnosed with TB. TB-related incidents are becoming numerous, and contracting TB is more likely for those dealing with the public. The California Department of Corrections requires their personnel have a TB test every year. California public schools require their personnel to have a TB test every two years. If TB is diagnosed early, medications are available for effective treatment. 2. Each Sheriff’s Academy graduate is issued a protective vest. Currently, the policy for wearing protective vests when working in the jails is voluntary. Many Sheriff’s Department employees who work in the jails do not wear protective vests. During the past five years, a similar voluntary policy was in effect at the California Institution for Men (CIM) at Chino until an employee died as a result of being stabbed. He was not wearing a protective vest. The Grand Jury realizes that an incident similar to this is possible at any of our facilities. At present at CIM, all personnel are required to wear protective vests. RECOMMENDATIONS 09-33 Require all Sheriff’s Department employees to have an annual TB test as part of their continued service with the department. (Finding 1) 09-34 Require designated Sheriff’s Department employees working in the jails to wear protective vests while on duty. (Finding 2) 32 2008-2009 San Bernardino County Grand Jury Final Report PROBATION DEPARTMENT SUMMARY In November 2007, the County of San Bernardino (County) ended its partnership with a subsidiary of a national juvenile group home company. The once enthusiastic and hopeful plan of the San Bernardino County Probation Department, the company, and its subsidiary to house juveniles in a new facility called the Fred D. Jones Youth Center (Center) ended in November, 2007. The subsidiary emptied its Hesperia facility of personnel and juveniles and closed its doors. The facility was sold and reopened as a public charter school.

R09-29

Require that OHS submit the completed 10-Year Plan to the Board of Supervisors for approval well in advance of the application deadline to HUD. (Finding 6)

R09-30

Urge mayors and city councils that are not currently part of the OHS Partnership to support the County leadership by identifying one or more providers of permanent supportive housing for chronically homeless persons. (Finding 6)

R09-31

Request that cities within the homeless partnership of the County provide more support to the County’s 10-year plan and prepare for their cities to address the homeless conditions. (Finding 6)

R09-46

Install a locking-bar jail door to existing exit at front parking lot. (Finding 6) BIG BEAR STATION BACKGROUND The Big Bear Jail is a 22-bed facility (10 single and 3 four-person rooms). The food is prepared at and transported from the West Valley Detention Center. One building houses various County offices, including the jail, Sheriff’s Office and Superior Court. If a prisoner were to need medical attention beyond first-aid, the Big Bear Community Hospital is one block away. The jail section of the station was clean and well-maintained. The kitchen, laundry room and common room were in excellent condition. Big Bear Jail uses several sentenced prisoners from Glen Helen to do the routine custodial duties. FINDINGS 1. The video equipment is inadequate. It is old, can only be accessed by several black and white video monitors located in various parts of the station, and has no recording capability. 2. Parking is inadequate for the number of people who use the jail, court and various county offices. There is limited secured parking. 3. A jail this size normally has four or five Sheriff Custodial Specialists (SCS). Big Bear has only three SCSs, which requires a deputy to be on duty in the jail. The 42

R09-61

Conduct an audit to update the Bridge equipment as well as the general work area. (Finding 6)

R09-89

Refer issue of whether the activities of Jeff Burum on behalf of Councilmember Rex Gutierrez create a bias and conflict of interest requiring the councilmember to recuse himself from the developer selection process to the City of Rancho Cucamonga City Council and City Attorney. (Finding 6) 73

R4

09-29 Require that OHS submit the completed 10-Year Plan to the Board of Supervisors for approval well in advance of the application deadline to HUD. (Finding 6) 09-30 Urge mayors and city councils that are not currently part of the OHS Partnership to support the County leadership by identifying one or more providers of permanent supportive housing for chronically homeless persons. (Finding 6) 09-31 Request that cities within the homeless partnership of the County provide more support to the County’s 10-year plan and prepare for their cities to address the homeless conditions. (Finding 6) 09-32 Allow no contracts with paid consultants to assist in applications for HUD funding. (Finding 7) 30 CO ITTEE A AND JUSTICE LAW AND JUSTICE COMMITTEE LAW AND JUSTICE COMMITTEE Front row le t to rig t: James Wilson, Dr. Peter Bulza, Jan Flammang, Roger D. Trussell, Sandra Shahan, Ken Taylor Back row le t to rig t: John R. Saathoff, Dr. Harry Stavros, Tom Hale 2008-2009 San Bernardino County Grand Jury Final Report LAW AND JUSTICE COMMITTEE The Law and Justice Committee experienced a very active year of investigations. Our term enabled us to focus on the following three areas: (cid:120) All of the San Bernardino County Jails and several of the Sheriff’s stations (cid:120) Probation (High Desert Juvenile Detention and Assessment Center and the Fred D. Jones Youth Center) (cid:120) Public Defender (Indigent Defense Fund process and staffing) San Bernardino County Jails/Stations: The following jail facilities were inspected: Adelanto Detention Center Barstow Station Big Bear Station Central Detention Center Colorado River Station Glen Helen Rehabilitation Center Twin Peaks Station Victor Valley Station West Valley Detention Center Yucaipa Station Juvenile Detention and Assessment Centers: Apple Valley Gilbert Street Rancho Cucamonga Visitation reports were written on each of the above facilities. Findings and recommendations were written on those facilities where we deemed improvements were needed. GENERAL FINDINGS FOR JAILS The Sheriff’s Department is concerned about the safety of department personnel. Proactive involvement in lessening the possibility of danger to Sheriff’s Department employees needs to be pursued in the following areas: 1. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, the number of reported cases of tuberculosis (TB) in the U.S. during the past decade has been on the rise. TB is spread from person to person through the air. Individuals working in confined environments, such as jails, patrol cars or offices, are more likely to contract the disease than individuals working outdoors. During this past summer, there was an incident in the Needles area that brought members of the Sheriff’s Department into contact with a food service worker who, allegedly, had active TB. The Sheriff’s Department did an outstanding job in dealing with this situation. 31 2008-2009 San Bernardino County Grand Jury Final Report After the first of this year, a community college student was also diagnosed with TB. TB-related incidents are becoming numerous, and contracting TB is more likely for those dealing with the public. The California Department of Corrections requires their personnel have a TB test every year. California public schools require their personnel to have a TB test every two years. If TB is diagnosed early, medications are available for effective treatment. 2. Each Sheriff’s Academy graduate is issued a protective vest. Currently, the policy for wearing protective vests when working in the jails is voluntary. Many Sheriff’s Department employees who work in the jails do not wear protective vests. During the past five years, a similar voluntary policy was in effect at the California Institution for Men (CIM) at Chino until an employee died as a result of being stabbed. He was not wearing a protective vest. The Grand Jury realizes that an incident similar to this is possible at any of our facilities. At present at CIM, all personnel are required to wear protective vests. RECOMMENDATIONS 09-33 Require all Sheriff’s Department employees to have an annual TB test as part of their continued service with the department. (Finding 1) 09-34 Require designated Sheriff’s Department employees working in the jails to wear protective vests while on duty. (Finding 2) 32 2008-2009 San Bernardino County Grand Jury Final Report PROBATION DEPARTMENT SUMMARY In November 2007, the County of San Bernardino (County) ended its partnership with a subsidiary of a national juvenile group home company. The once enthusiastic and hopeful plan of the San Bernardino County Probation Department, the company, and its subsidiary to house juveniles in a new facility called the Fred D. Jones Youth Center (Center) ended in November, 2007. The subsidiary emptied its Hesperia facility of personnel and juveniles and closed its doors. The facility was sold and reopened as a public charter school.

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Allow no contracts with paid consultants to assist in applications for HUD funding. (Finding 7) 30

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Purchase and install a new video monitoring/recording system. (Finding 7)

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Conduct a space audit to provide a refuge for commuting deputies. (Finding 8) SAN BERNARDINO COURTHOUSE HOLDING CELL BACKGROUND The San Bernardino Courthouse, which houses the holding cells, was constructed in 1926. The purpose of the holding cells is to house prisoners who are awaiting their court appearances. Two to three buses a day transport between 130-150 prisoners from other jails to these holding cells for court hearings. 47