⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings and Recommendations 10 findings
F1
The Sheriffs’ Departments provide search and rescue services in all fifty-eight (58) California counties.
No recommendations for this finding
F2
Other counties utilize paid law enforcement, a mix of paid and volunteer staff, or all volunteers to provide these services.
No recommendations for this finding
F3
SLO Search and Rescue is composed entirely of unpaid volunteers.
No recommendations for this finding
F4
SAR volunteers are reimbursed for “approved” mileage but, unlike sworn Sheriff’s Department personnel, are responsible for uniforms, equipment, advanced training and some supplies. This report of the San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury was approved without the vote of this Grand Jury member. To reduce or avoid any perception of conflict of interest, this Grand Jury member abstained from the final vote on this report.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1
SAR should develop a list of needs for inclusion in the Sheriff’s budget in time for consideration of the next county budget hearings, to include: (Findings 4, 5) a. cost of basic equipment which is required for a new volunteer. b. costs of desired advanced training or other anticipated costs. c. a miscellaneous contingency fund.
R2
The San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors should, to the extent possible, provide an allowance for uniforms, equipment, training/advanced training and supplies for SAR volunteers, similar to sworn staff in the Sheriff’s Department. (Findings 4, 5)
F5
SAR certified personnel provide basic volunteer training; often team leaders are not able to attend advanced or multi-county/state trainings due to lack of funding. SAR has not in the past routinely submitted a list of requested trainings for inclusion in the Sheriff’s budget.
No recommendations for this finding
F6
SAR is not permitted to engage in fundraising activities without prior approval from the Sheriff’s Department. Permission for fundraising activities requires the identification of a “justifiable” unmet need that could not otherwise be provided by the Department. The Department is not currently aware of any such unmet needs.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
If county funding for #2 is not available, SAR should be authorized, by the Sheriff’s Department, to operate fund raising events and solicit donations or sponsorships to help defray the costs of uniforms, training, equipment, etc. (Finding 6).
F7
SAR service to the state operated Oceano Dunes Vehicle Recreation Area is not funded. SAR often provides the only on-site medically trained personnel.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
SAR, with the assistance of county personnel, should pursue funding from the California Department of Parks to subsidize rescue work in the Oceano Dunes. (Finding 7)
F8
SAR currently does not have a volunteer(s) assigned for generating funding, administrative functions, recruitment or public awareness; all volunteers are “field trained”.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5
SAR, to the extent possible, should recruit volunteers in the following areas: (Finding 8) a. public relations/sponsorship solicitation b. fund raising c. website development d. grant writing e. volunteer recruitment (certified and non certified-operations)
F9
SAR believes the current number of volunteers (50+/-) is inadequate to handle a major disaster or provide adequate mutual aid to other counties.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6
SAR should increase membership by up to 50 additional members. (Finding 9)
F10
The Department’s Sergeant/liaison to SAR does not have a readily available four wheel drive vehicle to transport/tow equipment for call outs.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7
Necessary SAR equipment should be stored or kept near the Sergeant/liaison’s work station or kept in an available four wheel drive vehicle at his post to reduce response time. (Finding 10) COMMENDATION San Luis Obispo Search and Rescue is composed of a group of dedicated individuals, willing to undergo extensive, time-consuming training, purchase costly equipment, and spend countless, sometimes dangerous, hours in the service of others. The service community they have established consists of volunteers from all walks of life -- from college students to physicians, from firefighters to housewives -- whose task it is to provide rescue services to any one of us. This group of people is as good as their days are long, and their selfless service to the community is highly commended.
Commendations 1
-
CM1San Luis Obispo Search and Rescue is composed of a group of dedicated individuals, willing to undergo extensive, time-consuming training, purchase costly equipment, and spend countless, 2009-2010 San Luis Obispo Grand Jury Page 8 sometimes dangerous, hours in the service of others. The service community they have established consists of volunteers from all walks of life -- from college students to physicians, from firefighters to housewives -- whose task it is to provide rescue services to any one of us. This group of people is as good as their days are long, and their selfless service to the community is highly commended.