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Extracted from Consolidated Report

This investigation was originally published as part of a larger consolidated report containing multiple investigations. View the consolidated PDF for the complete document.

Del Norte County Grand Jury • 2012-2013

Del Norte County Jail

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Findings 14 findings

F1 Page 22
There are no maximum security inmates; all inmates are moderate to low security risk. There are cell checks five to six times a shift.
F2 Page 22
The “new” wing has provisions for persons with medical issues. Medical care and expenses are a concern. Previously, the Sheriff’s budget had to cover 100% of the costs. It is not uncommon to spend $3,000.00 to $4,000.00 per month for medications.
F3 Page 22
There is a locked medical station on the premises. Inmates can make appointments for a check-up for non-emergency issues. An LVN is available three times a week, a Registered Nurse every day (Monday through Friday), and a Physician’s Assistant twice a week. When an inmate is first incarcerated, he/she is ascertained per medical risk. If needed, an officer takes the inmate to the hospital for a blood test; since an officer has to be with the inmate, this is a concern and expense. If possible the inmate is checked out of the jail and ordered back after treatment is received, then the jail is not charged.
F4 Page 22
Inmates can work in the kitchen where approximately 3-4 inmate helpers assist a hired cook. They prepare meals which consist of breakfast, a sack lunch and dinner. They assist in organizing and cleaning. Meals and menu are regulated by the State, and a yearly evaluation is made.
F5 Page 22
There is a Control Pod where a correctional technician receives all calls, views all cameras, and controls all locks. (These locks can be controlled manually, if necessary.) There is a back- up generator. There is a fire evacuation plan. The less security risks are evacuated. The higher risks are taken to Pelican Bay State 22 Prison. In case of a tsunami, inmates serving time for lesser, non violent crimes would be released and given a time and place to report back. Other inmates would be taken to Pelican Bay.
F6 Page 23
There are three teams of three correctional officers and non-sworn support, such as office and computer technology control. The officers are required to attend an approved academy. There are two female officers employed by the Del Norte County Sheriff’s Department, although there is not always a female officer available for each shift. When booking a female inmate, it is necessary that a female officer is available.
F7 Page 23
The jail is going through a transition phase and will be changing regulations regarding inmates who will now go to a county facility and not state prison. Previously, the maximum sentence was for one year; now there will be long-term sentences to be served in the county jail. If a person is sentenced to seven years, he will serve about half of that time. These will be non-violent, non- serious, non-sexual crimes. More serious crimes will still go to San Quentin State Prison. Our jail does not have programs for these inmates with long sentences.
F8 Page 23
Services such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Parenting are available. Non- denominational religious services are available. Television, newspapers and phone services are provided and monitored. Visits with family/friends/attorney are permitted, and communication takes place via phones with a window separating the inmate and his or her visitor.
F9 Page 23
Recreation Room is available three times a week.
F10 Page 23
The Del Norte County Jail appears to be well administered with concerned, professional, capable staff who is well informed about their duties and the jail. The State mandated AB109 is causing economic burdens by requiring the counties to take inmates, normally housed by the state, without adequate compensation. In addition, the housing of more long term inmates will necessitate more programs and recreational space, and has the potential to devastate the budget through required conditions and medical care.
F11 Page 23
The Del Norte County Jail facility is in need of maintenance. Jurors noted many areas of the jail with paint peeling off the wall as well as missing ceiling tiles in many of the cells.
F12 Page 23
During our tour, it was noted that the jail did not provide a room or safety cell where an inmate could be isolated from others and not be able to injure himself or herself.
F13 Page 23
There are many blind spots in cells that are not viewable by person in a control pod using existing cameras. Holding cells do not have cameras. 23
F14 Page 24
The laundry facilities are inadequate for the large amount of laundry currently required. If a washing machine or dryer is not functioning properly, laundry is taken to an outside source for laundering.

Recommendations 5