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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
• 2015-2016
Department of Corrections - Alder Camp
⚠️ 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 8 findings
F1
Page 30
There is an immediate need for more officers to fully staff the police department. Even when the current vacancies are filled, there will be a need to increase the number of officers.
F2
Page 30
There are only four Reserve Officers, one of whom is a retired regular officer who volunteers his time. The current Reserve Officer staff is insufficient in number to properly augment the patrol function.
F3
Page 30
The computerized reporting system is not compatible with allied agencies.
F4
Page 30
Maintenance, repairs and janitorial tasks are being performed by police officers.
F5
Page 30
The police department building is at best adequate. There is inadequate utilization of the available adjacent lot.
F6
Page 30
The motorcycle currently assigned to the police department in not needed.
F7
Page 30
The Explorer Post Cadets provide a valuable service to the department and are a credit to the community.
F8
Page 30
The rapport between the law enforcement agencies is impressive and all involved should be commended.
Recommendations 7
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R1Page 30In a recent review of the City’s financial status, it was found that the City currently has a surplus of $800,000 and has been looking into various ways these monies can be utilized. It is recommended that some of these funds be used to facilitate recruitment and retention of officers in the Crescent City Police Department. There should never be a time when one officer is working alone, but should have a “back-up” to assist for officer safety purposes. This would address current and anticipated personnel shortages and should include a dedicated detective position. The officers have been working a plan of three twelve-hour shifts per week in addition to covering for one another for all vacancies, sick leave, etc. These Herculean efforts should be applauded. However, staff burnout is an eventuality under conditions of personnel shortages.
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R2Page 30Funding should be obtained either through the regular budgetary process or grant funding to increase the number of reserve officers up to a minimum of eight. Further, training needs to be provided to reserve officers in order that they reach a Peace Officer Standards and Training Level I proficiency.
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R3Page 30Support for the Explorer Cadets should be made by the City Council in the budgetary process and they should be given public recognition for their valuable service to the community.
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R4Page 30Chief Minsal’s intent to sell the department motorcycle should be encouraged, with the proceeds transferred to the General Fund of the city. 28
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R5Page 31Although the Chief terms the facility as “adequate”, it was noted during a tour of the facility that quarters are cramped. Outside of minor modifications, nothing significant has been done to improve the facilities for the police department since acquisition of the building approximately twenty-five years ago. The building is old and in need of repair and remodeling. There is also an immediate need for a canine exercise and training yard at the Police Department location.
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R6Page 31The current computerized reporting system needs to be upgraded in order to be compatible with allied agencies such as the Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney, etc. This would provide better exchange of information and networking to the betterment of the community.
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R7Page 31In order to free up officers for police work, the City should provide maintenance personnel to perform janitorial and maintenance tasks for the police facility. This would allow for a more efficient use of the highly trained officers.