2012-2013 Grand Jury Final Report: On the Integrity of Grand Jury Investigations

Additional Recommendations 1

These recommendations are not explicitly linked to specific findings.

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  Request for Responses 8 2 NAPA COUNTY GRAND JURY P.O. BOX 5397 NAPA, CALIFORNIA 94581 A Tradition of Stewardship A Commitment to Service April 25, 2013 The Honorable Mark S. Boessenecker Supervising Judge Superior Court of the State of California County of Napa 825 Brown Street Napa, California 94559 Re: 2012-2013 Grand Jury Final Report: On the Integrity of Grand Jury Investigations Dear Judge Boessenecker, Pursuant of Section 933 (a) of the California Penal Code, the 2012-2013 Napa County Grand Jury submits its final report: On the Integrity of Grand Jury Investigations. Our investigation of this subject was conducted in a manner consistent with the California Penal Code, this Court's Charge, and the historic role of the Grand Jury, to pursue the interests of the residents of Napa County. This is first in a series of final reports we will be issuing during our term. I would like to acknowledge the dedication of the Grand Jurors, which our report reflects. Respectfully submitted, Victor J. Connell Foreperson NAPA COUNTY GRAND JURY P.O. BOX 5397 NAPA, CALIFORNIA 94581 April 25, 2013 To the Residents of Napa County: Our first Grand Jury Final Report deals with the integrity of the Napa County Grand Jury process. During the course of executing our statutory responsibilities, the 2012-2013 Napa County Grand Jury conducted extensive inquiries and investigations into the operations of certain agencies and departments within the Cities and County of Napa. By law, these investigations are confidential and will remain so either until the Grand Jury issues a Final Report or the Superior Court releases those concerned from the bounds of confidentiality. While performing its responsibilities the Grand Jury became aware that certain witnesses appearing before it had violated the secrecy admonition applicable to its proceedings. This conduct created an atmosphere within the concerned departments which caused other witnesses to feel pressure, apprehension and intimidation, resulting in their being less than forthcoming in subsequent testimony. The witnesses’ violation of the admonition of confidentiality created an atmosphere which impeded the work of the Grand Jury. The Napa County Office of County Counsel has reviewed this final report. The Napa County Superior Court Presiding Judge, pursuant to California Penal Code Section 933(a), has found that this report complies with California Penal code Part 2 Title 4. This report has been accepted and filed as a public document by the County Clerk. Copies of this report are available for review in the Napa City-County Library and online at www.napa.courts.ca.gov (follow the link to the Grand Jury). We hope you find this report informative. It is an honor and privilege to serve you during our 2012-2013 Grand Jury term. Respectfully submitted, The ON THE INTEGRITY OF GRAND JURY INVESTIGATIONS