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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.

Plumas County Grand Jury • 2003-2004

Plumas County Jail

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Findings 5 findings

F1 Page 21
The jail's heating and ventilating is regulated by an offsite computer- controlled system (the "DELTA" system). The purpose of this system is to realize energy efficiencies. It was noted during the inspections that the jail areas, particularly the maximum-security section, appeared very warm and damp. The jail staff indicated conditions were often too hot or cold.
F2 Page 21
It was noted the standby generator for emergency power during power failures was missing. The Grand Jury was informed that the generator had been removed by Facility Services in December 2003 because it had been "red tagged." During a countywide power outage in that month, the jail was without backup power for over twenty-four hours creating a security problem. While a new generator was on order, it had not yet been received (as of May 1, 2004), forcing the jail to rent a temporary trailer-mounted generator at a cost of $1,800 per month for three months.
F3 Page 21
The present jail facility presents many security issues because of the way it was constructed in 1976. Examples: there is no automated lock-in control when moving inmates from one cell to another; the physical layout is linear which makes it more labor intensive and places staff in direct contact with prisoners; there are no slots in maximum security cell doors requiring food to have to be served to prisoners by opening the cell door; access to jail facilities for disabled female inmates is inadequate. The Jail Commander estimated a new jail facility might cost in excess of $12 million.
F4 Page 21
There are numerous maintenance problems applicable to the jail. Previously, the jail had its own full-time maintenance employee. Maintenance now has to be requested of the Facility Services Department. Due to that department's understaffing situation, requested maintenance orders are often not completed in a timely manner or not completed at all. Documentation indicated twenty- two open work orders for the jail with only six currently in the process of correction.
F5 Page 21
Outside the jail, there are several problems relating to security in the yard areas. These include: a. Two surveillance cameras are not functioning; another camera is needed to cover the east end of the yard. b. Some of the lighting sensors are not functioning properly. One security light was noted as being on at 4:00 P.M. during the inspection. c. The main electrical panel and transformer are without adequate security. d. The outside female exercise area is not adequately wired for security.

Recommendations 4