⚠️ Aviso de traducción: Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings 4 findings
F1
Each day at 4:00 PM jail staff members setup a video link with the Superior Court, Department 4. All individuals arrested within the previous 24 hours (weekends/holidays excluded) have their first court appearance (arraignment) from the jail via the closed circuit video link. This process can take as little as fifteen minutes or up to one (1) hour depending on the number of defendants. The process occupies the time of three (3) deputies leaving one (1) sergeant, one (1) deputy and two (2) transportation deputies to maintain the jail.
F2
There are no lockup holding facilities in any of the five courtrooms. Defendants must be transported to the courtroom for his/her hearing and then be transported back to the jail for holding. If a defendant has a morning and afternoon hearing, then he/she will be transported a total of four (4) times during the day. The two (2) transportation deputies must stay with the defendant at all times. If more than one defendant has a court appearance, additional deputies, being paid overtime, are used.
F3
During transportation and most court appearances, inmates wear ankle and wrist restraints. With few exceptions, during trials and when a defendant is in front of a jury, no restraints are allowed.
F4
Vehicles used for transportation are well maintained and very secure. Some of the vehicles are approaching the need to be replaced due to high mileage.
Recommendations 4
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R1For Finding 1, the use of closed circuit video arraignment is efficient and profoundly increases safety for the judge and court staff as well as defendants, inmates and jail staff. This video arraignment procedure mitigates the danger created by not having holding facilities in the courts and should be continued and encouraged.
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R2For Finding 2, the lack of physical security leaves the courtrooms highly susceptible to escape during a trial. As the physical aspects of the courtrooms will not be changed anytime soon, the number of transport deputies and bailiffs should be increased when deemed necessary. This would be temporary and be assessed and determined by the Sheriff utilizing criteria such as the defendant’s history, current charges, and potential length of sentence.
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R3There is no recommendation for Finding 3.
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R4For Finding 4, replace vehicles as they age out.