Mono County Grand Jury 2017-18: Investigation #03

The Grand Jury found that the Jail appeared clean and well maintained.

The Grand Jury found the food service area and process with inmate kitchen help seemed organized well for all.

While limited by space, the jail has made good use of what they have. o The facility must maintain areas to separate men, women, children, intoxicated or under the influence and those who must be assessed for the competency/ability to stand trial, as well as long and short term inmates and those of lesser vs. higher agitated crimes. ▪ At the time of the Grand Jury visit, there were 28 prisoners being held, of which 3 were female, 1 was in detox and 1 in assessment. Also, of the 28 prisoners, more than 80% were not Mono County residents.

At the time of the Grand Jury visit, the jail was slightly understaffed, and in the process of filling positions, which are in the current budget.

This facility houses both short-term inmates waiting trial or other processing as well as long-term inmates. o The long-term inmates are those who request to serve their time in Mono County Jail and are approved, for periods of up to 7 years. They do not accept those who have served sentences prior in a penitentiary or who have a history of agitated crimes or actions.

The Sheriff, Lieutenant and staff we interacted with were very forthright and showed enthusiasm and pride in their facility.

We were advised that all staff, including dispatch are ‘hybrid’ positions; able to carry a firearm and oversee inmates, not just dispatch. They also switched duties every 4 hours to ensure alertness

The prison control room also acts as the dispatch for all 911 Emergency Calls, Fire, Search and Rescue, Sheriff and Police.

Approval for a new facility has happened and it is anticipated in the next 5 years, approximately.

Inmate medical and medical transport needs were an area of discussion. The jail is equidistant between Mammoth and South Carson Medical Center. o They no longer have a contract with the Mammoth Hospital for medical services. They do work with the local Indian Tribe medical facility. 7