El Dorado County Jail, Placerville

The jail is deteriorating due to age and lack of maintenance, including: • poor condition of the paint throughout the facility • noticeable water leaks from an upstairs bathroom, onto the first floor hallway, leading into the kitchen • antiquated and potentially dangerous kitchen equipment • standing water in the kitchen • uncertainty that the water shut-off valves work.

The maintenance person has little or no time for maintenance because he has to respond to immediate repairs on an event by event basis. 2a. Recommendation: Establish a comprehensive preventive maintenance schedule that includes short and long term preventive measures. Maintain maintenance log that includes the work completed. 2b. Recommendation: Provide sufficient staff to properly maintain the jail to include preventive maintenance. 2c. Recommendation: Increase utilization of inmates in the maintenance and custodial responsibilities of the facility, under the supervision of the appropriate jail staff. 3. Fact: The jail capacity is insufficient to accommodate the current and future inmate population.

Currently, plans exist to add two hundred (200) beds but the plans do not take into account the impact the new casino may have on the jail facility. The current County allocation of casino fees for law enforcement may not be adequate to offset the anticipated increase in demands. 14

Management and staff on duty at the time of the inspection were unaware of emergency preparedness plans, including an evacuation plan for the jail. This Grand Jury is unable to ascertain if there are periodic safety drills to safely relocate inmates in the event of an emergency. 4a. Recommendation: Review safety policy and procedures, note the date of each review, and revise policy and procedures if necessary. Ensure all emergency plans meet or exceed Title 15, Section 1029, Policy and Procedures Manuals and include: • fire suppression preplan as required by Section 1032 • escape, disturbances, and the taking of hostages • civil disturbance • natural disasters • periodic testing of emergency equipment storage, issue and use of weapons, ammunition, chemical agents, and related security devices. 4b. Recommendation: Schedule training in emergency procedures including periodic drills. Initiate and maintain documents that record the date, time, type of training and names of staff who attend the training and drills. 4c. Recommendation: Place the emergency preparedness plan in locations easily observed and accessible to staff. Instruct personnel of its locations upon assignment to the facility and during training. INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK 16