Mendocino County Grand Jury
• 2004-2005
Mendocino County Jail, Courthouse Holding Cells, and Fort Bragg Sheriff’s Holding Cells
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings and Recommendations 25 findings
F1
The MCJ is currently understaffed at 39 Corrections Deputies, although the County Budget provides funding for 44.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
The Grand Jury recommends that the staffing for 54 Corrections Deputies be implemented upon completion of the new MCJ addition. (Findings 1 and 3)
F2
The MCJ can currently accommodate 302 inmates.
No recommendations for this finding
F3
A new 64-bed addition to the MCJ is expected to open in July, 2006.
No recommendations for this finding
F4
The MCJ has two padded Safety Cells in the men’s wing.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
The Grand Jury recommends that the MCJ increase the number of Safety Cells from three to ten. The men’s wing needs four additional cells and the women’s wing needs three additional cells. (Findings 4 and 6)
F5
A doorframe in one of the men’s Safety Cells is missing padding and poses a safety concern.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
The Grand Jury recommends that the doorframe of the Safety Cell be repaired. (Finding 5)
F6
The MCJ has one padded Safety Cell in the women’s wing.
No recommendations for this finding
F7
The MCJ Holding Cells do not contain television or any other means of occupying inmate time.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
The Grand Jury recommends that the MCJ provide television in Holding Cells. (Finding 7)
F8
There is continuing staff turnover at the MCJ because the patrol division is considered more desirable work.
No recommendations for this finding
F9
The Booking Area lacks adequate organizational space for efficient use.
No recommendations for this finding
F10
There is only one MCJ Booking Officer per shift.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5
The Grand Jury recommends that an assistant be available to allow the Booking Officer to efficiently perform required duties .(Finding 10)
F11
A new electronic control board for monitoring and controlling inmate activity was recently installed.
No recommendations for this finding
F12
The remote video monitoring station has a digital video recorder to monitor inmate behavior and provide staff liability protection.
No recommendations for this finding
F13
In the coming year, MCJ will provide video conferencing for remote attorney/client consultation and family visitation.
No recommendations for this finding
F14
A renovation of the laundry room has not been completed.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6
The Grand Jury recommends that the MCJ complete renovation of the laundry area. (Finding 14)
F15
Classroom education and computer lab instruction under the direction of the Ukiah Adult School are offered to inmates.
No recommendations for this finding
F16
A Life Skills class, offered through the Ford Street Project, includes instruction in anger management, health, and abusive behavior reduction.
No recommendations for this finding
F17
Inmates may attend on site meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.
No recommendations for this finding
F18
Religious services are available to the inmates.
No recommendations for this finding
F19
The money generated from MCJ pay phones, through a service provider contract, defrays the cost of Inmate Services.
No recommendations for this finding
F20
There is a significant number of outstanding maintenance issues.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7
The Grand Jury recommends that the MCJ’s maintenance problems be addressed and solved with adequate funding to Building and Grounds. (Finding 20)
F21
The Courthouse Holding Cells now provide space for attorney/client consultation.
No recommendations for this finding
F22
Graffiti exist on holding cell walls in Ukiah and Fort Bragg.
Related Recommendations (1)
R8
The Grand Jury recommends that the graffiti on the walls of the Courthouse Holding Cells and the Fort Bragg Holding Cells be removed. (Finding 22)
F23
A significant number of the transients arriving in Mendocino County further stress the criminal justice system.
No recommendations for this finding
F24
Since the closure of the Psychiatric Health Facility (PHF) in November, 2000, many of the individuals who would have been served at that location are now under the care of the MCJ, at a higher cost to Mendocino County.
Related Recommendations (1)
R9
The Grand Jury recommends that further study be done to resolve the costly problem created by the closure of the PHF, with particular consideration given to the establishment of dual-diagnosis beds. (Finding 24)
F25
The kennel used for detainees’ dogs at the Fort Bragg Holding Facility is not clean.
Related Recommendations (1)
R10
The Grand Jury recommends that a policy be established to ensure timely cleaning of the Fort Bragg dog kennels. (Finding 25) Comments The three major reasons for inmates coming to MCJ are substance abuse, theft, and domestic violence. Ninety-nine percent of these inmates have problems related to alcohol, other drugs, or mental health issues. Methamphetamine is a factor in 80% of the arrests in the County. The use of this drug increases the combative and suicidal tendencies in the inmate population. The use of Methamphetamine is a primary factor in the higher rate of women incarcerated. There is an increase of indigent inmates in MCJ during the cold winters and hot summers. The Booking Officer needs an assistant to answer telephone calls and take messages in regard to bail-related matters, court appearances, attorneys, and other relevant matters. This would increase the efficiency of the booking process. The recently installed electronic control board ensures the reliable function of all the security doors in the facility. Jail personnel do an excellent job of providing basic custody services with available facilities and funds. Response Required Mendocino County Board of Supervisors Mendocino County Sheriff Response Requested Mendocino County Building and Grounds Director
Comments 1
-
CO1The three major reasons for inmates coming to MCJ are substance abuse, theft, and domestic violence. Ninety-nine percent of these inmates have problems related to alcohol, other drugs, or mental health issues. Methamphetamine is a factor in 80% of the arrests in the County. The use of this drug increases the combative and suicidal tendencies in the inmate population. The use of Methamphetamine is a primary factor in the higher rate of women incarcerated. There is an increase of indigent inmates in MCJ during the cold winters and hot summers. The Booking Officer needs an assistant to answer telephone calls and take messages in regard to bail-related matters, court appearances, attorneys, and other relevant matters. This would increase the efficiency of the booking process. The recently installed electronic control board ensures the reliable function of all the security doors in the facility. Jail personnel do an excellent job of providing basic custody services with available facilities and funds. Response Required Mendocino County Board of Supervisors Mendocino County Sheriff Response Requested Mendocino County Building and Grounds Director Page 3 of 3 2004/2005 Mendocino County Grand Jury
No Responses Found 2
Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.
Mendocino County Board of Supervisors
Elected County Office
Mendocino County Sheriff
Elected County Office