Responses To 2017 - 2018 Grand Jury Final Report

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1 Police departments should improve the availability of complaint forms to members of the public byhaving: Implemented in our a. Clear signs indicating the location of complaint forms in multiple Department Lobby. languages reflective of the community served by the police department. Implemented in our b. Complaint forms freely available in the police station without the Department Lobby. need to request the form from police personnel. c. Complaint forms located in multiple public facilities including city Not Implemented. hall, libraries and community centers. PD has always had e. Complaint forms on the police department website in multiple complaint forms available languages reflective of the community serviced by the police in Spanish for the public. department. The PD does not currently 1.2 Police departments should improve their citizen complaint process have a website. by Developing the ability of complaints to be made online. 1.4 Police depa1tments should make a written description of the Implemented in our procedure used to investigate complaints available to the public as Department Lobby. required by the California Penal Code 832.5(a)(l). 1.7 Police departments not in compliance with the legal requirement PD already has a written Penal Code 832.7(e)(l) to provide written notification to the response to complainant complaining party of the disposition of the complaint , upon conclusion of should take appropriate steps to come into compliance with this investigation. requirement. 1.9 Police departments should accept and log all citizen complaints Not implemented. regardless of their initial assessment of the seriousness of the allegations. PD already instructs its 1.13 Police Departments should promote detailed and ongoing personnel on the handling education and training in all aspects of their citizen complaint process. of Citizen Complaints. 1.14 Police Departments should consider developing an appeal process to be initiated when a complainant is dissatisfied with the Not implemented. result of an investigation or disposition. BELL GARDENS 7100 So. Garfield Avenue Bell Gardens, California 90201-3293 POLICE DEPARTMENT Telephone (562) 806-7600 October 25, 2018 To Whom It May Concern, California Penal Code Sections 933(c) and 933.05 require a written response to all Grand Jury recommendations contained in this report. RESPONSE

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3 that the CGJ has formulated. The City of Alhambra's response to the seven

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1 3.1 "School Districts have allocated relatively small amounts of funding and unique needs of their foster youth to programs or actions specifically targeted to meet substantial and unique needs of their foster youth..." After careful analysis and review of the GRAND JURY's

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1 commitment to increasing the number and percentage of female firefighters within their departments including commitment by top leadership, monitoring and accountability, human resource management procedures embodying transparency, objectivity and performance-relatedness, activities changing individuals' behavior to control hostile acts and a sustained effort." The LBFD agrees with this recommendation. The LBFD will continue to work closely with the City of Long Beach Civil Service Department and support their efforts to recruit, test, and establish eligible lists for Fire Recruit that more accurately reflect the diversity of the Long Beach community, with a continued focus on recruiting female candidates. The LBFD will continue to communicate and strictly enforce the City's Policies and Procedures relating to illegal discrimination and harassment complaints. Additionally, the LBFD is contracting with a trainer to deliver "Career Survival Training" to all Fire staff. This training will focus on establishing and maintaining a culture of administrative responsibility by recognizing and avoiding behaviors in the fire service that lead to Support Services Administration Fire Prevention Operations (562) 570-2530 (562) 570-2501 (562) 570-2510 (562) 570-2560 FAX (562) 570-2506 FAX (562) 570-2564 FAX (562) 570-2556 FAX (562) 570-2566 Response to Los Angeles County Civil Grand Jury Final Report – Female Firefighters in Los Angeles County discrimination complaints and disciplinary action. Finally, the Department is providing implicit bias training, which will raise awareness of employees' unconscious biases, attitudes and stereotypes that affect their understanding, actions, and decisions.

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4</b> Agree. This recommendation is being implemented (to the extent feasible, as described below). DAS does mail notices 30-60 days before licenses expire to renew all known dog and horse owners. As license fees are established by the Los Angeles Administrative Code (LAAC), any reductions and refunds would need to be presented to and approved by City Council. We tried an amnesty program in the past and it did not result in an increase in licensing. If an owner does not renew the license, we can give them an Administrative Citation that has an increasing fine if they do not comply The fine increases every 30 days ($100, $250, $500 and $1,000). These fines are collected by the City Attorney's Office and pet owners are not excused from purchasing the license. During the past fiscal year, DAS has increased its media presence substantially. The media outreach includes information regarding responsible pet ownership, licensing, microchipping, spay/neuter, leash requirement when walking dogs in public, cleaning up after your pet, and preventing dog bites. RECOMMENDATION NO. 5.5 - DACC should pass an ordinance to authorize veterinarians in the County's jurisdictions to issue licenses and forward to Animal Care and Control. DAS to follow up on the authorization of City ordinance allowing veterinarians to issue licenses. RESPONSE TO RECOMMENDATION NO. 5.5 Agree. This response is being implemented. The Los Angeles Municipal Code currently allows licensed California veterinarians to issue licenses, which is described in full below: SEC. 53.15.4. VETERINARIANS AND OTHERS AUTHORIZED TO DISTRIBUTE DOG LICENSE APPLICATIONS OR SELL DOG LICENSES. (Title and Section Amended by Ord. No. 181,882, Eff. 10/30/11.) (a) The Department may authorize a duly licensed California veterinarian, pet hospital, pet store, licensed kennel or any duly licensed person engaged in the business of breeding, selling or otherwise transferring the ownership of dogs, to distribute dog license applications or puppy certificate applications to persons residing in the City of Los Angeles, and be paid for such services a sum not to exceed $2.00 or such other amount as determined by the Board of Animal Services Commissioners and approved by the City Council, for each application processed and license issued by the Department. The Department may also authorize a duly licensed California veterinarian, pet (b) hospital, pet store, licensed kennel or any duly licensed person engaged in the business of breeding, selling or otherwise transferring the ownership of dogs, to sell dog licenses or puppy certificates to persons residing in the City of Los Angeles and be paid for such services by entering into an agreement with the Department establishing the conditions of such sale. The amount to be paid for such services shall not exceed $2.00 or such other amount as determined by the Board of Animal Services Commissioners and approved by the City Council. DAS has not found this to be an opportunity that private practice veterinarians want to assist with. Best Friends Animal Society and the Lucy Pet Foundation sell dog licenses for DAS. RECOMMENDATION NO. 5.7 - DAS should resolve the TNR Injunction over feral and community cats; address this impact on public and animal health, and the environment. LACDPH assist in addressing public health issues. Find a way to return community cats to a supervised caretaker. Consider licensing of cats throughout Los Angeles County to help reduce feral populations and cat euthanasia. RESPONSE TO RECOMMENDATION NO. 5.7 DAS is working with the Department of Public Works, Bureau of Engineering, a consulting firm, and the City Attorney's office to resolve the injunction against the City. The resolution of this injunction is a complex and unpredictable process. All parties are working collaboratively to explore ways of modifying the injunction preventing DAS from providing spay/neuter services for community cats and support for caregivers who feed these cats. RECOMMENDATION NO. 5.8 - DACC and DAS needs to fill all budgeted positions. Expedite the hiring process to fill vacancies after 30 days. RESPONSE TO RECOMMENDATION NO. 5.8 Agree. This recommendation is being implemented (to the extent feasible, as described below). Hiring for DAS involves the City of Los Angeles Personnel Department that manages the process, approval from the City Administrative Officer (CAO), and compliance with the Civil Service rules--all of which add to the time it takes to hire. RECOMMENDATION NO. 5.9 - DACC and DAS should address providing a more welcoming environment and animal-friendly shelter environment through the use of music, better photos, less confining spaces, etc. RESPONSE TO RECOMMENDATION NO. 5.9 - Agree. This recommendation is being implemented. DAS is working toward meeting these goals. For example, DAS is currently partnering with other organizations to produce better photos for our website and flyers. RECOMMENDATION NO 5.10 - DACC and DAS staff and volunteers should increase the adoptability of animals by creating better play, proximity, and welcoming cage behaviors. RESPONSE TO RECOMMENDATION NO. 5.10 - Agree. This recommendation is being implemented. DAS is working towards meeting this goal. DAS is currently partnering with various organizations to increase enrichment for our animals. Additionally, DAS staff and volunteers are receiving training to promote further enrichment for our animals. RECOMMENDATION NO. 5.11 - DACC and DAS should consider eliminating breed identification from shelters and replace with "mixed breed" to increase adoptions for all animals. Shelter personnel cannot be expected to accurately "guess" breeds without DNA evidence. RESPONSE TO RECOMMENDATION NO. 5.11 Agree. This recommendation is being implemented. The Board of Animal Services Commissioners approved this change. DAS has begun educating its staff and discussions with its IT staff who will make the change in our data management system both online and on the kennel cards. For many in the industry, eliminating breed identification is a culture shift. Therefore, this shift does not occur instantaneously; however, DHS is working toward that end and expects to have breed labels removed and replaced with "mixed breed" or "shelter dog" or some similar non- specific breed name before the end of this calendar year. RECOMMENDATION NO. 5.12 - DACC and DAS should consider eliminating the term "No Kill" when describing shelters and replace with statistics of euthanasia and live release. RESPONSE TO RECOMMENDATION NO. 5.12 Agree. This recommendation is being implemented (to the extent feasible, as described below). DAS provides statistics on our website monthly that show intake, euthanasia, live release and more. The term No Kill was adopted by the City Council. A clear definition of "what No Kill means for Los Angeles City" is on the homepage of our website. RECOMMENDATION NO. 5.13 - LACDPH, DACC, and DAS should expand media efforts from current "adoption only" focus, to include elements of overall responsible pet ownership. Prepare and distribute public health and animal care modules to schools and follow up by presentations of animal services staff. RESPONSE TO RECOMMENDATION NO. 5.13 Agree. This response is being implemented. DAS hired a new Public Information Officer five months ago who has been expanding media efforts for adoptions, volunteerism, animal laws, including licensing and spay/neuter and more. DHS is partnering with other groups to deliver humane education. DHS's staff does make some school presentations and also has visiting groups of students regularly. DHS is also expanding its volunteer program for students from 12 to 16 years. RECOMMENDATION NO. 5.14 - DAS and DACC should implement an internship programs for volunteers. Provide community service credit for schools or as ordered by the Court. RESPONSE TO RECOMMENDATION NO. 5.14 Agree. This recommendation is being implemented. DAS currently has a volunteer program for Court referrals. DHS is also implementing a youth volunteer program that will allow students to earn community service hours. For many years, DAS, in collaboration with LAUSD, has been holding ROP (Regional Occupational Program) classes at three of our shelters for students who are interested in learning more about animals and careers with animals. RECOMMENDATION NO. 5.15 - DACC and DAS should increase partnerships to provide more low-cost spay and neuter clinics. Establish a procedure to utilize coalition partners for distribution of shelter animals to pet stores in 2019. RESPONSE TO RECOMMENDATION NO. 5.15 Agree. This recommendation is being implemented. DAS has partnerships with clinics attached to 5 of the 6 Animal Care Centers we operate to do low-cost and free spay/neuter services. DHS also has contracts with three mobile spay/neuter vans and DHS has recently contracted to reopen our Jefferson Park Shelter and that includes a spay/neuter clinic. DAS has also made it possible to obtain spay/neuter vouchers by applying online. In May, DHS offered free spay neuter for pet cats (3 per household) in the City of Los Angeles that was very successful and will likely be repeated. RECOMMENDATION NO. 5.16 - DACC and DAS should include notification of the need for updating micro-chip information with licensing renewals. RESPONSE TO RECOMMENDATION NO. 5.16 Agree. This recommendation is being implemented. DAS believes this is a good idea. Currently, DHS has that reminder on other printed materials and DHS will consider adding it to the licensing material. RECOMMENDATION NO. 5.17 - DACC and DAS must ensure all contact information provided for public use is current and correct, e.g., 1-888-SPAY4LA (1-800-SPAY4LA). RESPONSE TO RECOMMENDATION NO. 5.17 Agree. This recommendation is being implemented. RESPONSE TO THE 2017-2018 CIVIL GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICE FOR THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS 2017-2018 CIVIL GRAND JURY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 19 DOGS, 57 CATS: SOME STRATEGIES TOWARD "LOW KILL" IN LOS ANGELES ANIMAL SHELTERS <b>RECOMMENDATION NO. 5.1</b> LACDPH, DACC, and DAS should send letters to all veterinarians to confirm the mandate reporting of all rabies vaccinations with ownership information to the Animal Services jurisdiction to allow licensing and necessary follow-ups. RESPONSE Partially agree. The recommendation to send letters to veterinarians will be implemented in Fiscal Year 2018-19. LACDPH will provide a letter to all veterinary practices in Los Angeles County to confirm the mandated reporting of all rabies vaccinations to cities that require it. The implications of implementing this recommendation requires further analysis by DACC, to be completed by December 29, 2018. The DACC is evaluating the potential workload impact on both data input areas and license enforcement operations. Recommendations for additional resources to address impact of workload will be made within the context of the overall budget and numerous funding priorities and requests. <b>RECOMMENDATION NO. 5.2</b> Director of DACC and LACDPH should recommend to all contract cities within the County who do not have mandatory rabies immunization notifications by veterinarians to pass ordinances requiring veterinarians to notify City or County of rabies immunizations and establish penalties for any non-compliance. RESPONSE Partially agree. The recommendation will be partially implemented in Fiscal Year 2018-19. LACDPH will assist DACC in providing a letter to all contract cities recommending a local ordinance be passed to notify County of rabies immunizations. DACC also plans to include language in all city contract renewals to require cities to adopt Los Angeles County Code Title 10 that requires mandatory reporting of rabies vaccinations by veterinarians. The feasibility to implement a penalty for veterinarians that do not comply with the mandate to report all rables vaccinations with ownership information to the appropriate Animal Services jurisdiction requires further analysis by DACC, to be completed by December 29, 2018. The implications of implementing this recommendation requires further analysis by DACC, to be completed by December 29, 2018. The DACC is evaluating the potential workload impact on both data input areas and license enforcement operations. Recommendations for additional resources to address impact of workload will be made within the context of the overall budget, numerous funding priorities, and requests. <b>RECOMMENDATION NO. 5.3</b> DACC and DAS should ensure an effective and comprehensive computerized case management system is in place. Enable online payments for all jurisdictions. Provide handheld devices to retrieve data for staff in the field. RESPONSE Computerized Case Management System & Handheld Devices: Partially agree. This recommendation requires further analysis. DACC is working with CEO to complete a business process review and evaluate system needs, requirements and cost. Evaluation is targeted to be complete in Fiscal Year 2018-19. Case management system implementation would be a multi-year effort requiring the resource needs to be evaluated within the context of the overall budget and numerous funding priorities and requests. On-line Payments: Partially agree. This recommendation has been partially implemented with the capability to make online payments to renew pet licenses. The ability for first-time licensees to make on-line payments requires further analysis, to be completed by DACC by December 29, 2018. Los Angeles County Code Section 10.20.060 prohibits the issuance of a license tag and license until proof of rabies vaccination is received; however, this code section also allows DACC to accept payment without proof of rabies, and to hold the license in abeyance until proof is given within five days. Analysis is required to assess feasibility of system capability and programming to ensure online processes are compliant with County code. Recommendations resulting in a need for additional resources will be made within the context of the overall budget and numerous funding priorities and requests. <b>RECOMMENDATION NO. 5.4</b> DACC and DAS should consider launching more aggressive media campaigns to notify pet owners of licensing programs, the requirements of responsible pet ownership, and penalties for delinquency. Mail notices to all animal owners requiring licensing be completed Implement a 100% penalty if license fees are not received after 30 days, requiring a field investigation. Offer refunds to pet owners who spay/neuter animals of paying fees. RESPONSE Partially agree. This recommendation has been partially implemented. The Board of Supervisors defers to DACC's response for details for the portion of the recommendation that has been implemented. The feasibility of offering refunds to pet owners who spay/neuter animals of paying fees requires further analysis, to be completed by DACC by December 29, 2018. Recommendations resulting in a need for additional resources will be made within the context of the overall budget and numerous funding priorities and requests. <b>RECOMMENDATION NO. 5.5</b> DACC should pass an ordinance to authorize veterinarians in the County's jurisdictions to issue licenses and forward to Animal Care and Control. DAS to follow up on the authorization of City ordinance allowing veterinarians to issue licenses. RESPONSE Disagree. This recommendation will not be implemented. The Board of Supervisors defers to DACC response for an explanation detailing the complexities and barriers to implementing this recommendation. <b>RECOMMENDATION NO. 5.6</b> DACC should ensure cost allocations for Contract Cities be fully reimbursed. RESPONSE Agree. This recommendation is in the process of being implemented. Effective July 1, 2018, the billing rates have been updated to include cost of providing veterinary care that was previously not included, However, the July 1, 2018, billing rates continue to cap the billing days per sheltered cat and dog at 50 percent of the average time these pets are sheltered. To address this unreimbursed cost, DACC has developed a six-year step-up plan (proposed to begin Fiscal Year 2019-20) to fully recover these costs and will work with the Board and contract cities to implement. <b>RECOMMENDATION NO. 5.7</b> DAS should resolve the TNR Injunction over feral and community cats; address this impact on public and animal health, and the environment. LACDPH assist in addressing public health issues. Find a way to return community cats to a supervised caretaker. Consider licensing of cats throughout Los Angeles County to help reduce feral populations and cat euthanasia. RESPONSE Disagree. This recommendation will not be implemented. The Board of Supervisors defers to LACDPH response for an explanation detailing the complexities, concerns, and barriers to implementing this recommendation. The Board of Supervisors further concurs with the LACDPH recommendation that TNR should only be conducted in a more regulated manner and modified to reduce public health risks and is supportive of LACDPH's willingness to work with DAS to help draft requirements needed to mitigate public health risks and liabilities. <b>RECOMMENDATION NO. 5.8</b> DACC and DAS needs to fill all budgeted positions. Expedite the hiring process to fill vacancies after 30 days. RESPONSE Partially agree. This recommendation has been partially implemented. DACC's ability to fill budgeted positions is restricted to approved appropriation and a balanced budget performance. In addition, the hiring process is governed by civil service rules and the promulgation of eligibility lists for which the process extends past a 30-day time-period. Note that funded vacancies may be filled given a promulgated, active eligibility list from which the DACC may hire. The DACC will continue to work with the Department of Human Resources to fill approved budgeted positions. <b>RECOMMENDATION NO. 5.9</b> DACC and DAS should address providing a more welcoming environment and animal friendly shelter environment through the use of music, better photos, less confining spaces, etc... RESPONSE Agree. This recommendation is partially implemented. DACC has implemented a number of facility improvement projects over the past two years to create a more welcoming and animal friendly environment that includes the use of music, better photos and less confining spaces. The Board of Supervisors defers to DACC's response for a detailed list of facility improvement projects. Additional facility improvement projects will be considered within the context of the overall budget and numerous funding priorities and requests. <b>RECOMMENDATION NO. 5.10</b> DACC and DAS staff and volunteers should increase the adoptability of animals by creating better play, proximity, and welcoming cage behaviors. RESPONSE Agree. This recommendation has been implemented. The Board of Supervisors defers to DACC response for details of program implementation. <b>RECOMMENDATION NO. 5.11</b> DACC and DAS should consider eliminating breed identification from shelters and replace with "mixed breed" to increase adoptions for all animals. Shelter personnel cannot be expected to accurately "guess" breeds without DNA evidence. RESPONSE Disagree. This recommendation will not be implemented. The Board of Supervisors defers to DACC's response for an explanation detailing the concerns, barriers and liabilities associated with implementing this recommendation. <b>RECOMMENDATION NO. 5.12</b> DACC and DAS should consider eliminating the term "No Kill" when describing shelters and replace with statistics of euthanasia and live release. <b>RESPONSE</b> Agree. This recommendation has been implemented. DACC does not utilize the term "No Kill" and will continue to utilize more accurate measurements with statistics of euthanasia and live release. <b>RECOMMENDATION NO. 5.13</b> LACDPH, DACC, and DAS should expand media efforts from current "adoption only" focus, to include elements of overall responsible pet ownership. Prepare and distribute public health and animal care modules to schools and follow up by presentations of animal services staff. RESPONSE Partially agree. This recommendation has been partially implemented and efforts will continue through Fiscal Year 2018-19. The Board of Supervisors defers to DACC and LACDPH