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Findings and Recommendations 30 findings
F1
All potential candidates for the conservation camps are screened by the Directors’ Review Board (DRB), the Institutional Classification Committee (ICC), the Unit Classification Committee (UCC), and the Camp Classification Committee (CCC) and classified according to a points system. The inmate’s age, marital status, number of children, and number and type of conviction are all taken into account.
No recommendations for this finding
F2
Most inmates placed at this and other conservation camps have more than 12 months to serve.
No recommendations for this finding
F3
On the day of the Grand Jury’s visit, there were 106 inmates.
No recommendations for this finding
F4
The average age of the inmates is 35.
No recommendations for this finding
F5
Inmates are assigned to camps at least two counties away from the counties in which they were convicted.
No recommendations for this finding
F6
For every one day served at the camp, inmates are credited an additional two days off their sentences.
No recommendations for this finding
F7
All Camp 45 inmates have undergone extensive fire safety training prior to being placed in the facility. They are trained at the fire academy for one week and then serve for six weeks on a crew at a correctional center. In addition, they receive eight hours of training once a week at Camp 45. When at a fire site, the Camp’s crews work collaboratively with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
No recommendations for this finding
F8
Each inmate assigned to fire fighting duty must be certified by Corrections staff as being physically fit.
No recommendations for this finding
F9
Some prisoners who do not meet medical requirements are assigned to a fire camp because they have skills the camp needs, such as carpentry or cooking. They work as members of in-camp or kitchen crews. The in-camp crew maintains the grounds and buildings, does laundry, cleans the facilities, landscapes, and provides clerical services. The kitchen crew provides the meals for the other inmates. Since this is a working camp, the meals must be hearty and nutritious and meet the Title 15 guidelines of 2600 calories a day.
No recommendations for this finding
F10
Random drug testing is performed on all inmates.
No recommendations for this finding
F11
The maximum stay in the program is three-and-a-half years; however, inmates are rotated every two years to other camps.
No recommendations for this finding
F12
As of the day of the Grand Jury’s visit, there were no escapes in 2007, but there were two escapes in 2006. Both escapes were Mexican nationals nearing the end of their sentences and facing deportation. Due to this risk, inmates with an Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) hold are no longer permitted at the camp. Since that policy was established, the number of escapees and attempted escapes has decreased.
No recommendations for this finding
F13
Inmates earn $1.45 per day for the work they perform, and $1.00 an hour when on a fire crew.
No recommendations for this finding
F14
Unless there is a fire, crews work Monday through Friday from 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on maintenance and conservation projects.
No recommendations for this finding
F15
All work performed by the crews is under contract with a local city or county agency.
No recommendations for this finding
F16
There are always at least two work crews that are “hot,” meaning they are suited up and ready to respond to a fire within three minutes.
No recommendations for this finding
F17
Inmates who violate the rules accumulate points, which result in disciplinary action. The number of points they receive depends on the type and frequency of the violation. For instance, if an inmate is caught with tobacco, he automatically receives four points. If caught with tobacco again, he receives another six points. And if caught with tobacco a third time, he is removed from camp. Any inmate caught out of bounds three times is also removed from the camp. The Facility and Security
No recommendations for this finding
F18
The facility and grounds are beautifully maintained.
No recommendations for this finding
F19
At least two correctional officers — one sergeant and one lieutenant — are on duty on any given day.
No recommendations for this finding
F20
In the control room, staff can view all video surveillance monitors, control the inmate television, and monitor phone calls.
No recommendations for this finding
F21
Alarms are set at night on the doors to all residential buildings.
No recommendations for this finding
F22
Video surveillance operates 24 hours a day monitoring all access roads although not all access from the rear of the facility is clearly monitored. Surveillance data is saved for four days.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
The Grand Jury recommends additional security cameras at access points at the rear of the facility to increase security.
F23
In order to make outside calls, inmates must first sign up on a phone list. They are allowed one call per day, and all calls are recorded. The staff monitor inmate phone calls on a random basis and are required to review at least three calls per shift.
No recommendations for this finding
F24
Inmates may purchase personal items from the on-site canteen up to two times a month, with a monthly limit of $180 in purchases.
No recommendations for this finding
F25
All inmates are counted at least every two hours to ensure no one is missing.
No recommendations for this finding
F26
The facility is equipped with hobby, pool, and television rooms. Outdoor facilities include handball and basketball courts.
No recommendations for this finding
F27
Visitors are allowed on Saturdays and Sundays. Staff must pre-approve all visitors, and inmates may have a maximum of eight approved visitors on file at one time.
No recommendations for this finding
F28
Support programs are provided for the inmates by Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, with meetings twice a week. Religious services are available three days a week, and counseling is provided every other week. A facilitator assists inmates as they prepare for release. Inmates may also work for their General Equivalency Diploma (GED) via courses available by mail.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
The Grand Jury recommends GED classes be made available on site for inmates.
F29
Whenever there is a change of custody between Camp 45 and Cal Fire, it is performed with a careful process of photo ID verification.
No recommendations for this finding
F30
The bus arrives every Tuesday to drop off new inmates and Wednesday to pick up any inmates leaving the camp. Conclusions
No recommendations for this finding
Conclusions 5
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CL1 Page 3The facility is operated by a conscientious and professional staff who have an excellent rapport with inmates.
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CL2 Page 3The food provided to the inmates on the day of the Grand Jury visit was good.
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CL3 Page 3The camp’s work crews provide a valuable service to the community.
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CL4 Page 3More cameras are needed for the rear of the facility.
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CL5 Page 3The grounds are extremely clean and well-kept.
Commendations 2
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CM1 Page 3The Grand Jury commends the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for providing a positive alternative to prison incarceration and a valuable service to the local community.
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CM2 Page 3The Grand Jury commends Camp 45 staff for their dedication and effective management of the facility and inmates.