⚠️ Aviso de traducción: Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings and Recommendations 27 findings
F1
Blaine Street is designed for women inmates who have been screened as minimum security risks. Low risk medium security women may also be assigned to this facility.
No recommendations for this finding
F2
In 2006, the average inmate population was 24, and in 2007 (through September 26, 2007) was 25. On the day of the initial visit, there were 27 inmates. Approximately 20 percent of the women are Hispanic; the majority are identified as “White.” The average age is 35.
No recommendations for this finding
F3
On September 5, 2007, the California Corrections Standards Authority recommended that Blaine Street be reclassified from a Type III facility (minimum security only) to a Type II facility, which would allow some medium security women to be moved from the Main Jail, reducing overcrowding there. This reclassification was implemented on September 5, 2007.
No recommendations for this finding
F4
Most women at Blaine Street are incarcerated for drug and alcohol offenses. Some are there for theft and embezzling offenses, usually related to drug and alcohol addiction. On September 26, 2007, Blaine Street inmates consisted of women convicted of 17 felonies and nine misdemeanors.
No recommendations for this finding
F5
The average stay is about two months. The maximum is one year.
No recommendations for this finding
F6
In 2006, only one violent incident was reported at Blaine Street. Gang affiliation has not been a problem in this facility and inmates do not require separation based on gang identity.
No recommendations for this finding
F7
The California Corrections Standards Authority issued a very positive assessment in a report dated September 5, 2007, stating that Blaine Street “continues to be a well run and clean facility.”
No recommendations for this finding
F8
The front door is locked to the outside but not from the inside. There is a security camera on the outside of the front door, but nothing prevents an inmate from walking away. In 2006, the superintendent reported six inmates had walked away; all were apprehended and returned to the Main Jail.
No recommendations for this finding
F9
Telephones are available and can be used with a prepaid account.
No recommendations for this finding
F10
The meals are fresh and well balanced. The food services manager at the Main Jail prepares the menu.
No recommendations for this finding
F11
In a report dated July 10, 2007, the Environmental Health report indicated, “The homestyle hood in use is insufficient for use over the commercial range.” According to a phone call to the Supervising Correctional Officer on December 13, 2007, a commercial hood is being considered for future installation. Response from the County: AGREES. A commercial hood will be installed when funding becomes available
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
The Grand Jury recommends that the Sheriff’s Department replace the hood over the range with a commercial hood.
F12
The Blaine Street supervisor is present four days a week. Her time is split between Blaine Street and the Work Furlough program.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
The Grand Jury recommends that the Sheriff’s Department implement long-term staff assignments, giving preference to correctional officers who are bilingual in Spanish and English. Having a consistent staff, rather than a different corrections officer every few days, would better serve the inmates.
F13
In addition to the supervisor, there is one corrections officer on duty who works a 12- hour shift. Corrections officers are rotated among all the county jail facilities, so several different officers are assigned to Blaine Street each week.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
The Grand Jury recommends that the Sheriff’s Department implement long-term staff assignments, giving preference to correctional officers who are bilingual in Spanish and English. Having a consistent staff, rather than a different corrections officer every few days, would better serve the inmates.
F14
Some staff members speak Spanish, but it is not required. If there is a language barrier, other inmates are asked to translate.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
The Grand Jury recommends that the Sheriff’s Department implement long-term staff assignments, giving preference to correctional officers who are bilingual in Spanish and English. Having a consistent staff, rather than a different corrections officer every few days, would better serve the inmates.
F15
A Work Furlough program is available to inmates who meet program requirements. It allows them to leave the facility for a job, but they must return when their work hours are completed. The program will accommodate any work schedule the employer requires. Inmates are responsible for their own transportation, clothing and meals when they leave Blaine Street.
No recommendations for this finding
F16
Each inmate is required to spend time working in the kitchen, doing laundry, or cleaning the facility.
No recommendations for this finding
F17
Educational and support programs are offered. Each time one of the women attends a class, group meeting or other program, it is counted as a “unit.” In a typical month there are more than 500 units of attendance counted for all of the classes, groups and programs.
No recommendations for this finding
F18
Computer training classes are offered to the inmates. The plan is to double the number of computers available from six to 12 and connect them to the Internet. Computers cannot be used by inmates without supervision.
No recommendations for this finding
F19
In addition to computer training, other programs include: • The Santa Cruz City Adult School offers classes for a General Education Degree (GED), job skills and parenting. • The Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency (HSA) offers classes on women’s health issues and provides Hepatitis C and HIV testing. • The Walnut Avenue Women’s Center offers a support group for domestic violence victims. • Pajaro Valley Prevention offers classes dealing with drug and alcohol abuse. The class meets four times a week for 90 minutes each session. Once a week, it is offered in Spanish. From July through September 2007, there were almost 400 units of attendance recorded in these classes. • Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) hold regular meetings at Blaine Street. • Volunteers teach a popular knitting and crocheting class; yarn and other supplies are donated. • Volunteer groups offer religious services. • Volunteers from Friends Outside bring books for the library and other resources for the inmates.
No recommendations for this finding
F20
Inmates have access to transitional programs such as Gemma, which serves as a halfway house for women making the adjustment back to civilian life after incarceration.
No recommendations for this finding
F21
The non-profit agency New Directions uses state funds to provide counseling and educational services to the children of incarcerated parents. This agency provides services to South County families of women at Blaine Street.
No recommendations for this finding
F22
Inmates have free time, which they can spend on the patio or lounging in the building. A small room has exercise equipment, though it was not being used on the day of the Grand Jury visit.
No recommendations for this finding
F23
Inmates are allowed to grow fresh vegetables for their meals in an onsite garden.
No recommendations for this finding
F24
Inmates may schedule one visit a week on weekends from a pre-approved list of up to eight visitors. Visits can be held in the common room or outside on the patio.
No recommendations for this finding
F25
The nurse from the Main Jail is available 24 hours a day and visits three times a week. There is no onsite medical supervision. Inmates can be transported to public medical facilities in an emergency. Recent policy changes allow for dispensing methadone and other medications.
No recommendations for this finding
F26
Twelve inmates are randomly drug tested each month. Additionally, if women show signs of behavior that could be drug induced, they are transferred back to the Main Jail.
No recommendations for this finding
F27
There is no automated external defibrillator (AED) at Blaine Street although one was recommended by the previous Grand Jury. Response from the County: AGREES. An AED has not yet been implemented due to funding restraints, but it is anticipated that an AED will be installed during FY 2008-09. Conclusions
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
The Grand Jury strongly recommends that the Sheriff’s Department install an automated external defibrillator (AED) at Blaine Street, as recommended in the 2006- 2007 Grand Jury Report.
Conclusions 7
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CL1 Page 3Compliance with the California Corrections Standards Authority recommendation to allow medium security inmates to be moved to Blaine Street has helped relieve overcrowding at the Main Jail.
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CL2 Page 3At the time of the Grand Jury visit, Blaine Street was clean, orderly and had a non- institutional feel.
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CL3 Page 3Although the supervisor does a commendable job, Blaine Street would be well served by a full-time supervisor.
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CL4 Page 3Because of the policy to rotate corrections officers among county jail facilities, there is little consistency in the staff at Blaine Street.
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CL5 Page 3Given the large number of Hispanic inmates, the fact that detention staff is not required to speak Spanish may be a problem.
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CL6 Page 3The women are well served by numerous support programs.
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CL7 Page 3An automated external defibrillator (AED) would enhance the safety of staff and inmates.
Commendations 2
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CM1 Page 4During the tour, the Grand Jury noted that the inmates were treated with dignity and respect.
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CM2 Page 4The Grand Jury concurs with the California Corrections Standards Authority that Blaine Street is a “well run and clean facility” and commends the staff’s management.
No Responses Found 1
Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.
Santa Cruz County
County