Kern County Grand Jury • 2022-2023

Report: Kern County Sheriff's Office / Coroners Office - 21st Century Facility For 21st Century Demands (website Only)

Published: June 29, 2023 11 pages
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Findings and Recommendations 5 findings

F1
Based on the population growth of 47%, and the increase of 59% in the Coroner’s work load, a facility large enough to handle 200 decedents at any time as needed. The Sheriff’s Office and BOS have supported a need for a larger facility to house the Coroner’s operations, but funding has not been allocated.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
Within the next fiscal year (June 2020), the Sheriff should develop a plan for presentation to the BOS making the Coroner’s facility a priority in acquiring the need of additional space. (Finding 1) The Coroner’s Office has been actively searching for a new facility location since 2018. A location has been selected and drawings for a new facility were developed in 2019. Efforts are in progress to investigate funding for a new facility in FY 20-21.
F2
A major power outage would be catastrophic to the Coroner’s facility without a dedicated backup power system. This could result in the refrigeration units containing decedents losing power if backup power is diverted to maintain Kern Medical. 2022-2023 Kern County Grand Jury Report
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
Within the next fiscal year (June 2020), the Sheriff should develop a plan to provide dedicated generators to maintain the refrigeration systems in the main building and warehouse. (Finding 2) The Coroner currently receives back-up power from Kern Medical during a power outage. Kern Medical conducts monthly power transfer drills, which include the Coroner Facility, to ensure the back-up system works. Additional outside generators would be obtained should Kern Medical divert power from the Coroner Facility.
F3
The staffing turnover of Deputy Coroners has been significant due to dealing with decedent remains, cramped working conditions and consistent overtime: all of which lead to staff burnout. Support resources are inadequate to meet these issues.
Related Recommendations (2)
R3
The Sheriff should develop a plan for ongoing in-service training to support probationary Coroner’s staff. This training should include sustaining mental health, coping with job demands and complexities along with learning the necessary skills and techniques for competent job performance. (Finding 3) Discussions are in progress about developing ongoing in-service training to support all Coroner staff. The training would include health and wellness focus, coping with job demands and complexities, and more hands-on support of new staff. Peer support and employee assistance programs are available for staff and supervisors are familiar with the services and how to access them.
R4
The Sheriff should increase the number of Deputy Coroners to allow for a four-day, ten- hour (4/10) work week, reduce the number of overtime hours, minimize burnout, and lessen the need for on-call coverage. (Finding 3) 2022-2023 Kern County Grand Jury Report Three Deputy Coroner vacancies were filled during 2019 and one of the three trainees are working independently. The next two trainees are expected to be cleared from the background process in the next month and will begin the 12-month training process. As soon as we have eight fully trained deputy coroners, we plan to return to a four day, 10-hour (4/10) work week schedule to reduce the number of overtime hours, minimize burnout, and lessen the need for on-call coverage. Additional positions may be requested to allow double coverage on high-volume shifts so that vacations, trainings, sick leave, etc. does not place additional burden on staff who must cover a vacant shift during absences.
F4
Building security for the Coroner’s facility is a continual concern. The security of high- profile decedents is an additional concern.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5
The Sheriff should immediately provide better building security and also security for staff as they enter or exit the building. In the event of high-profile decedents, extra security personnel should be available. Monitored security cameras may be an option. (Finding 4) Attention to building security has been increased. A threat assessment was completed, and security improvements were recommended. Most of the security recommendations have been implemented and the remainder of improvements are currently in progress. No barriers are available to secure the Coroner Facility located within the Kern Medical complex or as a shared facility with the Kern Medical Pharmacy without hindering Kern Medical Operations and parking.
F5
In case of a fire in the warehouse, a sprinkler system would do more harm than good due to the nature of the records stored. The Coroner would benefit from a modern system for storing records. 2019-2020 GRAND JURY RECOMMENDATIONS AND RESPONSES: (Kern County Sheriff’s Response in bold print)
Related Recommendations (1)
R6
The Sheriff should make the security of the files and property stored in the warehouse a priority. Digitizing the files may be an option. The Sheriff should seek a grant in order to provide funding for this project. (Finding 5) Fire suppression methods for the Coroner records include fire extinguishers and sprinklers located within the warehouse facility where records are kept. Kern County Fire is familiar with the warehouse/contents and have emergency phone numbers. New methods of record storage retention and fire suppression are included in the proposed new building design. DISCUSSION OF FACTS: The BOS adopted funding and acquired the building at 34970 McMurtrey Avenue, Bakersfield, which is approximately 107,000 square feet. This massive multi-story, single structure is currently being remodeled to accommodate not only the Coroner/Public Administrator’s Office, but also the Internal Affairs Office, the Civil Division Office, and the Property Room. It is estimated that over 50% of this building will be devoted to the Coroner/Public Administrator’s use. Completion is estimated to be July 2024. The County has the right of first refusal on two adjacent empty lots which gives the County flexibility for future growth. On May 16, 2023, the Grand Jury toured the McMurtrey Avenue building and encountered an active building site. When completed, the Sheriff/Coroner’s Office will have: • Five autopsy work stations (previously two) • Decedent storage for 350 (previously 40 to 50) 2022-2023 Kern County Grand Jury Report • Separate secured property room with a high density filing storage system and separate secured area to house Coroner’s homicide information • Chemical fire suppression for records system (previously water system) • Automatic backup generator system (previously borrowed power from Kern Medical) • Complete interior and exterior video surveillance • Two electric vehicle charging stations Currently, the budget allows for 14 Deputy Coroners; nine positions are filled. Of the nine, three are trainees not qualified to work cases unsupervised.

Comments 7

No Responses Found 2

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