Mariposa County Adult Detention Facility

Mariposa County Adult Detention Facility.

The Mariposa County Board of Supervisors needs to ensure departments review and complete annual updates. REQUEST FOR RESPONSE: The Grand Jury requests a response from the Board of Supervisors. MARIPOSA COUNTY DETENTION FACILITIES INTRODUCTION: California Penal Code §919(b) requires that each year the Grand Jury is to inquire into the condition and management of the detention facilities within its jurisdiction. Mariposa County has four detention facilities within its boundaries. They consist of the following:

Mariposa County Juvenile Detention Facility.

Yosemite National Park Federal Holding Facility. The Grand Jury did not visit this facility. MARIPOSA ADULT DETENTION FACILITY (COUNTY JAIL) APPROACH: The Grand Jury conducted an on-site inspection of the Mariposa County Adult Detention Facility on August 10, 2015. In addition, the Grand Jury reviewed the Jail Inspection Handbook for Grand Jurors, Board of State and Community Corrections of California (BSCC) Inspection Report of the Adult Detention Facility dated 3/26/15, Mariposa County Crime Statistics for the years 2005-2014, Inmate Grievance Policies and Facility Incident Policies. The Mariposa County Adult Detention Facility is also inspected by the Board of State and Community Corrections of California (BSCC). DISCUSSION: The Facility The facility was constructed in 1995 with a maximum capacity of fifty-eight (58) beds (inmates). Capacity can be less depending on the number of male/female inmates as well as gang members due to the need for separation. At the time of our inspection the jail population was at approximately eighty percent capacity. Inmates have a multipurpose room. This room serves as the library, non-denominational church and also enables inmates to communicate with the courts. Meals are prepared on site each day in a fully equipped kitchen. The annual building maintenance budget allocated by the county is approximately $100,000. However, due to future capital expenditures for major maintenance requiring substantial funds, only $50,000 to 46 $60,000 is currently being spent annually. The balance is kept in a fixed asset account in the budget to be used when needed. The facility is expecting future expenditures on the heating and cooling units as well as plumbing and other issues. The Board of Supervisors approved approximately $20,000 in 2014 to start the process of a new sixteen- bed, minimum security facility for inmates serving short term sentences. This facility will be a pre-fab building with approximately 1,800 square feet and a classroom. This will make it eligible for State realignment funds. This building is expected to cost approximately $500,000. By current estimates, this is half the cost of a brick and mortar building. AB 109 (Public Safety Realignment Act) AB-109 (Public Safety Realignment Act) was enacted on October 2, 2011 and has been reported on in depth by former Grand Juries. Under this legislation, newly convicted offenders may remain in the county jail to serve their sentence rather than serving in a state prison. Also, most felony parole violators now serve revocation time in the county jail rather than going back to a state facility, all of which results in an increase in inmate population. The Inmates Due to the implementation of AB-109, there is no longer a one year limitation on jail sentences served in County facilities. Prisoners may now be sentenced to the Adult Detention Facility for up to three years. Current inmates tend to be more violent than pre-AB-109 prisoners. This population is expected to grow in numbers due to repeat offenders who violate parole. Not only more violent, this population tends to be older and suffer from more illnesses resulting in increasing budget requirements for inmate health care. Approximately ten percent of the inmate population is gang affiliated and approximately sixty percent does not have a GED or high school diploma. Inmates are given the opportunity to earn a GED. It is a pen and pencil approach and as the inmate progresses they eventually gain access to computer based programs. The jail maintains a trustee program which allows the inmates to work at various approved locations throughout the county. Staffing At the time of the original Grand Jury inquiry the facility was operating with two jail officers short of a full contingent. Currently, these positions have been filled. However, two jail officers are currently on leave and another is departing for employment elsewhere. A registered nurse is on-site an average of eight hours per day. A medical doctor is on-site two days a week for formal sick call. The medical personnel provide first aid, assessment of ailments and treatment as indicated. Emergencies are handled through the John C. Fremont Hospital emergency department. All medications are reviewed by John C. Fremont Hospital. Over the counter medications are dispensed per label recommendations. For security reasons, routine maintenance of the adult detention facility is performed by a Sheriff’s Department employee. Last Inspection by State of California The Board of State and Community Corrections of California (BSCC) last performed an inspection on September 2, 2013. This report states “We found no ongoing issues of non-compliance during our inspection and no corrective action plan is needed”. FINDINGS: Inmate population is increasing, mainly due to AB-109. Longer sentences and a more violent population strains what appears to be a continually understaffed department. Officer safety is a serious concern not only to this Grand Jury but to previous Grand Juries, as well. The official roster gives the impression that staffing is at optimum levels; however, with three jail officers either on leave or soon to be leaving the facility continues to be critically understaffed. Expected rise in inmate population (both male and female) will eventually cause overcrowding and necessitate the need for additional facilities. Expected rise in inmate population will necessarily increase budget requirements for medical care. The facility is an aging facility. Maintenance issues, including heating and cooling units and major plumbing concerns not currently being addressed due to funding shortages, will worsen causing additional expenses for repairs being postponed. During our inspection the facility was clean and orderly. Staff presented as professional and knowledgeable. The facility appears to be managed professionally despite being understaffed.