Attachment to Grand Jury Report Form Response by the Atascadero Police Department*

Finding: Of the eight county law enforcement agencies (Sheriff and the seven city police departments), not every agency had a formal training program for PC 1269c. Response to Finding No. 1: Given the nature of the inquiry by the Grand Jury and the direction that the inquiry be confidential, Chief Haley has not been able to discuss this issue with his fellow Chiefs of Police or the Sheriff. It would be inappropriate to confirm what training other police agencies may or may not have had on this subject.

Finding: The recommendation of the San Luis Obispo County Superior Court regarding the responsibility of officers to seek a bail increase "...if the scheduled bail is not adequate for the crime..." and to "...make their personnel cognizant of the Penal Code Sections 1269c..." was not being adhered to by all law enforcement agencies. Response to Finding No. 2: Again, given the nature of the inquiry by the Grand Jury and the direction that the inquiry be confidential, Chief Haley has not been able to discuss the issue with his fellow Chiefs of Police or the Sheriff. It would be inappropriate to confirm what actions were or were not taken by other law enforcement agencies related to Penal Code Section 1269c, or whether other law enforcement agencies had taken steps to make their personnel cognizant of the provisions of Penal Code Section 1269c.

Recommendation: Local law enforcement agencies should work with the District Attorney in the development of the above policies and programs within the resources of their respective departments. Response to Recommendation No. 3: The Atascadero Police Department currently works with the District Attorney in the development and implementation of policies and programs related to bail increases. The Atascadero Police Department will continue to work with the District Attorney and other San Luis Obispo Law Enforcement agencies to further develop and implement policies and programs related to bail increases that are in the best interests of public safety.

Law when considering whether a bail increase is appropriate. Response to Recommendation No. 4: The Atascadero Police Department relies upon California State Law and pertinent Case Law decisions when considering whether a bail increase is appropriate. The Atascadero Police Department will continue to rely upon California State Law and pertinent Case Law decisions when considering whether a bail increase is appropriate in the future.