Office of the Sheriff Tyson J. Pogue, Sheriff - Coroner*

R1

The MCGJ recommends that the Sheriff's Office continue to develop innovative ways to maintain employee morale and the high level of safety and security of the Jail. The Sheriff's Office should continue to provide regular updates to the Board of Supervisors regarding innovative developments within the Jail, beginning 90 days after the MCGJ report posting. Response: We are pleased to hear that the Grand Jury recognizes the positive impact of the leadership transition on both staff and inmates. The Sheriff's Office is committed to continuing this momentum. We will continue to develop and implement strategies to maintain and improve employee morale. We believe that a well-supported and satisfied staff contributes directly to a safer and more secure facility. This also helps minimize the financial loss of taxpayers' funds by reducing unnecessary turnover. I want to assure the Grand Jury that I maintain consistent communication with the Board of Supervisors regarding the Jail's needs. The support and cooperation we have received from the Board have been instrumental in enabling many of the improvements we have made, and I am committed to continuing this strong partnership and open communication we have with our Board of Supervisors.

R2

The MCGJ recommends that the Sheriff's Office work with the Board of Supervisors to conduct a staffing analysis now that the Jail is fully staffed and there are correctional officers available to join at any time. The staffing analysis should be completed by 90 days after the MCGJ report posting. (559) 675-7770 2725 Falcon Drive, Madera, CA 93637 ☐ [email protected] Page | 2 Response: We acknowledge the Grand Jury's concerns regarding the staffing levels at the Jail. While we have made significant strides in staffing the facility, we understand the importance of conducting a staffing analysis to ensure we are prepared for future growth and demands. However, due to the County's current budget constraints, an external staffing analysis may not be feasible at this time. In line with this recommendation, I will instruct the Assistant Sheriff to perform an internal staffing analysis by examining other jails in the Central Valley and similar facilities statewide that operate under a direct supervision model, like ours. The staffing analysis will compare our correctional-officer-to-inmate ratio against industry standards, other facilities, and average daily population. In parallel, we will evaluate the span of control by examining the ratio of command staff to both line officers and the inmate population, ensuring our leadership structure is properly aligned to support operations and mitigate risk.

R3

The MCGJ recommends that the Sheriff's Office develop a plan to rehabilitate Module B, which should be completed and presented to the Board of Supervisors 90 days after the MCGJ report posting. Response: I concur that rehabilitating Module B is a critical priority for the long-term success of the Jail and the safety of Madera County. We are currently working on a rehabilitation plan for Module B with the support and assistance of the County Administration. Additionally, we will explore all available funding options to ensure the project is completed effectively and efficiently. If and when there is reportable progress on this endeavor, we will report that to the Board of Supervisors. Conclusion: I would like to thank the Grand Jury for their time and thorough evaluation of the Madera County Jail. We are committed to continuing our efforts to improve the facility and ensure the safety and well-being of both inmates and staff. We appreciate your dedicated service to the community and look forward to working collaboratively to address the findings and recommendations in your report Sincerely, Tyson J. Pogue, Sheriff-Coroner (559) 675-7770 Q 2725 Falcon Drive, Madera, CA 93637 ☐ [email protected]