Del Norte County Grand Jury
• 2013-2014
Del Norte County 2013-2014 Grand Jury Final Report
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings and Recommendations 9 findings
F1
Staff indicated that Assembly Bill 109 did not have any impact on the placement of level- one inmates in Alder Camp. Inmates feel it is a privilege to go to camp and therefore are more likely to perform to the standard needed for safe and effective camp operation.
No recommendations for this finding
F2
Alder Camp is a well run facility whose primary function is to maintain and provide inmate crews for wildland fire suppression. This they appear to do well. In addition, the various skills the inmates take away upon parole can allow their re-entry into general society to be smoother. Any program that includes that as a goal can be considered to be positive.
No recommendations for this finding
F3
There is one clerical employee on staff. This individual is responsible for the boys’ accounts and also serves as the laundry room supervisor. There is also one maintenance man who works 24 hours per week.
No recommendations for this finding
F4
Bar-O Boys Ranch is a 43-bed facility and there are currently twenty boys in residence.
No recommendations for this finding
F5
Last year’s Grand Jury made a point of recommending immediate correction to the unsanitary and unhealthy conditions regarding a failing septic system. We found that the septic tank issue has been resolved. They had a new holding tank installed and all is clean and working well.
No recommendations for this finding
F6
This year’s fire, due to an aged heat system, provides another serious hint that time is taking its toll on all structures and systems within the barracks. The firebrick in the stove was replaced, and a new heat shield barrier was put behind the stove; thus solving this latest barracks issue.
No recommendations for this finding
F7
The barracks were maintained in a neat and orderly manner, but the physical conditions of the barracks itself remain as per last year’s Grand Jury’s Finding, “outdated and in dire need of remodeling or replacement.” Every facility has a maximum lifespan. The barracks at Bar-O is reaching its “end times.” Being “outdated” can be dismissed, to a point, as merely an issue of decor or the trappings of style; but last year’s failing septic service issue and this year’s fire dilemma, are serious hints that time has taken its toll. Fortunately, no one was ill, injured, or worse.
No recommendations for this finding
F8
We visited the school while it was in session. The students were transitioning from one activity to another and did so with neither fuss nor muss. It appeared to be a friendly atmosphere, and the boys conversed with us as we made our slow procession through their classrooms. It was evident that the boys had been schooled in “visitor etiquette”.
Related Recommendations (1)
R8
The Grand Jury Detention Committee recommends a cleanup and removal project take place with regard to the county property adjacent to Juvenile Hall. Whoever has authority over the specific portion of land described in (F8) above should be called to account for the discredit and dishonor being brought upon an otherwise admirable institution. This is an opportunity for the County to provide an example for cleaning up blight in the community.
F9
We saw evidence of the step program wherein each boy was wearing either a white, blue, or green shirt. Advancement in this three step program is considered once each month. Boys in this program do not receive a release date until they reach the last step of the program.
No recommendations for this finding
Additional Recommendations 7
These recommendations are not explicitly linked to specific findings.
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R1Alder Camp’s staff is to be commended for the efficient and effective operations of this state funded facility. The only recommendations we can offer at this time is to keep up the good work.
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R2The grand jury recommends that the City Committee follow up on the progress made by City Staff in addressing the possible reuse of the Cultural Center.
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R3The Grand Jury recommends that the City Committee follow up on progress made by City Staff in researching the idea of using the waste water treatment plant as a training center. 2013/2014 Del Norte County Grand Jury CITY OF CRESCENT CITY FOLLOW UP ON 2012-2013 JURY RECOMMENDATIONS
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R4The City should explore alternate avenues of implementing a training center at the WWTP. It is suggested that contacts be made with College of the Redwoods, Rural Human Services and ROP to pursue possible partnerships. Establish recruitment and retention incentives. Utilize Pelican Bay State Prison as a model for training and operation. 2013/2014 Del Norte County Grand Jury ANIMAL CONTROL’S RELATIONSHIP AND RESPONSIBILITIES WITH KLAMATH
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R5Klamath Fire Protection District needs to start an aggressive campaign to recruit volunteers. The Yurok tribe could be an excellent resource to assist in this effort.
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R6The Klamath Fire Protection District needs to meet regularly with the County Auditor to establish a balanced budget.
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R7For the second year in a row, the Grand Jury Detention Committee recommends “funds to be allocated for repair or replacement of the barracks at the Bar-O Boys Ranch.”