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⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings and Recommendations 6 findings
F1
On February 21, 2017, the Modoc County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution authorizing the County to participate in the SB 844, Adult Local Criminal Justice Facilities Construction Financing Program to build a new facility in Alturas. $24,516,000 of taxpayer funds has been set aside to build the new facility. To date, construction has been delayed. In an interview with the Modoc County Sheriff,, he hopes to have the facility completed by 2028.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
Money was allocated to build a new jail facility in 2017, seven years ago. MCGJ recommends that all efforts be made to move the building of the new facility forward by October, 2024, so that the Sheriff's efforts to have the new facility completed by 2028 will become a reality. It is recommended that the 2024-2025 MCGJ follow up with R1 to monitor the progress of the building of the new jail in Alturas, and to provide a progress report for the Board of Supervisors and County Administrative Officer for the timeline of commencement and completion of construction of the new facility.
F2
The camera system currently being used by deputies to monitor inmates was installed in 1978. It is dated, has no audio, and does not cover all areas of the facility. Updated cameras are needed throughout the building. The current camera monitoring system is centrally located in the squad room.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
It is recommended that installation of more cameras with audio capabilities, including a 360 degree camera system that covers all areas of the building be installed by January 2025, for the safety of both the staff and the inmates. The Board of Supervisors are asked to include this in the 2024-2025 budget and every year forward until the new facility is built. MCJ and MCSO leadership should ensure current security systems are fully operational and upgraded to the extent possible within current budgetary constraints.
F3
As with any old building, the old jail has issues. Plumbing and electrical throughout the building is 50 years old and in need of being updated. Leaks and clogs create a health and safety hazard for both staff and inmates. Overhead lighting is not working in some areas with wires have been pulled out by inmates. Wiring for the lighting in the common areas needs to be more secure in the walls, to eliminate inmates pulling on and breaking the wires.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors approve additional funding to provide a budget for maintaining and updating the plumbing and electrical of the current jail building so as to minimize leaks, clogging of the old water pipes and to eliminate the issue of inmates manipulating exposed wiring, creating a safety hazard for inmates and staff. This funding can be added into the 2024-2025 budget and every year forward until the new facility is built.
F4
The jail needs additional female deputy staff. As of December, 2023, the jail was understaffed for both male and female deputies, and especially female deputies.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
While the current staff does an outstanding job at maintaining the jail and meeting the needs of the inmates, it is inadequate to expect the two current female deputies to be available during their time off. It is recommended that programs be offered to the community and the county to encourage females to become deputies by January 2025. For example, it would be beneficial to the local high school. They have a program for students to become involved in law enforcement. A bonus or monthly stipend for female deputies would entice more women to join the force.
F5
According to jail staff, at least a third of the population of the MCJ are deemed mentally incompetent by the jail staff interviewed, with no resources on site, and support from Modoc Medical Center and local programs coming only in urgent cases.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5
It is understood that more resources for mental patients is a state-wide problem. However, several of Modoc's issues would be mitigated with the building of the new jail, providing more individualized rooms for medical treatment, mental health evaluation, 1 and social programs. According to California Legislature's Nonpartisan Fiscal and Policy Advisor, psychologists determined that inmates with special mental health needs spend three times the number of days in jail per booking and three times the number of times booked as inmates without special mental health needs. Mental health inmates cost three times more to house compared to inmates with no mental health issues. Deputies are not fully equipped or trained to work with mental health issues. A full-time mental health staff person would better service inmates with mental health needs.
F6
Multiple windows in the facility are cracked in the doors, windows and walls from inmates throwing or banging items against them.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6
Immediate repairs/replacement are needed for all the cracked windows in the doors, especially the mental health and sobering cell doors, windows and walls from inmates throwing or banging items against them. Inmates can be cut or injured from the cracks and broken glass.
Agency Responses 2
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No Responses Found 1
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