Score: +1 (1/0/0)
Mendocino County Grand Jury • 2010-2011

Fort Bragg Police Department a Report on the Ft. Bragg Police Department

Published: March 14, 2011 2 pages
View Original PDF

Findings and Recommendations 19 findings

F1
Present staff consists of one Chief of Police, one Captain, three Sergeants, and 16 Officers. There are also two Community Service Officers, two Service Technicians, and one Administrative Assistant.
No recommendations for this finding
F2
On February 10, 2010, there was a 10% reduction in staff resulting in the elimination of one officer position, one Community Service Officer and one Technician. This leaves staff at the 1990 level.
No recommendations for this finding
F3
Officers are scheduled to work three twelve hour shifts one week, and four twelve hour shifts the next week.
No recommendations for this finding
F4
FBPD has one canine unit, and is exploring options for obtaining another canine, which would be specialized in drug recognition.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
the FBPD obtain a second K-9 Unit. (Finding 4)
F5
Software was created by Mendocino County Information Technical Services (IT) for FBPD to identify dismissed or adjudicated cases using data from the MCDAO.
No recommendations for this finding
F6
Since the software became available, the evidence room is able to purge unneeded evidence and clear the backlog.
No recommendations for this finding
F7
A court order is required to release or dispose of evidence that is considered contraband, such as drugs and guns, or other evidence obtained with a search warrant. 1
No recommendations for this finding
F8
The FBPD evidence room uses a bar code system to identify evidence, and continues to be current in its disposition of evidence.
No recommendations for this finding
F9
The FBPD evidence room also serves as storage for the defendant’s personal property or lost and found items.
No recommendations for this finding
F10
The FBPD evidence room now has two blood-drying cabinets, which diminish the chance of cross-contamination of any evidence.
No recommendations for this finding
F11
Dispatch services continue to be provided by Ukiah Police Department (UPD), thereby increasing available statistical information.
No recommendations for this finding
F12
The most frequent issues that FBPD deals with are vandalism, transients, and the homeless. Gang activity is limited.
No recommendations for this finding
F13
FBPD has a booking area available to other law enforcement agencies, such as the California Highway Patrol or California Fish and Game, for a $50 fee per occurrence.
No recommendations for this finding
F14
Persons, who are arrested and booked, are transported to Mendocino County Jail in Ukiah; others may be cited and released. Transporting prisoners to Ukiah leaves FBPD short staffed.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
the FBPD hire retired officers on a part-time basis to transport prisoners to the Mendocino County Jail. (Findings 14, 16)
F15
Misdemeanor cases are handled at the 10-Mile Branch Superior Court in Fort Bragg. Felony cases are handled at the Mendocino County Superior Court in Ukiah.
No recommendations for this finding
F16
When the MCDAO subpoenas one or more officers to testify, the officers must travel to Ukiah and are required to allot a minimum of four hours, leaving the FBPD short staffed. Cases can be pleaded or dismissed while the officer(s) is in transit.
No recommendations for this finding
F17
If an officer is in transit between Fort Bragg and Ukiah on Highway 20, there is limited communication by cell phone or radio.
No recommendations for this finding
F18
FBPD has two police bicycles used to patrol the community and for special events.
No recommendations for this finding
F19
Officers are encouraged to participate in activities and community service.
No recommendations for this finding

Agency Responses 7

Government agencies' official responses to this report's findings and recommendations. Click on a response to see the structured breakdown.