Score: 0
(0/14/0)
Santa Cruz County Grand Jury
• 2019-2020
Santa Cruz County Probation Officers Inadequately Equipped and At Risk
⚠️ 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 5 findings
F1
Deputy Probation Officers’ (DPOs’) lack of safety equipment impedes their ability to do their assigned field visits without jeopardizing their own safety.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
The Department should provide Deputy Probation Officers (DPOs) with standardized safety gear (individually fitted vests, functioning radios, tasers, OC spray, identifiable clothing, and Narcan™) for their field visits. (F1)
F2
The Department collects and stores, but does not track serious incident reports involving DPOs with offenders.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
The Department should commission a needs assessment by an independent consultant to ascertain the potential harm to unarmed officers doing field work with high-risk offenders, with a focus on developing an armed unit. (F2, F5)
F3
The Department meets the minimum state requirements for annual DPO training, but does not provide sufficient safety training for DPOs in the field.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
The Department should provide all DPOs with mandatory initial and ongoing field safety training in collaboration with the Safety Committee. (F3)
F4
Law enforcement is not always available to accompany DPOs in high-risk situations, resulting in fewer contact visits by DPOs.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
The Department should coordinate with local law enforcement to develop policies and procedures for law enforcement officers to accompany DPOs during field visits. (F4)
F5
The failure of the Department to include an armed unit supporting DPOs increases safety risks to DPOs in the field.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
The Department should commission a needs assessment by an independent consultant to ascertain the potential harm to unarmed officers doing field work with high-risk offenders, with a focus on developing an armed unit. (F2, F5)
Conclusions 1
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CL1 Page 11Santa Cruz County Probation Department Adult Division DPOs are dedicated professionals who care deeply about their mandate to assist offenders in reintegrating into society. They also care about the safety of the community they serve, as well as their own personal safety when carrying out their duties. Unfortunately, many DPOs believe and told the Grand Jury that the "appearance and standing [of the Department] in the community" is of more importance to Department management than the concerns and safety needs of DPOs who are on the front lines. The Grand Jury heard testimony that paints a picture of an environment where Department staff do not feel they can depend on management to support them or to provide them with the safety equipment and training needed for safe field work. In light of extensive documentation and testimony the Grand Jury has developed the following findings and recommendations for the Santa Cruz County Probation Department, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, and the Santa Cruz County Administrative Officer.
Commendations 1
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CM1 Page 12The Grand Jury commends the dedication and passion of the Santa Cruz County Probation Officers who work to keep themselves and our community safe while facing multiple challenges in fulfilling their duties.
Agency Responses 2
Government agencies' official responses to this report's findings and recommendations. Click on a response to see the structured breakdown.