Iris Garrett Juvenile Justice Correctional Center

Commendations 6

• CM1
  The 2012-2013 Merced County Civil Grand Jury recognizes that both the drug and mental health courts are positive interventions. Frequent monitoring, multiple agency reports, and acknowledgement of successes should increase a client’s likelihood to transition back into the community. The Civil Grand Jury commends the Supervising Probation Officer of the AB 109 DRC for developing a full calendar coordinating office hours for county departments and community non- profits to meet the needs of the clients. Senior management encourages group effort throughout the department. The Chief holds a monthly meeting with different line level personnel and has an open door policy. Morale appears to be high despite having to do with less. All levels of the Department take great pride in functioning at a high level.
• CM2
  The Sheriff’s Department should be commended for their efforts to enhance and upgrade the booking system for increased efficiency. DISCLAIMER Grand Jury reports are based on documentary evidence and the testimony of sworn or admonished witnesses, not on conjecture or opinion. However, the Grand Jury is precluded by law from disclosing such evidence except upon the specific approval of the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court, or another judge appointed by the Presiding Judge (Penal Code Sections 911, 924.1(a) and 929). Similarly, the Grand Jury is precluded by law from disclosing the identity of witnesses except upon an order of the court for narrowly defined purposes (Penal Code Sections 924.2 and 929). This report was issued by the Grand Jury with the exception of two members who were recused due to a potential conflict of interest. Those jurors were excluded from all parts of the investigation, including deliberations and the making and acceptance of this report. 19 MANDATED ANNUAL INSPECTION IRIS GARRETT JUVENILE CORRECTIONAL COMPLEX SUMMARY Members of the 2012-2013 Merced County Civil Grand Jury toured the Iris Garrett Juvenile Justice Correctional Complex and found it to be clean, well maintained and managed. Minors are well supervised and provided classes to help them complete their high school education. Because the juvenile court is located on the premises, cases proceeding through the system can be handled efficiently and most are completed within a month. INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND The 2012-2013 Merced County Civil Grand Jury toured the Iris Garrett Juvenile Justice Correctional Complex as mandated by California Penal Code, Section 919(b).
• CM3
  The 2012-2013 Merced County Civil Grand Jury found the complex to be very clean, maintained and well managed. DISCLAIMER Grand Jury reports are based on documentary evidence and the testimony of sworn or admonished witnesses, not on conjecture or opinion. However, the Grand Jury is precluded by law from disclosing such evidence except upon the specific approval of the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court, or another judge appointed by the Presiding Judge (Penal Code Sections 911, 924.1(a) and 929). Similarly, the Grand Jury is precluded by law from disclosing the identity of witnesses except upon an order of the court for narrowly defined purposes (Penal Code Sections 924.2 and 929). 21 MANDATED INSPECTION MERCED COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT MAIN JAIL FACILITY SUMMARY The 2012-2013 Merced County Civil Grand Jury found that this facility was clean and well-functioning and the staff conducted operations in a professional and efficient manner. INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND The 2012-2013 Merced County Civil Grand Jury toured the Sheriff’s Department Main Jail facility located at 700 W. 22nd Street, Merced, CA as mandated by California Penal Code, Section 919(b).
• CM4
  The 2012-2013 Merced County Civil Grand Jury recognizes the ongoing efforts of this agency to enhance and upgrade systems for increased efficiency. The Sheriff’s Department and the Coroner's Office should be commended for a job well done. DISCLAIMER Grand Jury reports are based on documentary evidence and the testimony of sworn or admonished witnesses, not on conjecture or opinion. However, the Grand Jury is precluded by law from disclosing such evidence except upon the specific approval of the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court, or another judge appointed by the Presiding Judge (Penal Code Sections 911, 924.1(a) and 929). Similarly, the Grand Jury is precluded by law from disclosing the identity of witnesses except upon an order of the court for narrowly defined purposes (Penal Code Sections 924.2 and 929). This report was issued by the Grand Jury with the exception of one member who was recused due to a potential conflict of interest. That juror was excluded from all parts of the investigation, including deliberations and the making and acceptance of this report. 31 MERCED COUNTY 9-1-1 PROGRAM SUMMARY The 2012-2013 Merced County Civil Grand Jury found that the County of Merced spent $351,783 in 2007 on a reverse 9-1-1 system that was never operational. The recently purchased Everbridge Emergency Notification System (ENS) requires individuals to register cell phones. Over a four month time period approximately 1,500 people in Merced County registered. The ENS can be upgraded to implement geographically targeted messaging for approximately $2,000 annually. This would make current campaigns for individual registration unnecessary and obsolete. Responders sometimes find themselves in locations where their radio systems and/or cell phones do not have an adequate signal. Budget cuts have reduced the number of dispatchers and responders while Assembly Bill (AB)109 Public Safety and Realignment Act has increased the number of criminals on the street. The Civil Grand Jury recommends that the County should upgrade the ENS to send messages to residents’ mobile phones within proximity of an emergency event, and ensure that public money is spent on services that serve the needs of the citizens of Merced County. The Civil Grand Jury further recommends addressing issues with inadequate emergency responder radio systems and increasing responder and dispatch staff as budget allows. INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND The 2012-2013 Merced County Civil Grand Jury decided to investigate and ensure that the 9-1-1 emergency systems and management in Merced County are adequately serving county citizens. The Civil Grand Jury was made aware of an incident where citizens had dialed 9-1-1 only to be transferred back and forth between two separate jurisdictions, neither believing they were the ones responsible to take the phone call. Merced County’s 9-1-1 systems haven’t been fully looked at by the Civil Grand Jury since before 2007. We focused on the following: emergency notification services and first responder radio systems. It was the general consensus of the law enforcement personnel interviewed that AB109 and fewer emergency responders have negatively impacted the crime rate and 9- 1-1 call response time. The Merced County Sheriff’s Department maintains correctional facilities and operates correctional programs, while responding to calls and protecting the residents of Merced County. Other law enforcement jurisdictions that serve solely in Merced County are the police departments of Merced, Atwater, Los Banos, Livingston, Dos Palos, Gustine, and University of California Merced. The Merced County Office of Emergency Services (OES) provides preparedness before, and coordination during, large-scale emergencies and disasters. OES coordinates with partner agencies including the six incorporated cities within the county, special districts, and key private agencies in providing planning, response, recovery and mitigation 32 activities as a result of disaster related incidents. OES is in charge of implementing the ENS.
• CM5
  The Merced County online food inspection reports are more user friendly than five of the surrounding counties that offer online reports. Merced County is the only one that lists a rating program based on points for violations at food facilities.
• CM6
  The 2012-2013 Merced County Civil Grand Jury commends the Los Banos Police Department for ensuring the overall operation of the facility is in full compliance with all Federal, State and local mandates. DISCLAIMER Grand Jury reports are based on documentary evidence and the testimony of sworn or admonished witnesses, not on conjecture or opinion. However, the Grand Jury is precluded by law from disclosing such evidence except upon the specific approval of the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court, or another judge appointed by the Presiding Judge (Penal Code Sections 911, 924.1(a) and 929). Similarly, the Grand Jury is precluded by law from disclosing the identity of witnesses except upon an order of the court for narrowly defined purposes (Penal Code Sections 924.2 and 929). 86 DISPOSITON OF COMPLAINTS 87 DISPOSITION OF COMPLAINTS COMPLAINT#12-04-01 MERCED COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT The 2012-2013 Merced County Civil Grand Jury received a complaint to investigate the Merced County Sheriff’s Department. After initial review and preliminary investigation of the complaint the Grand Jury declined to take further action. COMPLAINT #12-04-02 MERCED COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT The 2012-2013 Merced County Civil Grand Jury received a complaint to investigate the Merced County Sheriff’s Department. The Grand Jury does not take action on matters pending before the Court. Therefore, no action was taken in this matter. COMPLAINT #12-04-03 CITY OF MERCED POLICE DEPARTMENT The 2012-2013 Merced County Civil Grand Jury received a complaint to investigate the City of Merced Police Department. After an initial review and preliminary investigation the Grand Jury declined to take further action. COMPLAINT #12-04-04 MERCED COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT, CHANNEL 30 NEWS, MERCED SUN STAR The 2012-2013 Merced County Civil Grand Jury received a complaint to investigate the Merced County Sheriff’s Department. The Grand Jury does not take action on matters pending before the Court. The Grand Jury also does not have jurisdiction to investigate Channel 30 News or the Merced Sun Star. Therefore, no action was taken in this matter. 88 COMPLAINT #12-05-05 MERCED COUNTY CHILD WELFARE SERVICES The 2012-2013 Merced County Civil Grand Jury received a complaint to investigate the Merced County Child Welfare Services. The Grand Jury does not take action on matters pending before the courts. Therefore, no action was taken. COMPLAINT #12-05-06 ATWATER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT TRUSTEES The 2012-2013 Merced County Civil Grand Jury received a complaint to investigate the Atwater Elementary School District Trustees. The issue addressed in the complaint was resolved prior to any investigation by the Grand Jury. Therefore, no further action was taken. COMPLAINT #12-07-07 MERCED COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE The 2012-2013 Merced County Civil Grand Jury received a complaint to investigate Merced County Community College. This was an anonymous complaint and the Grand Jury needed additional information to proceed. Therefore, the complaint was declined. COMPLAINT #12-07-08 MERCED COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT The 2012-2013 Merced County Civil Grand Jury received a complaint to investigate the Merced County Sheriff’s Department. After initial review, this matter was referred to the District Attorney’s Office. 89 COMPLAINT #12-07-09 BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF LIVINGSTON COMMUNITY HEALTH The 2012-2013 Merced County Civil Grand Jury received a complaint to investigate the Board of Directors of Livingston Community Health. After an initial review and preliminary investigation the Grand Jury declined to further investigate the complaint. COMPLAINT #12-07-10 MERCED COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT The 2012-2013 Merced County Civil Grand Jury received a complaint to investigate the Merced County Sheriff’s Department. The Grand Jury does not take action on matters pending before the courts. Therefore, no action was taken in this matter. COMPLAINT #12-07-11 HEALTHY HOUSE The 2012-2013 Merced County Civil Grand Jury received a complaint to investigate Healthy House. After a preliminary investigation the Grand Jury declined to proceed on the complaint. COMPLAINT #12-08-12 CITY OF GUSTINE/GUSTINE POLICE DEPARTMENT The 2012-2013 Merced County Civil Grand Jury received a complaint to investigate the City of Gustine/Gustine Police Department. After preliminary investigation and interview the Grand Jury declined further action on this complaint. 90 COMPLAINT #12-09-13 ATWATER CITY COUNCIL The 2012-2013 Merced County Civil Grand Jury received a complaint to investigate the Atwater city Council. Request for additional information was requested and not provided by the complainant. Therefore, the Grand Jury declined to take further action. COMPLAINT #12-09-14 DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, COUNTY OF MERCED The 2012-2013 Merced County Civil Grand Jury received a complaint to investigate the Department of Social Services, Health and Human Services, County of Merced. The Grand Jury does not take action on matters pending before the courts. There were other remedies available to the complainant such as appeal and hearing with administrative law judge. Therefore, no action was taken in this matter. COMPLAINT #12-09-15 MERCED CITY SCHOOLS The 2012-2013 Merced County Civil Grand Jury received a letter requesting a face to face meeting to discuss an investigation of Merced City Schools. The Grand Jury process requires that an complaint be filed to proceed. The Grand Jury declined to set up the face to face meeting and sent the complainant a complaint form to fill out and file. COMPLAINT #12-09-16 MERCED COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT The 2012-2013 Merced County Civil Grand Jury received a complaint to investigate the Merced County Sheriff’s Department. The Grand Jury does not take action on matters pending before the courts. Therefore, no action was taken in this matter. 91 COMPLAINT #13-01-17 MERCED COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT The 2012-2013 Merced County Civil Grand Jury received a complaint to investigate the Merced County Sheriff’s Department. After a preliminary investigation and interview, the Grand Jury declined to take further action. COMPLAINT #13-03-18 MERCED POLICE K-9 UNIT The 2012-2013 Merced County Civil Grand Jury received a complaint to investigate the Merced Police K-9 Unit. The complaint was anonymous and not clear as to what the complainant wanted the Grand Jury to investigate. Unable to obtain further information, the complaint was declined. COMPLAINT #13-03-19 LOS BANOS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT The 2012-2013 Merced County Civil Grand Jury received a complaint to investigate the Los Banos Unified School District. Due to limitations on time the grand Jury referred this matter to the 2013-2014 Merced County Civil Grand Jury COMPLAINT #13-03-20 MERCED CITY SCHOOL BOARD The 2012-2013 Merced County Civil Grand Jury received a complaint to investigate the Merced City School Board. Due to limitations on time the Grand Jury referred this matter to the 2013-2014 Merced County Civil Grand Jury. 92 COMPLAINT #13-03-21 MERCED SCHOOL DISTRICT OFFICE ADMINISTRATORS The 2012-2013 Merced County Civil Grand Jury received a complaint to investigate the Merced School District Office Administrators. The Grand Jury declined to take action on the above complaint. COMPLAINT #13-04-22 GUSTINE SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS The 2012-2013 Merced County Civil Grand Jury received a complaint to investigate the Gustine School District Board Members. Due to limitations on time the Grand Jury referred this matter to the 2013-2014 Merced County Civil Grand Jury. COMPLAINT #13-05-23 MERCED COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT The 2012-2013 Merced County Civil Grand Jury received a complaint to investigate the Merced County Sheriff’s Department. After review of the complaint the Grand Jury declined to proceed. COMPLAINT #13-05-24 ATWATER CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS The 2012-2013 Merced County Civil Grand Jury received a complaint to investigate the Atwater City Council Members. After review of the complaint the Grand Jury declined to proceed. 93 RESPONSES TO THE 2011-2012 FINAL GRAND JURY REPORT 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121

Observations 2

• OB1
  During this investigation, the Civil Grand Jury inspected and observed 9-1-1 responders and dispatch locations in various Merced County jurisdictions. INTERVIEWS The Civil Grand Jury interviewed numerous individuals, including a police chief, a fire battalion chief, an OES Director of Administration, a previous Merced County dispatch supervisor, and current County dispatch supervisor. The Civil Grand Jury asked questions of various 9-1-1 responders and ranking staff on our observation tours. In addition, the Civil Grand Jury received information from County contacts for the Everbridge system, along with information from the Auditor’s Office.
• OB2
  During the investigation, the Civil Grand Jury reviewed nine months of approved and denied CCW applications at the Sheriff’s office. There were eighty-one applications from July 16, 2012 to April 16, 2013. INTERVIEWS The Civil Grand Jury interviewed the Merced County Sheriff, asked CCW application process questions to Sheriff personnel and interviewed an applicant who was denied a CCW permit.

No Responses Found 1

Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.