2010 - 2011 Final Report- Madera County Corrections Department

Conclusions 1

• CL1
  The Grand Jury concludes that, while the existing MCDC facility is old and in need of repair and modernization, it is a solidly run institution. The officers and staff who conducted the tour of MCDC did not hesitate to let the Grand Jury members see every facet of the facility. The Grand Jury concludes that areas of MCDC are in need of cleaning and sanitation. The Grand Jury concludes that the officers and staff encountered were dedicated to their profession, the safety of the public, the MCDC population, and their fellow workers. The Grand Jury concludes that all officers should be issued and required to wear protective vests. The Grand Jury concludes that the emergency lighting system is not functional throughout the facility. Recommendations: The Grand Jury recommends that the County continue modernizing MCDC to enable it to expand its inmate capacity. The Grand Jury recommends that the County identify and clarify functions and reduce or eliminate duplication between MCDC and the Sheriff's Department. The Grand Jury recommends that MCDC acquire protective vests and require the officers to wear them. The Grand Jury recommends that MCDC make functional the emergency lighting system immediately. The Grand Jury recommends that daily cleaning of all general housing by inmates be mandated. Respondent: Written response required pursuant to PC 933(c) Madera County Board of Supervisors 200 West Fourth Street Madera, CA 93637 Respondent: Response optional Madera County Department of Corrections 14191 Road 28 Madera, CA 93638

Observations 1

• OB1
  The Grand Jury found that crisis workers are available to help inmates, and staff members have Interpersonal Skill training. Suicide attempts occur weekly. In 2010 there were 120 attempts. None have been successful in the last five years; only three were successful in the last ten years. The Grand Jury found that Module B currently houses 88 to 91 inmates. Some cells have triple bunks. There is a general gathering area with secured visiting cubicles, telephone access, coffee pot, microwave, newspapers, and books available for the inmates. Inmates are allowed two 30- minute visits per week. All inmates have Canteen privileges once per week and can spend up to $150 weekly. The source of funds is either from the inmate's personal funds or from family. There is a high mark-up on goods. The Grand Jury found that, in addition to court-ordered welfare and social services programs, Module B offers non-mandated educational opportunities for inmates. They are able to obtain a GED if they so desire. The Grand Jury found that the property storage area for housing of inmate personal items and clothing is streamlined, secure, and well managed. The Grand Jury found that the emergency lighting system was not functional in all areas. The system is a series of lights which flash when there is a problem. Without emergency lighting, safety issues exist. The Grand Jury found a lack of use of protective vests by officers and questioned why all officers did not wear them. The vests are being issued, but they are not required to be worn. Conclusions: The Grand Jury concludes that, while the existing MCDC facility is old and in need of repair and modernization, it is a solidly run institution. The officers and staff who conducted the tour of MCDC did not hesitate to let the Grand Jury members see every facet of the facility. The Grand Jury concludes that areas of MCDC are in need of cleaning and sanitation. The Grand Jury concludes that the officers and staff encountered were dedicated to their profession, the safety of the public, the MCDC population, and their fellow workers. The Grand Jury concludes that all officers should be issued and required to wear protective vests. The Grand Jury concludes that the emergency lighting system is not functional throughout the facility. Recommendations: The Grand Jury recommends that the County continue modernizing MCDC to enable it to expand its inmate capacity. The Grand Jury recommends that the County identify and clarify functions and reduce or eliminate duplication between MCDC and the Sheriff's Department. The Grand Jury recommends that MCDC acquire protective vests and require the officers to wear them. The Grand Jury recommends that MCDC make functional the emergency lighting system immediately. The Grand Jury recommends that daily cleaning of all general housing by inmates be mandated. Respondent: Written response required pursuant to PC 933(c) Madera County Board of Supervisors 200 West Fourth Street Madera, CA 93637 Respondent: Response optional Madera County Department of Corrections 14191 Road 28 Madera, CA 93638

Agency Responses 1

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