2023-2024 Grand Jury Report

Conclusions 4

• CL1
  The citizens of Siskiyou County SHOULD get involved in addressing the jail overcrowding crisis. On average, 2 to 3 felony offenders are released back into the community each day from the County jail due to lack of bed space. The Sheriff should be a strong advocate for additional jail space. Siskiyou County is a beautiful area with a unique quality of life. There is something special about the small-town atmosphere, knowing your neighbors and the willingness to help and support each other that you do not find in metropolitan cities. Yet, we have the same types of crime being committed here as those found in larger cities. Those committing serious crimes need to be detained in a jail environment. If they are released back into the community due to overcrowding, it places public safety at risk. The economy in Siskiyou County was crippled when the large lumber mills closed, and the related jobs disappeared. Much of the revenue for the County's general fund is provided through property taxes. The voters will need to decide at some point if they want to maintain the quality of life here in Siskiyou County and rally behind changes that may include some form of tax increase to ensure public safety is a priority. On two separate occasions (2014 and 2016), Siskiyou County voters have rejected ballot initiatives that would have augmented the $27 million from the State grant given to build a new and modern jail. The ballot initiatives would have increased the sales tax by .25%. To put that in perspective, the tax increase on $100 spent would have been an additional 25 cents. Residents of Siskiyou County need to recognize the importance of housing felony offenders in jail pre-trial and post-conviction. The County is allowing an already built correctional facility to be altered to provide office space. The Charlie Byrd correctional facility has 40 beds for offenders and is more modern (18 years newer) than the County jail. This investigation identified a lack of future planning to correct the overcrowding crisis on behalf of the County. Even if all the recommendations within this report are fulfilled, the County is still faced with an aging County jail that at some point in the future will need to be replaced. The lead writers of this report have extensive Law Enforcement/Peace Officer experience specializing in auditing/reviewing operations of State Prisons, Youth Facilities and County Jails. PICTURES\ OF\ THE\ CHARLIE\ BYRD\ CORRECTIONAL\ FACILITY\ (Before\ and\ during\ construction). 8810
• CL2
  The local voting process has many checks and balances. The County Clerk's office works diligently to insure that the voting system in Siskiyou County is safe and secure. Election officials are dedicated to assuring that eligible voters can vote. If there are any questions the Clerk's office stands ready to help. Siskiyou voters can feel confident their votes are accurately processed. Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Penal Code section 929 requires that reports of the Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Grand Jury. DEADWOOD CONSERVATION CAMP 2023-2024 Inspection SUMMARY The Deadwood Conservation Camp is a joint effort operated by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). Costs for administrative and maintenance operations are split 50/50. The camp has been in operation since June 1, 1962 with the primary mission to provide inmate crews for fire suppression in Siskiyou County. It is an 80-man camp that can staff four Type 1 fire/emergency crews. The Camp has provided Siskiyou County and the State of California with four Type 1 20-man fire/emergency crews since it opened. They also provide flood control, conservation, and other projects. The camp is self-sustaining as the inmates provide area maintenance, cooks, porters, clerks, and skilled shop workers to keep the overhead as low as possible and support for CAL FIRE operations. At the time of the inspection there were only 50 minimum security inmates residing at the facility which is a reduction from full capacity.
• CL3
  Members of the Grand Jury interviewed administrators of local fire departments about their interaction with the Deadwood Camp in December 2023. The departments were enthusiastic about the inmates' work ethic and ability to complete whatever tasks they are assigned. There was no negative feedback. At this time there are no plans to close Deadwood Camp and it continues to provide much needed services. The primary issue affecting Deadwood is the lack of inmates qualifying for the program, resulting in fewer available fire crews. Further, changes in sentencing laws have reduced the amount of time that inmates are available to serve at Deadwood. Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Penal Code section 929 requires that reports of the Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Grand Jury.
• CL4
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