📋
Extracted from Consolidated Report

This investigation was originally published as part of a larger consolidated report containing multiple investigations. View the consolidated PDF for the complete document.

Mendocino County Grand Jury • 2008-2009

The cover of this report was designed by graphic artist Tobin Keller. The images are of Pomo Indian baskets from the

Published: June 30, 2009 4 pages
View PDF View Full Original

Findings and Recommendations 18 findings

F1 Page 39
The Mendocino County evidence facility is located in Ukiah and serves the Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney’s Office, California Highway Patrol and federal agencies.
No recommendations for this finding
F2 Page 39
Ventilation of the facility is inadequate to prevent strong pervasive odors, including those from stored marijuana and human remains.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
Page 39
County relocate the evidence facility or negotiate with the building owner to: a. upgrade the ventilation system; (Finding 2) b. install an overhead sprinkler fire suppression system. (Finding 3)
F3 Page 39
There is no overhead sprinkler fire suppression system.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
Page 39
County relocate the evidence facility or negotiate with the building owner to: a. upgrade the ventilation system; (Finding 2) b. install an overhead sprinkler fire suppression system. (Finding 3)
F4 Page 39
An abundance of evidence from closed cases awaits appropriate disposal.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
Page 39
Sheriff’s Office: a. install a space saving storage system; (Finding 5) b. secure energy efficient refrigeration units with hermetically sealed doors; (Finding 6) c. provide a secondary source of power for emergencies; (Finding 7) d. install back-up systems for electronic and hard copy information that would be kept at a secure off-site location; (Finding 8) e. assign staff, on a part-time basis, to assist with disposal of released evidence. (Finding 4)
F5 Page 39
Current shelving is inadequate for efficient evidence storage.
Related Recommendations (2)
R2
Page 39
Sheriff’s Office: a. install a space saving storage system; (Finding 5) b. secure energy efficient refrigeration units with hermetically sealed doors; (Finding 6) c. provide a secondary source of power for emergencies; (Finding 7) d. install back-up systems for electronic and hard copy information that would be kept at a secure off-site location; (Finding 8) e. assign staff, on a part-time basis, to assist with disposal of released evidence. (Finding 4)
R3
Page 39
pursue funding for a K-9 unit. (Finding 5)
F6 Page 39
Evidence refrigerators are outdated. They are not energy efficient and lack adequate seals to contain odors.
Related Recommendations (2)
R2
Page 39
Sheriff’s Office: a. install a space saving storage system; (Finding 5) b. secure energy efficient refrigeration units with hermetically sealed doors; (Finding 6) c. provide a secondary source of power for emergencies; (Finding 7) d. install back-up systems for electronic and hard copy information that would be kept at a secure off-site location; (Finding 8) e. assign staff, on a part-time basis, to assist with disposal of released evidence. (Finding 4)
R4
Page 39
mandate and provide counseling whenever an officer experiences a job- related traumatic event. (Finding 6)
F7 Page 39
There is no generator or secondary source for electrical back-up.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
Page 39
Sheriff’s Office: a. install a space saving storage system; (Finding 5) b. secure energy efficient refrigeration units with hermetically sealed doors; (Finding 6) c. provide a secondary source of power for emergencies; (Finding 7) d. install back-up systems for electronic and hard copy information that would be kept at a secure off-site location; (Finding 8) e. assign staff, on a part-time basis, to assist with disposal of released evidence. (Finding 4)
F8 Page 39
Evidence is recorded in a card file. Staff reported that computer files are not backed up.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
Page 39
Sheriff’s Office: a. install a space saving storage system; (Finding 5) b. secure energy efficient refrigeration units with hermetically sealed doors; (Finding 6) c. provide a secondary source of power for emergencies; (Finding 7) d. install back-up systems for electronic and hard copy information that would be kept at a secure off-site location; (Finding 8) e. assign staff, on a part-time basis, to assist with disposal of released evidence. (Finding 4)
F9 Page 39
The building is privately owned and rented to the County for $3,000/month.
No recommendations for this finding
F10 Page 41
A police cadet program is being developed for youth ages 16 to 20.
No recommendations for this finding
F11 Page 41
There is a citizen ride-a-long program.
No recommendations for this finding
F12 Page 41
The County Sheriff’s Office handles all dispatching for FBPD.
No recommendations for this finding
F13 Page 42
Due to the lack of an animal control officer in Fort Bragg, increased officer time is required to handle animal issues.
No recommendations for this finding
F14 Page 42
FBPD patrol cars do not have on-board computers or cameras.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6
Page 39
pursue funding for the purchase of onboard computers and cameras for the patrol cars. (Finding 14)
F15 Page 42
The holding cell is in compliance with Titles 15 and 24 of the California Code of Regulations which set minimum standards for local detention facilities and are enforced by the Corrections Standards Authority of the State Department of Corrections.
No recommendations for this finding
F16 Page 42
Each officer is assigned a patrol car and takes the car home at night with the exception of one officer who lives out of the area.
No recommendations for this finding
F17 Page 42
Each officer is assigned to keep their car clean. The City of Fort Bragg Public Works Department performs regular vehicle maintenance.
No recommendations for this finding
F18 Page 42
State funding for forensics and bookings is scheduled to end this year.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5
Page 39
continue to seek funding for the forensics and bookings programs. (Finding 18)