Imperial County Grand Jury • 2014-2015

The Imperial County ______________________________ Civil Grand Jury

Published: June 25, 2015 86 pages Consolidated Report

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⚠️ 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.

Note: Missing finding numbers detected: F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11, F12, F13, F14, F15, F16, F17, F18, F19, F20, F21, F22, F23, F24, F25, F26, F27, F28, F29, F30, F31, F32, F33, F34, F35, F36, F37, F38, F39, F40, F41, F42, F43, F44, F45, F46, F47, F48, F49, F50, F51, F52, F53, F54, F55, F56, F57, F58, F59, F60, F61, F62, F63, F64, F65, F66, F67, F68, F69, F70, F71, F72, F73, F74, F75, F76, F77, F78, F79, F80, F81, F82, F83, F84, F85, F86, F87, F88, F89, F90, F91, F92, F93, F94, F95, F96, F97, F98, F99, F100, F101, F102, F103, F104, F105, F106, F107, F108, F109, F110, F111, F112, F113, F114, F115, F116, F117, F118, F119, F120, F121, F122, F123, F124, F125, F126, F127, F128, F129, F130, F131, F132, F133, F134, F135, F136, F137, F138, F139, F140, F141, F142, F143, F144, F145, F146, F147, F148, F149, F150, F151, F152, F153, F154, F155, F156, F157, F158, F159, F160, F161, F162, F163, F164, F165, F166, F167, F168, F169, F170, F171, F172, F173, F174, F175, F176, F177, F178, F179, F180, 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F845, F846, F847, F848, F849, F850, F851, F852, F853, F854, F855, F856, F857, F858, F859, F860, F861, F862, F863, F864, F865, F866, F867, F868, F869, F870, F871, F872, F873, F874, F875, F876, F877, F878, F879, F880, F881, F882, F883, F884, F885, F886, F887, F888, F889, F890, F891, F892, F893, F894, F895, F896, F897, F898, F899, F900, F901, F902, F903, F904, F905, F906, F907, F908, F909, F910, F911, F912, F913, F914, F915, F916, F917, F918, F919, F920, F921, F922, F923, F924, F925, F926, F927, F928, F929, F930, F931, F932, F933, F934, F935, F936, F937, F938, F939, F940, F941, F942, F943, F944, F945, F946, F947, F948, F949, F950, F951, F952, F953, F954, F955, F956, F957, F958, F959, F960, F961, F962, F963, F964, F965, F966, F967, F968, F969, F970, F971, F972, F973, F974, F975, F976, F977, F978, F979, F980, F981, F982, F983, F984, F985, F986, F987, F988, F989, F990, F991, F992, F993, F994, F995, F996, F997, F998, F999, F1000, F1001, F1002, F1003, F1004, F1005, F1006, F1007, F1008, F1009, 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F2012, F2013, F2014

Findings 6 findings

F1 Page 9

Outside walkways have broken asphalt posing a hazard (trips and falls) for inmates and prison personnel.

F2 Page 9

The grounds are barren. Lawns and landscape are lacking throughout the yards outside.

F3 Page 11

The written program describing the “Resource Center” and its services (found in the Minutes of November 2014) is global with not enough information of who is responsible for the activity. In some instances it lacks dates of when a certain activity will start or be completed.

F4 Page 11

Did not see documentation of student or parent participation in current program.

F2010 Page 20

The City of Holtville contracts with the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office to provide police services for the City. Holtville Police Department (HPD) radios use their own channel working with ICSO central dispatch for coordination. The Holtville Fire Department shares office space inside the Holtville Police Department building. OVERVIEW On March 6, 2015, a committee of the Imperial County Civil Grand Jury (CGJ) members met at the Holtville Police Department. Holtville Police Department is committed to serve and to protect the life and property of the community. CGJ members toured the facility and found it to be clean and in good condition. Holtville Police Department officers were very polite and answered all question asked by the CGJ members. Holtville Police Department is fully staffed with five (5) deputies and one (1) chief/sergeant. Holtville Police Department has two (2) deputies in the office working 12 hours per day. The units (cars) driven by the HPD belong to ICSO. The cars are equipped with computers and cameras. The HPD chief/sergeant encourages female applicants to apply as officers. The Holtville Police Department Chief visits and interacts with the community. He is involved in school events and joins students in school sports. Holtville Police Department has modern up-to-date equipment for the protection of the city. CONCLUSION The HPD is well equipped and runs efficiently, it is fully staffed, clean and has up-to-date equipment. The police department provides responsible and professional law enforcement services to the citizens and visitors of Holtville and ensure the safety and good quality of life in the community. Holtville's Police and Fire Department's sharing of office space saves on resources, time and money. FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Findings were all general and there are no specific recommendations at this time. RESPONSE No response required. 2014-2015 Imperial County Grand Jury Final Report of Findings Subject of Investigation City of Westmorland JUSTIFICATION The Imperial County Civil Grand Jury investigates various government entities on a rotating cycle. The City of Westmorland, with the exception of Police and Fire Departments, required its periodic review this year. BACKGROUND Westmorland is a small city of just over 2,250 citizens. There are twelve (12) full time city employees. The city does not have Departments of Planning, Building or Engineering, therefore having to out sources to other city entities to secure services. The City of Westmorland is managed by the City Council. There are two full time employees in the office, the City Clerk and an Office Clerk. Some issues arise when one of them is out of the office, absent or on vacation. They are not fully cross trained due to confidentiality issues and qualifications. The elected City Treasurer can be utilized as a backup employee when deemed absolutely necessary. However, this backup procedure is rarely utilized. Most city improvements projects (curbs, gutters and sidewalks) are financed through obtained grants. Consultants are contracted by the City to write grants. If grants are awarded/received, consultants manage them as well. The City of Westmorland qualifies for many grants because of the limited personnel / departments in the city. The city just obtained their first stop light and it was financed through awarded grant money. On March 4, 2015, Civil Grand Jury (CGJ) committee members interviewed the Westmorland City Clerk. The clerk reported three major accomplishes for the City: 1) no water rate increases since 2005, 2) the Family Dollar Store will be opened in April 2015, and 3) the Honey Festival is an annual event held the third Saturday in November. All City facilities, City Hall, Youth Hall, the water plant, the fire station, the Senior Center and the pool were inspected in 2010 after the 7.2 earthquake and all buildings were cleared. However, the pool developed a leak in 2012 and has not been repaired due to a lack of funds. It is estimated that the cost of repairs will be in excess of $100,000. Unfortunately, this situation has created a lack of activities for the children in the City. A detailed binder of Procedures, a detailed binder of Forms, an Employee Manual, as well as the 2013-14 and the 2014-15 Adopted Fiscal Year Budgets were provided to the Civil Grand Jury committee members for review. The city is operating within the budget and no irregularities were noted. The office storage at City Hall is limited and identified by the employees as a concern. The office appears somewhat unorganized as shelves and counters are quite crowded. THE CITY CLERK The City Clerk is elected by voters of the City. The term is for four (4) years. The City Clerk performs all duties as defined in the California Government Code, and City Ordinance No. 92-02 Section 8 thru Section 11, except financial and accounting duties from City Ordinance No. 92-02 Section 5 and Section 6. The City Clerk’s Office is the official record keeper for the City and responsible for all City Council agendas, minutes and records of the proceedings. The City Clerk certifies and attests to actions taken. The city clerk coordinates, prepares and directs posting, mailing and publication of legally required public hearing notices and publications, including City Council, committees, special agency and authority meetings. The City Clerk serves as a liaison to the County Recorder and Registrar of Voters. The City Clerk is the local official who administers democratic processes such as elections, access to city records, and all legislative actions ensuring transparency to the public. The City Clerk acts as a compliance officer for federal, state, and local statutes including the Political Reform Act, the Brown Act, and the Public Records Act. The City Clerk protects vital records, coordinates and facilitates research and is the records disaster manager. The City Clerk oversees official bid openings, contracts and insurance administration, processes liability claims, summonses and subpoenas. The City Clerk coordinates recruitment and selection processes for city committee, commission and board members and ensures compliance with the Maddy Act. The City Clerk administers and maintains oaths of office for both public officials and employees. The City Clerk develops and implements goals and objectives, policies and procedures. The City Clerk prepares and administers department budgets. In summary, the City Clerk is a vital link in the successful operation of the municipal corporation. The legislative responsibility charged to the City Clerk is critical to the decision- making process of the local legislative body. As the local Elections Official, the City Clerk remains neutral to ensure the integrity of the democratic process. The City Clerk’s statutory responsibilities ensure the City’s business is conducted in the best interest of the citizenry. While the core responsibilities endure, the City Clerk’s role continues to evolve while remaining responsive to the changing needs of the citizenry, elected officials and technology. FINDINGS and RECOMMENDATIONS Finding #1 There is often only one person working at a time in the City office. Finding #2 The City clerk has no one fully cross trained to fill in for sickness or vacations. Finding #3 Storage space appears inadequate and what is available is not on site. Finding #4 The damaged city pool is enclosed within a chain link fence, which appears easy to scale and the pool is partially filled with water which could pose a safety hazard or liability concern. Recommendation #1 It is recommended that the city review their budget to explore options regarding personnel support. For example, high school work study students could be a viable option.

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Recommendation #3 For the school year 2015-16, publish on the district website and/or flyers a timeline of activities so that the community may reference them easily and plan to participate.

Recommendations 3

R1
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Repair or replace broken asphalt walkways as funding and time permits.
R3
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For the school year 2015-16, publish on the district website and/or flyers a timeline of activities so that the community may reference them easily and plan to participate.
R4
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Document parent and student participation through dated logs and sign-in sheets.

Conclusions 15

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The HPD is well equipped and runs efficiently, it is fully staffed, clean and has up-to-date equipment. The police department provides responsible and professional law enforcement services to the citizens and visitors of Holtville and ensure the safety and good quality of life in the community. Holtville's Police and Fire Department's sharing of office space saves on resources, time and money. FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Findings were all general and there are no specific recommendations at this time. RESPONSE No response required.
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2014-2015 Imperial County Grand Jury Final Report of Findings Subject of Investigation City of Westmorland JUSTIFICATION The Imperial County Civil Grand Jury investigates various government entities on a rotating cycle. The City of Westmorland, with the exception of Police and Fire Departments, required its periodic review this year.
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The Civil Grand Jury combined its task to perform the periodic review of the Department of Public Works with the investigation of the anonymous complaint. In particular, the Civil Grand Jury asked the Department of Public Works the following: Could we please ask for a written summary of any work done between April 2014 through April 2015 on Worthington Road between the New River Bridge to Dogwood? We would like to ask the summary to please be organized to specify: - projects - project start and end times - project locations - cost of each project - source of funding for each project - source an quantity of labor for each project - justification for each project - justification for each type of remedy/ repair The Department of Public Works asked for a reasonable amount of time to respond. Their response included a Report and the printout of their Cost Accounting Management System corresponding to the timeframe requested. The Report seems to show that the Department may lack possession, access, or willingness share the answers to the inquiry. Although the Report shows the cost of each project on Worthington, and the source of funding, it is otherwise non-responsive. The Report does not show or explain specific projects, start or end times, source or quantity of labor for each project, justification for each project, or justification for each type of remedy/ repair. The Report’s work descriptions are broad and inscrutable. The work descriptions consist of various combinations of, “road patching,” “road maintenance activities,” “preliminary engineering,” “construction engineering,” etc. The least expensive work performed occurred June 2014 on
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Worthington Road from Forrester to Imperial City Limits. It cost $306.91, funded by the Highway Users Tax Account (HUTA). The description of work states, “Traffic control, flagging, preliminary engineering costs, construction engineering costs.” The most expensive work occurred April 2014 on Worthington Road from Forrester to Imperial City Limits. It cost $581,000, funded by the Highway Users Tax Account (HUTA). Yet, the description of the work does not reveal more than “Imperial Irrigation District costs, Construction engineering costs.” Without a log of hours worked or scheduled projects, it appears that month after month, the road has been subject to ongoing but unspecified work. It also appears that no matter how big or small, each project takes a month to complete, or possibly that the work has never been completed. There do not seem to be accounting discrepancies, but it is unclear whether the Department of Public Works fails to keeps track of projects, or is withholding information from the Civil Grand Jury. Without more information, the Department fails to show how it makes decisions about spending public funds. As a result, the Civil Grand Jury cannot evaluate whether the Department makes the most efficient and effective use of taxpayer funding for the benefit of the community. For reference, the Department of Public Works Report follows. It is possible the Department of Public Works may be using public funds in the most appropriate manner. However, the Department’s lack of transparency about how it spends taxpayer money does not allow the Civil Grand Jury to come to such a conclusion. As a result of the Department’s lack of transparency and its failure to disclose information requested, the complaint received by the Civil Grand Jury regarding paving repairs is substantiated Worthington Road from Erskine Road to Casey Road Maintenance & Repairs from April 2014 through April 2015 Location Month Description of Cost Funding Work Source Worthington July 2014 Unpaved roads $256.82 Highway Users Road from grinding Tax Account Erskine to (HUTA) Forrester August 2014 Road patching - $45,155.39 Highway Users potholes, grading Tax Account roadway (HUTA) shoulders, striping September 2014 Road patching $51,307.01 Highway Users potholes, striping, Tax Account replace signs (HUTA) October 2014 Unpaved roads $15,774.02 Highway Users grinding, road Tax Account maintenance (HUTA) activities miscellaneous
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Location Month Description of Cost Funding Work Source November 2014 Road maintenance $5,161.73 Highway Users activities Tax Account miscellaneous (HUTA) December 2014 Road maintenance $4,043.52 Highway Users activities Tax Account miscellaneous (HUTA) January 2015 Road patching – $5,170 Highway Users potholes, road Tax Account base shoulder (HUTA) repairs Worthington April 2014 Imperial Irrigation $581,000 Highway Users Road from District costs, Tax Account Forrester to construction (HUTA) Imperial City engineering costs Limits May 2014 Road patching – $1,052.70 Highway Users potholes; Tax Account preliminary (HUTA) engineering costs June 2014 Traffic control, $306.91 Highway Users flagging, Tax Account preliminary (HUTA) engineering costs, construction engineering costs July 2014 Road windrow; $612.95 Highway Users preliminary Tax Account engineering; (HUTA) construction engineering
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Location Month Description of Cost Funding Work Source August 2014 Road patching – $2,669.44 Highway Users potholes; Tax Account preliminary (HUTA) engineering; construction engineering September 2014 Road patching – $580.62 Highway Users skin patch; Tax Account preliminary (HUTA) engineering; construction engineering October 2014 Placement of $4,334.30 Highway Users barricades; Tax Account preliminary (HUTA) engineering; construction engineering November 2014 Unpaved roads $3,324.61 Highway Users grinding; Tax Account preliminary (HUTA) engineering; construction engineering December 2014 Road patching, $29,735.34 Highway Users potholes, Tax Account preliminary (HUTA) engineering; construction engineering; fabrication of signs, striping, traffic control
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Location Month Description of Cost Funding Work Source January 2015 Road maintenance $22,431.98 Highway Users activities, Tax Account miscellaneous; (HUTA) preliminary engineering; construction engineering; traffic control February 2015 Road maintenance $3,808.60 Highway Users activities, Tax Account miscellaneous; (HUTA) preliminary engineering; construction engineering March 2015 Road maintenance $11,634.80 Highway Users activities, Tax Account miscellaneous; (HUTA) preliminary engineering, construction engineering April 2015 Road patching, $3,376.51 Highway Users potholes; Tax Account preliminary (HUTA) engineering; construction engineering Worthington April 2014 Unpaved roads $573.21 Highway Users Road from grinding Tax Account Imperial City (HUTA) Limits to Casey Road
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Location Month Description of Cost Funding Work Source June 2014 Road maintenance $336.65 Highway Users activities, Tax Account miscellaneous; (HUTA) picking up illegal dumping July 2014 Road patching $1,138.76 Highway Users potholes, bicycle Tax Account paths patching (HUTA) August 2014 Picking up of $90.44 Highway Users illegal dumping Tax Account (HUTA) September 2014 Road maintenance $25.00 Highway Users activities, Tax Account miscellaneous (HUTA) October 2014 Road patching – $2,316.23 Highway Users potholes Tax Account (HUTA) November 2014 Unpaved roads $2,988.87 Highway Users grinding; picking Tax Account up illegal (HUTA) dumping December 2014 Road patching - $712.61 Highway Users potholes, road Tax Account disaster patrol and (HUTA) traffic January 2014 Road patching – $615.04 Highway Users potholes Tax Account (HUTA) March 2015 Road patching – $4,208.66 Highway Users potholes, seal Tax Account coating and fog (HUTA) seal
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Location Month Description of Cost Funding Work Source April 2015 Road patching – $533.57 Highway Users potholes Tax Account (HUTA) TOTAL $805,276.49 FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Finding #1: The Imperial County Department of Public Works does not have, does not keep track of, or did not share with the Civil Grand Jury a time or labor log of its projects subject to the inquiry. Finding #2: The Imperial County Department of Public Works does not have, does not keep track of, or did not share with the Civil Grand Jury the justifications for projects or justifications for each type of repair/ remedy subject to the inquiry. Finding #3: The Imperial County Department of Public Works’ lack of transparency and culture of non-disclosure makes it difficult to determine if it is spending taxpayer funds in the most appropriate manner. Recommendation #1: The Department of Public Works shall deliver a specific and meaningful time and labor log of its projects subject to the inquiry. It shall develop and maintain a specific and meaningful time and labor log of its other in-house or contracted projects. Recommendation #2: The Department of Public works shall deliver specific and meaningful justifications for projects and justifications for each type of repair/ remedy subject to the inquiry. It shall draft and maintain specific and meaningful justifications for its other in-house and contracted projects and justifications for each type of repair or remedy selected. Recommendation #3: The Department of Public Works shall develop a website that shall be updated bi- weekly where it will post: current projects, justifications for each project, justification for selection of any type of remedy, cost of each project, time estimate for each project, estimated lifespan of each project or remedy, source of funding, quantity and source of labor. On the same webpage, the Department shall include a comment/question section which will accept and publish public input. The Department shall meaningfully answer public comments and questions on a bi-weekly basis. RESPONSE REQUIRED: The Imperial County Civil Grand Jury requires the Department of Public Works to respond to the recommendations and to provide a more detailed and responsive answer to the inquiry regarding Worthington Road within (90) ninety days from the issuance of this report. Please submit an official response to CGJ Foreperson, P.O. Box 2011, El Centro, CA 92243.
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2014-15 Imperial County Grand Jury Final Report of Findings, Citizen’s Complaint Subject of Investigation Imperial County Department of Social Service JUSTIFICATION The Civil Grand Jury has the responsibility of investigating complaints received by its residents; and the responsibility to investigate various county agencies on a 5 year rotating cycle.
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It was determined by the CGJ committee members that the two satellite libraries visited were well organized. Although the library appeared crowded and were small in size there were separate designated areas for each library service offered. FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Finding #1: Most libraries have a limited amount of space and computer availability. Finding #2: ICFL in Seeley and Ocotillo demonstrate a need for additional service hours and trained personnel. Finding #3: ICFL hours open for business are not meeting the needs of students in general, minors and adults. Recommendation #1: Find larger space and the access to additional computers by partnering up with school district libraries throughout Imperial County. Recommendation #2: Partner up with service entities throughout Imperial County such as the Department of Social Services CalWORKs Program and identify workers/volunteers to work the library branches throughout the county. Certify employees and/or volunteers to work in libraries by providing appropriate training. Recommendation #3: Explore hours of service to extend for after school and during school breaks. ICFL should reach out to adults and university students and make resources available. RESPONSE REQUIRED The Imperial County Civil Grand Jury requires that the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office responds to the recommendations within (90) ninety days from the issuance of this report. Please submit an official response to CGJ Foreperson, P. O. Box 2011, El Centro, CA 92243.
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2014-2015 Imperial County Civil Grand Jury Final Report of Findings SUBJECT OF INVESTIGATION County of Imperial, County Jail JUSTIFICATION California State Law mandates that the Civil Grand Jury (CGJ) will investigate and report on state prisons and jail facilities on a yearly basis.
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CGJ members determined that ICJ appears to be a well-run jail. Staff members spoke freely and answered questions openly and the general climate of the institution came across as being positive. CGJ members did not meet with inmates. The sheriff was not available to address the Civil Grand Jury.
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CGJ members determined that the JH has a difficult job to carry out and they appear to be doing it very well. JH is still in transition in converting the booking/intake area and the common areas in the dormitories for the Wards. FINDING AND RECOMMENDATION Finding #1 The booking and receiving area counters appears somewhat shabby. Finding #2 Although there are cameras and a control center where viewing of the closed circuit TVs occur, there is still a need for additional cameras in order to view all areas completely. Recommendation #1 Paint the counter half walls and replace countertops as needed. Recommendation #2 Purchase and install the cameras so that the Wards can be observed at all times. This improves safety for Wards and staff. RESPONSE REQUIRED The Imperial County Civil Grand Jury requires that the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office responds to the recommendations within (90) ninety days from the issuance of this report. Please submit an official response to CGJ Foreperson, P. O. Box 2011, El Centro, CA
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2014-2015 Imperial County Civil Grand Jury Final Report of Findings Subject of Investigation Imperial County Mosquito Abatement District JUSTIFICATION The Imperial County Civil Grand Jury investigates various agencies and special districts on a rotating cycle. The Imperial County Mosquito Abatement District required its periodic review this year.

Commendations 2

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The Civil Grand Jury would like to commend the Deputy Chief of Corrections and her leadership team for taking on the arduous task of writing to the SB2011 Grant, identifying the needs of this county and collaborating with the Probation Department and the Social Services Department to rehabilitate ICJ inmates. The vision and commitment to plan and to seek grants to carry out these critical objectives should not go unnoticed. FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Although the CGJ thinks the ICJ is run efficiently with no major issues discovered, the CGJ believes there is always room for improvement. Finding #1: Staff does an adequate job of keeping up with maintenance issues that accompany an older facility. However, in the Hughes Correctional facility, CGJ members noticed that one inoperable door in the dining area. The door was chained and pad locked. Outside this door was a pool of water, possibly a leak and/or bad drainage. Finding #2: According to ICJ statistics, gender staffing appears inequitable. Finding #3: Imperial County Jail has applied for a competitive grant (SB-2011). Recommendation #1: To ensure safety, repair kitchen/eating area door immediately and fix drainage problem. Recommendation #2: Focus on a recruitment plan for female officers and employ qualified females in order to balance gender equity in staffing. Recommendation #3: Civil Grand Jury is agreeable and supportive of SB-2011 Grant proposal. Keep the county residents informed regarding status of application. RESPONSE REQUIRED: The Imperial County Civil Grand Jury requires that the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office responds to the recommendations within (90) ninety days from the issuance of this report. Please submit an official response to CGJ Foreperson, P. O. Box 2011, El Centro, CA 92243.
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2014-2015 Imperial County Civil Grand Jury Final Report of Findings Subject of Investigation: Imperial County Juvenile Hall JUSTIFICATION California State Law mandates that the Civil Grand Jury (CGJ) will investigate and report on state prisons and jail facilities on a yearly basis.

No Responses Found 1

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

County of Imperial Agency