Kern County Grand Jury • 2021-2022

Report: Park Rangers and Security

Published: July 15, 2021 14 pages
View Original PDF

Findings and Recommendations 16 findings

F1
Repair costs on vehicles have increased dramatically since the 2018 – 2019 Kern County Grand Jury report:  2018 – 2019 $ 756  2020 – 2021 $47,843 There are 25 vehicles; six are 2006 models and 19 are 2013 or older.
Related Recommendations (2)
R5
By July 1, 2023, the current Park Ranger fleet should begin replacing aging vehicles, with better-equipped vehicles for off-road use. (Finding 1)
R7
The Kern County Park Rangers and Security personnel should continue to apply for grants for additional funding. (Findings, 1, 6, 7, 8, 12, 14 and 15) NOTES: • The Board of Supervisors should post a copy of this report where it will be available for public review. • Persons wishing to receive email notification of newly released reports may sign up at: www.kerncounty.com/grandjury • Present and past Kern County Grand Jury Final Reports and Responses can be accessed on the Kern County Grand Jury website: www.kerncounty.com/grandjury RESPONSES ARE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO CAL. PENAL CODE § 933, SUBD. (C) AND 933.05 WITHIN 90 DAYS TO:  PRESIDING JUDGE KERN COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT 1415 TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 212 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301  TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 600 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 BIBLIOGRAPHY: https://oag.ca.gov/ab953/regulations#categories https://www.reserveamerica.com/outdoors/how-to-become-a-park-ranger.htm https://www.zippia.com/park-ranger-jobs/demographics/ https://post.ca.gov/racial-and-identity-profiling-act https://cms1files.revize.com/revize/ranchosimi/staff%20and%20board/rangers/authorityofpa rkrangers.pdf https://www.douglas.co.us/mountain-bike-patrol-program-brings-open-space-rangers-to- you/ Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Cal. Penal Code § 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. APPENDIX
F2
Stop Data Collection Forms are required to satisfy RIPA Regulations. All Park Rangers must complete a report with each stop. This report is uploaded into the computer by a RIPA trained officer and given to the Chief Ranger who is responsible for forwarding the information to the California Department of Justice. (See Appendix)
Related Recommendations (2)
R1
By November 30, 2022, one additional staff member should be hired full-time in an administrative position to assist the Chief Ranger with RIPA regulated paperwork as required. This would free up two Rangers to resume their regular duties. (Finding 2)
R4
By July 1, 2023, six additional staff should be hired: three full-time Park Rangers and three part-time Park Rangers. (Findings 2, 6, 14, 15 and 16)
F3
As of January 1, 2022, the Peace Officers Standard of Training (POST) is no longer a requirement for the condition of hiring Park Rangers. This exemption allows for more individuals to qualify for employment. However, applicants are required to complete other training during their employment.
No recommendations for this finding
F4
The Park Rangers have contracted with a local range facility for all their range qualification needs at no cost.
No recommendations for this finding
F5
All Park Rangers carry trauma first-aid backpacks that DO NOT include Narcan® (Naloxone). Narcan® has become a well-known antidote to reverse an opioid overdose.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
By January 1, 2023, all Park Rangers should be trained and required to have Narcan® in their possession while on duty. (Finding 5)
F6
Park Rangers issue approximately 300 citations per month. Monies collected from citations goes directly into the Park Ranger budget. All Administrative citations are:  1st citation $100  2nd citation $200  3 or more $500  Parking Citations $ 40 (See Appendix)
Related Recommendations (1)
R7
The Kern County Park Rangers and Security personnel should continue to apply for grants for additional funding. (Findings, 1, 6, 7, 8, 12, 14 and 15) NOTES: • The Board of Supervisors should post a copy of this report where it will be available for public review. • Persons wishing to receive email notification of newly released reports may sign up at: www.kerncounty.com/grandjury • Present and past Kern County Grand Jury Final Reports and Responses can be accessed on the Kern County Grand Jury website: www.kerncounty.com/grandjury RESPONSES ARE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO CAL. PENAL CODE § 933, SUBD. (C) AND 933.05 WITHIN 90 DAYS TO:  PRESIDING JUDGE KERN COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT 1415 TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 212 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301  TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 600 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 BIBLIOGRAPHY: https://oag.ca.gov/ab953/regulations#categories https://www.reserveamerica.com/outdoors/how-to-become-a-park-ranger.htm https://www.zippia.com/park-ranger-jobs/demographics/ https://post.ca.gov/racial-and-identity-profiling-act https://cms1files.revize.com/revize/ranchosimi/staff%20and%20board/rangers/authorityofpa rkrangers.pdf https://www.douglas.co.us/mountain-bike-patrol-program-brings-open-space-rangers-to- you/ Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Cal. Penal Code § 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. APPENDIX
F7
The funded 24-member staff has not changed since the 2018 – 2019 Grand Jury report.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7
The Kern County Park Rangers and Security personnel should continue to apply for grants for additional funding. (Findings, 1, 6, 7, 8, 12, 14 and 15) NOTES: • The Board of Supervisors should post a copy of this report where it will be available for public review. • Persons wishing to receive email notification of newly released reports may sign up at: www.kerncounty.com/grandjury • Present and past Kern County Grand Jury Final Reports and Responses can be accessed on the Kern County Grand Jury website: www.kerncounty.com/grandjury RESPONSES ARE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO CAL. PENAL CODE § 933, SUBD. (C) AND 933.05 WITHIN 90 DAYS TO:  PRESIDING JUDGE KERN COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT 1415 TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 212 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301  TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 600 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 BIBLIOGRAPHY: https://oag.ca.gov/ab953/regulations#categories https://www.reserveamerica.com/outdoors/how-to-become-a-park-ranger.htm https://www.zippia.com/park-ranger-jobs/demographics/ https://post.ca.gov/racial-and-identity-profiling-act https://cms1files.revize.com/revize/ranchosimi/staff%20and%20board/rangers/authorityofpa rkrangers.pdf https://www.douglas.co.us/mountain-bike-patrol-program-brings-open-space-rangers-to- you/ Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Cal. Penal Code § 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. APPENDIX
F8
In 2021, Douglas County, Colorado Park Rangers launched a Mountain Bike Patrol Program that has steadily gained popularity. According to staff, this allows for more frequent interactions with visitors. It also allows for good trail etiquette, assessment of conditions, and how people are using the trails and properties. (See Bibliography)
Related Recommendations (2)
R2
By January 1, 2023, the Park Rangers should purchase four electric bicycles: two for Hart Park and two for Lake Ming. (Findings 8 and 13)
R7
The Kern County Park Rangers and Security personnel should continue to apply for grants for additional funding. (Findings, 1, 6, 7, 8, 12, 14 and 15) NOTES: • The Board of Supervisors should post a copy of this report where it will be available for public review. • Persons wishing to receive email notification of newly released reports may sign up at: www.kerncounty.com/grandjury • Present and past Kern County Grand Jury Final Reports and Responses can be accessed on the Kern County Grand Jury website: www.kerncounty.com/grandjury RESPONSES ARE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO CAL. PENAL CODE § 933, SUBD. (C) AND 933.05 WITHIN 90 DAYS TO:  PRESIDING JUDGE KERN COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT 1415 TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 212 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301  TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 600 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 BIBLIOGRAPHY: https://oag.ca.gov/ab953/regulations#categories https://www.reserveamerica.com/outdoors/how-to-become-a-park-ranger.htm https://www.zippia.com/park-ranger-jobs/demographics/ https://post.ca.gov/racial-and-identity-profiling-act https://cms1files.revize.com/revize/ranchosimi/staff%20and%20board/rangers/authorityofpa rkrangers.pdf https://www.douglas.co.us/mountain-bike-patrol-program-brings-open-space-rangers-to- you/ Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Cal. Penal Code § 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. APPENDIX
F9
All-Terrain vehicles (ATVs) and watercraft training is provided by a Park Ranger stationed at Lake Isabella.
No recommendations for this finding
F10
Park Rangers and Security Officers are certified to use the California Law Enforcement Tracking System (CLETS) and the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) as needed.
No recommendations for this finding
F11
A background check and Live Scan® are conducted prior to hiring a Park Ranger. There is also a complex psychological and physically demanding aspect of the test that includes swimming. Security positions use the basic Kern County background check procedures and do not require these security positions to pass the swim portion of the test.
No recommendations for this finding
F12
Security Officers are also responsible for the safety and security of individuals at some County buildings.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7
The Kern County Park Rangers and Security personnel should continue to apply for grants for additional funding. (Findings, 1, 6, 7, 8, 12, 14 and 15) NOTES: • The Board of Supervisors should post a copy of this report where it will be available for public review. • Persons wishing to receive email notification of newly released reports may sign up at: www.kerncounty.com/grandjury • Present and past Kern County Grand Jury Final Reports and Responses can be accessed on the Kern County Grand Jury website: www.kerncounty.com/grandjury RESPONSES ARE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO CAL. PENAL CODE § 933, SUBD. (C) AND 933.05 WITHIN 90 DAYS TO:  PRESIDING JUDGE KERN COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT 1415 TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 212 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301  TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 600 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 BIBLIOGRAPHY: https://oag.ca.gov/ab953/regulations#categories https://www.reserveamerica.com/outdoors/how-to-become-a-park-ranger.htm https://www.zippia.com/park-ranger-jobs/demographics/ https://post.ca.gov/racial-and-identity-profiling-act https://cms1files.revize.com/revize/ranchosimi/staff%20and%20board/rangers/authorityofpa rkrangers.pdf https://www.douglas.co.us/mountain-bike-patrol-program-brings-open-space-rangers-to- you/ Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Cal. Penal Code § 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. APPENDIX
F13
Due to the large acreage of Hart Park and Lake Ming, there are rough terrains, off-road paths, and Riparian Preserve areas, which are in desperate need of non- motorized patrol. Park Rangers do not have bicycles. According to staff these would allow them to patrol areas with ease.
No recommendations for this finding
F14
The most common animals abandoned at Hart Park and Lake Ming are cats, but pigs, goats, and chickens have been abandoned as well.
Related Recommendations (2)
R6
By January 1, 2024, Hart Park and Lake Ming should have 24-hour patrol coverage. According to staff, this will deter illegal animal drop-offs, overnight stays, and homeless encampments. (Findings 14, 15 and 16)
R7
The Kern County Park Rangers and Security personnel should continue to apply for grants for additional funding. (Findings, 1, 6, 7, 8, 12, 14 and 15) NOTES: • The Board of Supervisors should post a copy of this report where it will be available for public review. • Persons wishing to receive email notification of newly released reports may sign up at: www.kerncounty.com/grandjury • Present and past Kern County Grand Jury Final Reports and Responses can be accessed on the Kern County Grand Jury website: www.kerncounty.com/grandjury RESPONSES ARE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO CAL. PENAL CODE § 933, SUBD. (C) AND 933.05 WITHIN 90 DAYS TO:  PRESIDING JUDGE KERN COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT 1415 TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 212 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301  TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 600 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 BIBLIOGRAPHY: https://oag.ca.gov/ab953/regulations#categories https://www.reserveamerica.com/outdoors/how-to-become-a-park-ranger.htm https://www.zippia.com/park-ranger-jobs/demographics/ https://post.ca.gov/racial-and-identity-profiling-act https://cms1files.revize.com/revize/ranchosimi/staff%20and%20board/rangers/authorityofpa rkrangers.pdf https://www.douglas.co.us/mountain-bike-patrol-program-brings-open-space-rangers-to- you/ Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Cal. Penal Code § 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. APPENDIX
F15
Over the years, Hart Park and Lake Ming have been overwhelmed with homeless individuals and overnight camping, which is prohibited.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7
The Kern County Park Rangers and Security personnel should continue to apply for grants for additional funding. (Findings, 1, 6, 7, 8, 12, 14 and 15) NOTES: • The Board of Supervisors should post a copy of this report where it will be available for public review. • Persons wishing to receive email notification of newly released reports may sign up at: www.kerncounty.com/grandjury • Present and past Kern County Grand Jury Final Reports and Responses can be accessed on the Kern County Grand Jury website: www.kerncounty.com/grandjury RESPONSES ARE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO CAL. PENAL CODE § 933, SUBD. (C) AND 933.05 WITHIN 90 DAYS TO:  PRESIDING JUDGE KERN COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT 1415 TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 212 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301  TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 600 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 BIBLIOGRAPHY: https://oag.ca.gov/ab953/regulations#categories https://www.reserveamerica.com/outdoors/how-to-become-a-park-ranger.htm https://www.zippia.com/park-ranger-jobs/demographics/ https://post.ca.gov/racial-and-identity-profiling-act https://cms1files.revize.com/revize/ranchosimi/staff%20and%20board/rangers/authorityofpa rkrangers.pdf https://www.douglas.co.us/mountain-bike-patrol-program-brings-open-space-rangers-to- you/ Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Cal. Penal Code § 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. APPENDIX
F16
Two Park Rangers (Homeless Enforcement Team) are specifically assigned to handle the needs and complaints concerning the homeless. COMMENTS: In 2018 – 2019 the Grand Jury authored a report on Park Rangers and Security, which made six recommendations. The Park Ranger and Security personnel are commended for completing all recommendations in a timely manner. The Grand Jury would like to thank all General Service employees who participated in gathering information for this report.
No recommendations for this finding

Comments 3