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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.
El Dorado County Grand Jury
• 2000-2001
El Dorado County Jail, Placerville
⚠️ 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.
Findings 7 findings
F1
Page 32
There was a lack of standardization of uniform and identifying insignia worn by correctional officers, deputies, and civilian employees. This creates confusion between sworn and unsworn personnel and does not provide a professional image. Response to F1: The respondent disagrees partially with finding. Correctional officers, deputies and civilian employees do wear different uniforms. The Sheriff’s Office believes that difference eliminates confusion between sworn and unsworn personnel. Correctional officers are in the process of transitioning to a new uniform and during the transition period, a mix of old and new uniforms is being worn. That mix may appear unprofessional to some, but uniforms are expensive and as employees buy their uniforms they must be provided a reasonable amount of time to acquire new ones.
F2
Page 32
The laundry and shower areas were clean. Response to F2: The respondent agrees with the finding. 33
F3
Page 33
The medical room was clean, organized, and well stocked. Licensed medical staff was on duty twenty-four hours a day. Response to F3: The respondent agrees with the finding.
F4
Page 33
Inmate personal property was properly handled. Response to F4: The respondent agrees with the finding.
F5
Page 33
There was a lack of cleanliness, especially in the receiving dock area. Response to F5: The respondent partially disagrees partially with the finding. The finding is fairly general, so it is difficult to respond other than to the issue of the dock area. The steam cleaner used to hose down the area was broken at the time the Grand Jury visited and lack of correctional staff due to vacant positions made it difficult at that time to have the area cleaned daily by trustees. Corrective action has been taken.
F6
Page 33
Bagged lunches and loose fruit were temporarily stored on the floor prior to being distributed to the inmates. Response to F6: The respondent agrees with the finding.
F7
Page 33
There was inadequate control of kitchen knives, which were stored in an unsecured drawer to which all kitchen inmate workers had ready access. Response to F7: The respondent agrees with the finding. A locking storage box has been purchased and installed in the cook’s office. Knives are inventoried periodically throughout the day.
Recommendations 4
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R1Page 33A clothing standard should be adopted for a consistent and professional appearance of all employees. Response to Recommendation R1: The recommendation has been implemented. Correctional officers, deputies and civilian employees do wear different uniforms. The Sheriff’s Office believes that difference eliminates confusion between sworn and unsworn personnel. Correctional officers are in the process of transitioning to a new uniform and during the transition period, a mix of old and new uniforms is being worn. That mix may appear unprofessional to some, but uniforms are expensive and as employees buy their uniforms they must be provided a reasonable amount of time to acquire new ones. 34
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R2Page 34Increased attention should be paid to the cleanliness of the jail. Response to Recommendation R2: The recommendation has been implemented. There is always room for improvement where jail cleanliness is concerned. The Sheriff has communicated jail cleanliness as a priority to staff.
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R3Page 34Carts or tables should be provided for food storage prior to distribution. Response to Recommendation R3: The recommendation will not be implemented because it is unreasonable. Lunches are now stored in ice chests prior to distribution. Carts or tables would take up too much space in a confined area, potentially creating a safety hazard.
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R4Page 34Better control of knives should be implemented. An inventory procedure should be maintained. Response to Recommendation R4: The recommendation has been implemented. A locking storage box has been purchased and installed in the cook’s office. Knives are inventoried periodically throughout the day. Responses Required for Findings