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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.
⚠️ 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 and Recommendations 3 findings
F1
Page 47
The Alternative to Community Service Program is beneficial to Lake County.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
Page 48
The risk to the county would be reduced if the Alternative to Community Service Program received outside oversight/guidance. Specific recommendations include: 1. a citizen group be established to provide checks & balances including reviewing assessment, collection and distribution; -or- 2. a three-to-five independent member panel be formed to determine organizational eligibility and selection of the intended recipient(s). (F1, F2)
F2
Page 47
While it is recognized that the DA’s office does not process the monies for the Alternative to Community Service Program, the committee is concerned that the arbitrariness and lack of transparency of not only who receives the monies, but how much each defendant pays, puts the county and the DA’s office at risk for an illusion of impropriety. 2012-13
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
Page 48
The risk to the county would be reduced if the Alternative to Community Service Program received outside oversight/guidance. Specific recommendations include: 1. a citizen group be established to provide checks & balances including reviewing assessment, collection and distribution; -or- 2. a three-to-five independent member panel be formed to determine organizational eligibility and selection of the intended recipient(s). (F1, F2)
F3
Page 48
For the purpose of uniformity and clarity, a policies and procedures manual needs to be completed for the assistant district attorneys. Recommendations:
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
Page 48
Finalize the attorneys’ policy and procedure manual. (F3) Request for Responses: District Attorney (60 days) Board of Supervisors (90 days) 2012-13 BLANK -13 Victim Witness Oversight Summary: The Government Services Committee of the Lake County Civil Grand Jury conducted an oversight of the Lake County Victim-Witness Program at 420 2nd Street, Lakeport, CA. Background: California established the funding of local comprehensive centers for victim and witness assistance in 1979. The Lake County Victim-Witness Division, a program within the Office of the District Attorney, was created during the 1980’s. Its main purpose is to provide comprehensive services to victims and witnesses of all types of crimes as outlined in Section 13835.5 of the California Penal Code. They currently receive funding from several sources, the largest being from the California Emergency Management Agency (CalEMA) for the Victim-Witness Assistance Grant. This year is the 27th year that this grant has been awarded to the Victim-Witness Division. Additional funding is from the Office of Violence Against Women grant, California Witness Relocation & Assistance Program (CAL WRAP) and Indian Gaming Special Distribution Fund. Because Victim-Witness has been successful at obtaining this funding they have specialized advocates for domestic violence, elder/dependent adult abuse and child abuse. Procedure: The committee received requested documents relative to their Program and met at the Victim-Witness offices on September 21, 2012 for the purpose of interview, discussion and tour of said facilities. Discussion and Facts: The facility consists of a house that serves as the office and an interview facility built from donations and volunteer help. Between these two buildings is a patio and garden area that serves the clients therapeutic and emotional needs. 1. A function of their operation is interviewing victims and witnesses consisting of young children, teenagers and adults. 2012-13