Mendocino County Grand Jury
• 2009-2010
Working in the Rain, a Public Facility at Risk a Report on the Willits Police Department
⚠️ 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 17 findings
F1
The WPD staff consists of: one Chief, one Administrative Assistant, four Sergeants, eight Officers, one Reserve Officer, one part-time Investigator, one Community Service Officer, (who also works in the Evidence Room), four fulltime Dispatchers, and five part-time Dispatchers. There are no vacant positions.
No recommendations for this finding
F2
The WPD is housed in the Willits Justice Center, a County-owned building.
No recommendations for this finding
F3
The Willits branch of the Superior Court was recently closed due to State budget cuts.
No recommendations for this finding
F4
Willits police officers who must appear in court, now travel to Ukiah or Fort Bragg.
No recommendations for this finding
F5
Prior to the court closing, Willits police officers were able to work until their testimony was required.
No recommendations for this finding
F6
The Mendocino County District Attorney’s Office, (MCDAO), may call multiple officers to testify, leaving WPD short-staffed.
No recommendations for this finding
F7
Officers’ time was better utilized when subpoenaed to the Willits Superior Court.
No recommendations for this finding
F8
Officer testimony can create overtime cost. There is a minimum of three hours pay when an off-duty officer is called to testify.
No recommendations for this finding
F9
The initial 30-year Lease Agreement terms between the City of Willits and the County, dated May 1,1987, state: • 5. a. “…the annual rent is $30,000. Such rent shall be payable in equal installments of fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000), on or before February 1 and August 1...” • 5. c. “For the Extended Term of this Lease which follows the initial term, the Tenant shall pay the Landlord $1 in rent on February 1…” • 8. b. “Landlord shall repair and maintain the structural portions of the building, both interior and exterior.”
Related Recommendations (2)
R1
in accordance with the lease agreement the Mendocino County General Services Department, make all necessary repairs to the building. (Findings 9-16)
R2
the Mendocino County General Services Department consults with an outside Engineer, to inspect for structural damage. (Findings 9-16)
F10
The value of the County-owned building diminishes every year the roof leaks.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1
in accordance with the lease agreement the Mendocino County General Services Department, make all necessary repairs to the building. (Findings 9-16)
R2
the Mendocino County General Services Department consults with an outside Engineer, to inspect for structural damage. (Findings 9-16)
F11
The MCGS is responsible for any building repairs.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1
in accordance with the lease agreement the Mendocino County General Services Department, make all necessary repairs to the building. (Findings 9-16)
R2
the Mendocino County General Services Department consults with an outside Engineer, to inspect for structural damage. (Findings 9-16)
F12
Repeated repairs by MCGS have not been successful.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1
in accordance with the lease agreement the Mendocino County General Services Department, make all necessary repairs to the building. (Findings 9-16)
R2
the Mendocino County General Services Department consults with an outside Engineer, to inspect for structural damage. (Findings 9-16)
F13
The exterior stucco siding at several locations on the building is delaminating and is a safety hazard.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1
in accordance with the lease agreement the Mendocino County General Services Department, make all necessary repairs to the building. (Findings 9-16)
R2
the Mendocino County General Services Department consults with an outside Engineer, to inspect for structural damage. (Findings 9-16)
F14
Buckets catching rainwater in the work areas create a safety hazard.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1
in accordance with the lease agreement the Mendocino County General Services Department, make all necessary repairs to the building. (Findings 9-16)
R2
the Mendocino County General Services Department consults with an outside Engineer, to inspect for structural damage. (Findings 9-16)
F15
Plastic sheeting covers electronics, office equipment, and desks, reducing work productivity.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1
in accordance with the lease agreement the Mendocino County General Services Department, make all necessary repairs to the building. (Findings 9-16)
R2
the Mendocino County General Services Department consults with an outside Engineer, to inspect for structural damage. (Findings 9-16)
F16
The ongoing moisture can be an environment for mold and dry rot which can create a health and safety hazard for employees.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1
in accordance with the lease agreement the Mendocino County General Services Department, make all necessary repairs to the building. (Findings 9-16)
R2
the Mendocino County General Services Department consults with an outside Engineer, to inspect for structural damage. (Findings 9-16)
F17
The WPD uses a bar-code system to identify items in their evidence room.
No recommendations for this finding