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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.

Sierra County Grand Jury • 2013-2014

The Law Enforcement Committee

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Findings 8 findings

F1 Page 5
The Radio Antenna Towers, (although there is “Restricted Area – No Public Access” signage), do not appear to be secure from public access, posing possible liability issues should someone attempt to climb the towers and injure themselves.
F2 Page 5
Existing sally-port recreation area continues to not meet the standards set by the state per Title 24 for jail building standards for that purpose.
F3 Page 5
Jail facility was built as a Type I* facility but has always operated as a Type II** facility. a. *Type I facility holds inmate up to 96 hours. b. **Type II facility holds inmates pending arraignment, during trial, and upon sentencing.
F4 Page 5
An up-grade to the sally-port/recreation area would bring the jail into full compliance with Title 24 for jail building standards. While non-compliance is not illegal, it exposes the county to civil liability should a negative event occur.
F5 Page 5
Funding to rectify existing non-compliance with Title 24 due to the sally-port/recreation area structural deficiencies is being sought via AB 109 realignment funds.
F6 Page 5
There is a possibility that the jail will be deemed a financial burden to the county that can no longer be sustained, thereby generating continued discussion on whether the jail should be maintained or closed meaning inmates would be permanently housed out of county.
F7 Page 5
Disbursement of AB 109 realignment funds to bring the existing sally-port/recreation area is pending completion of the SB 678/AB 109 Integrated Implementation Plan prepared by Fred Campbell, Criminal Justice Research Foundation, and the Board of supervisors’ decision regarding the viability of keeping the jail open. As of the time of this report, the finalized report was still pending completion.
F8 Page 5
There appeared to be a lack of effective communication from administration as to what training was available for Correctional Officers versus what training the Correctional Officers were actually being offered or sent to by superiors. That issue has been resolved. Sheriff Evans, the deputies, and the correctional officers/dispatchers are commended for their hard work at resolving those matters that were within their power to resolve. Sheriff Evans and his staff’s cooperation with this grand jury has been exemplary. 6

Recommendations 3