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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.

Santa Cruz County Grand Jury • 2009-2010

How to Catch the RecoveryWave ∫ 61 Staff • Physician available 24/7

Published: April 06, 2011 70 pages
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Note: Missing finding numbers detected: F19, F20, F21, F22, F23, F24, F25, F26, F27, F28, F29, F30, F31, F32, F33, F34, F35, F36, F37, F38, F39, F40, F41, F42, F43, F44, F45, F46, F47, F48, F49

Findings 19 findings

F1 Page 91
At the time of this inspection, there were five unfilled correctional officer positions due to budget constraints.
F2 Page 91
The mental health of inmates is handled by medications, the social model, counseling, and behavior modification. Mental health services are limited due to a shortage of trained mental health professionals to serve the needs of so many inmates.
F3 Page 91
On the two occasions that the Grand Jury toured the Main Jail, it found boxes of supplies stored in the hallways. The boxes blocked the visibility of the fire alarm. Conclusions: C1. The shortage of correctional officers hinders the individual care and progress of inmates and overburdens the workload of the current correctional officers. C2. Reduction of recidivism is possible if there are alternatives for mental health inmates such as appropriate medications and behavioral programs. C3. The Main Jail does not have adequate storage for supplies. Supplies are stored in areas that create a hazard to staff and inmates. SANTA CRUZ COUNTY MAIN JAIL 80 ∫ Santa Cruz County Grand Jury Final Report 2009-2010
F4 Page 100
While the officers had been on weekly rotations to monitor and maintain order at the facility, currently the Sheriff's Office has ended the rotation and a permanent officer has been assigned to the site.
F5 Page 100
Inmates at Blaine Street attend classes at the Main Jail. However, the classroom space there is divided by an accordion partition and the classrooms often are noisy. Additionally, the classes for women are limited to basic education and life skills. Conclusions: C4. The presence of a permanent officer onsite is a significant improvement, especially in the areas of employee-inmate relations and inmate accountability. There is more stability and consistency because inmates are clearer on expectations. C5. Improving the classroom space and the curriculum for women inmates would provide a better learning environment and perhaps enable the women to learn skills that would be useful to them when they are no longer incarcerated.
F6 Page 109
In January 2010, in a cost saving measure, minimum security inmates were moved into the medium risk facility for housing. The minimum risk facility (commonly referred to as “The Farm”) remains open to minimum security inmates for day activities such as GED classes and auto body classes.
F7 Page 109
Medical services are not available at the Rountree facility. Emergency medical cases are transported to local Doctors on Duty or Watsonville Community Hospital. Mental health professionals are available on an on-call basis. Inmates requiring mental health prescription medication cannot be housed at Rountree due to lack of medical personnel. Conclusions: C6. The conjoining of the two facilities was conducted in an efficient manner causing minimal disruption and optimal results. C7. Lack of medical and mental health treatment at the Rountree facility limits the type of inmate who can be housed at the facility and contributes to the overcrowding of the Main Jail ROUNTREE MINIMUM/MEDIUM CORRECTIONAL FACILITY 98 ∫ Santa Cruz County Grand Jury Final Report 2009-2010
F8 Page 118
The Santa Cruz Holding Facility is very old and has only five cells available to separate inmates by classification. The general population cell houses as many as 20 inmates at a time. Rival gangs are separated, with one cell devoted to Sureños members and one cell to Norteños members. Females are placed in one cell, and juveniles, mental health inmates, and special circumstances inmates reside in the fifth cell. The approximate number of custodials per day is 50. Conclusions: C8. With a high volume of inmates and only five holding cells, it is a challenge to adequately separate inmates who pose a danger to one another and therefore to staff. Given the configuration of the holding cells, juveniles (particularly those who are affiliated with a gang) are at risk for being influenced by adult gang members.
F9 Page 122
The Watsonville Holding Facility is a new facility that is state of the art and referred to by many correctional officers as “the jewel of Santa Cruz County.” The Watsonville Holding Facility has six holding cells for the following classifications: general population, females, juveniles, special needs such as inmates needing wheel chair access, and rival gangs. The Sureños and Norteños are kept in separate holding cells. The average number of custodials per day is 18 with a maximum capacity of 48. Conclusions: C9. The Watsonville Holding Facility incorporates several innovative and specific methods for assuring the safety of inmates and officers including a secure sally port area for the transfer of detainees, extensive video surveillance, a state of the art secure control room and well thought out classification of cell populations.
F10 Page 126
Due to the lack of funds, the project to convert inward-opening doors to outward- opening doors in detainee cells was terminated halfway through the project. Currently half of the doors on detainee rooms open inward, which limits space in an already small area. In addition, detainees can barricade the doors from the inside, causing unsafe conditions for staff and the detainee.
F11 Page 126
Due to the lack of funds, the existing recreational space at the juvenile facility is limited to a small, cracked and uneven concrete quad area for all recreational activities. The backfield area is not fenced and does not have security cameras. Conclusions: C10. The doors that swing inward into the cells create a safety hazard for both detainee and staff. C11. Additional recreational space could be provided if the rear of the facility was fenced and security cameras were added. There would be access to a lawn area that would provide a more outdoorsy feel instead of the concrete recreational space that currently exits.
F12 Page 137
The 2007-2008 Grand Jury report recommended that Camp 45 install surveillance cameras at access points in the rear of the property. Upon inspection of the facility and through communication with management, the 2009-2010 Grand Jury learned that the cameras have not been installed.
F13 Page 137
GED and college extension programs for inmates sometimes are provided by Feather River College in Lassen County. Currently only GED classes are offered. No teachers are available to the inmates onsite; students must communicate with teachers through phone conversations. Assignments are completed and sent to Feather River College via a bus that travels to Susanville once a week. Conclusions: C12. Surveillance cameras would provide additional safety to the camp and potentially deter inmates from trying to escape. C13. The distance from the camp to the college limits the number of course offerings. In addition, the quality of education is not optimum with communication mostly via phone.
F14 Page 127
The staff is to be commended for their use of "high strictness, high warmth," which encourages a positive attitude among detainees and facilitates the quick re-entry into their home environment.
F15 Page 138
The Grand Jury commends Camp 45 and CAL FIRE for the excellent working relationship and communication they have established at the camp.
F16 Page 138
The Grand Jury commends the management and staff of Camp 45 for creating a caring and supportive environment that contributes to the success of the rehabilitation process.
F17 Page 138
The Grand Jury commends Camp 45 for the utilization of inmates in creating delicious meals and baked goods as well as a very well-run kitchen.
F18 Page 138
The Grand Jury commends Camp 45 for creating a welcoming atmosphere with outside grounds that include tables and barbecues. Visitors are able to enjoy the beautiful surroundings while providing inmates a chance for contact with family and friends.
F50
Conclusions: C8. With a high volume of inmates and only five holding cells, it is a challenge to adequately separate inmates who pose a danger to one another and therefore to staff. Given the configuration of the holding cells, juveniles (particularly those who are affiliated with a gang) are at risk for being influenced by adult gang members.

Recommendations 20