Santa Cruz County Grand Jury • 2006-2007

Santa Cruz County Jails Review Definitions

36 pages
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Note: Missing finding numbers detected: F34, F46, F60, F68, F74, F78, F85, F97, F109, F114, F123

Findings and Recommendations 119 findings

F1 Page 2
Main Jail 2. Rountree Medium 3. Rountree Minimum 4. Blaine Street 5. Court Holding 6. Juvenile Hall 7. Camp 45 The first five facilities listed are operated by the Santa Cruz County Sheriff. Juvenile Hall is operated by the Probation Department. The budget for each of these facilities is under the control of the county Board of Supervisors. Camp 45 is operated by the California Department of Corrections, and its budget is under the control of the State of California. Scope The Grand Jury is mandated by California Penal Code § 919(b) to inspect and report on the conditions and management of the jail facilities within the county. To satisfy this mandate, the Criminal Justice Committee of the Grand Jury: • inspected each facility at least once; • spoke with management, staff, and inmates at each facility; - 2 Jails Review • reviewed previous Grand Jury reports, paying particular interest to prior recommendations; • reviewed relevant laws in the California Penal Code and Code of Regulation; • reviewed California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation inspection reports for each facility. Main Jail The Santa Cruz Main Jail is located at 259 Water Street, across the street from the County Courthouse. Two visits were made. The first visit was during the day on September 29, 2005, and the second visit was in the evening on March 2, 2006. Main Jail Findings 1. On September 29, 2005, the total inmate population was 384. On March 2, 2006, the population was 330. The current rated capacity is 311, with a maximum capacity of 400. The jail population consists of both male and female inmates who have cases pending, have been sentenced, or who are awaiting sentencing. When beds are not available due to overcrowding, temporary beds called “boats” are used.
No recommendations for this finding
F2 Page 3
All law enforcement agencies must bring newly arrested individuals to the main jail for processing. This process is known as being “booked.” Additionally, all newly booked inmates are shown a video that explains the rules and what the inmate should expect while being housed at the jail. A copy of the video was provided to this Grand Jury for review. The video is available in English and Spanish.
No recommendations for this finding
F3 Page 3
The County of Santa Cruz had two significant issues of non-compliance issued by the California Department of Corrections. The issues included overcrowding and inadequate staffing.1 Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors AGREES. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office AGREES. At the direction of the Sheriff, an overcrowding task force was formed in early 2005, which included local Judiciary, Defense Bar, the District Attorney’s Office, Community Based Organizations, Probation, Parole and law enforcement. The Sheriff’s Office also initiated an assessment by the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) with cooperation from the above-mentioned task force members. Since the implementation of NIC recommendations, crowding has been reduced but Main Jail inmate population still exists over the rated capacity on a frequent basis. Working in cooperation with the CAO and the Board of Supervisors, the Sheriff was able to add five Correctional Officer positions to Main Jail staffing in the 2006-07 budget, which had been eliminated 1 California Department of Corrections Inspection Report, November 17, 2005. Jails Review - 3 several years ago due to budget adjustments.
No recommendations for this finding
F4 Page 4
In the 2004-2005 Santa Cruz County Grand Jury Final Report Jail Review, it was reported that the booking fees per inmate for the fiscal year through April 2005 were $168.00. This fee was paid by each city law enforcement agency, and then each city agency was reimbursed by the State of California. Figures provided by a county analyst reflect that revenue actually collected as of April 2005, was approximately $850,380.00. In May 2005, the booking fee was increased to $211.35. However, due to the change in Government Code § 29550, the county is now only able to bill for half of the actual costs of booking. The actual “reimbursed” booking fee amount is now $105.68. Due to this reduction in reimbursable booking fees, the actual revenue seen in the past year will be lowered by thirty-seven percent. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors PARTIALLY AGREES. The 2004-05 booking fee was $168.08. The revenue for the past year was lowered by approximately 30 percent. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office PARTIALLY AGREES. The 2004-05 booking fees were actually $168.08. The actual revenue was lowered thirty percent. California State Sheriffs’ Association, California Chiefs’ of Police Association and the California State Association of Counties are working to seek a legislative solution next year.
No recommendations for this finding
F5 Page 4
The Grand Jury observed that this facility’s ongoing maintenance was apparent. The smell of fresh paint was in the air, and painting of the inside was reported to be continuous. Inside doors were being upgraded and/or repaired. Plans are in place to renovate the plumbing and shower system in one of the cell block areas. The jail was clean in appearance. Inmates were respectful toward all officers.
No recommendations for this finding
F6 Page 4
While there are cameras at the main entrance to the jail, surveillance cameras were lacking on the outside of the facility by the vehicle entrance to the booking area. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors DISAGREES. Surveillance cameras currently observe all Main Jail perimeter property.
No recommendations for this finding
F7 Page 4
Visiting rooms, both “non-contact” and “contact” were inspected. Visiting hours for both attorneys and civilians had strict requirements. A survey was sent to ten defense attorney offices in the county soliciting input regarding conditions of the visiting rooms and hours of visiting.2 Soon after that survey, the visiting hours 2 See Appendix. - 4 Jails Review for attorneys were expanded to allow 24-hour access, except at meals. The “non- contact” attorney visiting rooms had been greatly improved. Feedback has been positive. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office AGREES.
No recommendations for this finding
F8 Page 5
Inmate grievances are reviewed by detention staff. Responses to the inmates’ grievances are made both orally and in writing.
No recommendations for this finding
F9 Page 5
An upgraded “strip search room” is pending construction. Plans are in progress to enlarge and remodel the kitchen facility. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors PARTIALLY AGREES. The strip search room is funded and under construction. A consultant is currently reviewing options for better utilization of the kitchen facilities, including possible remodel options. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office PARTIALLY AGREES. Consultants have been hired to assess potential remodels to include the Medical Housing area (known as “O” Unit) and the Kitchen facility.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1
The Sheriff’s Department should continue with its improvement projects currently in progress for the renovation of the plumbing, the kitchen, and the “strip search” rooms. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office PARTIALLY AGREES. This recommendation requires further analysis. The “strip search” room is 90% completed. The kitchen and “O” Unit Medical Housing areas are being assessed for upgrade/enlargement.
R16
Bringing the plumbing and septic system up to modern standards would reduce water usage and laundry services and should be implemented by the Board of Supervisors and the Sheriff. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors: Reducing water usage at the Rountree detention complex has been a continuing project that is incrementally proceeding within available funding each fiscal year. Low flow toilets using less water were installed in 2003. Additionally, the County installed a new fresh water storage tank in 2005 at a cost of over $318,000; the tank provides service to the Rountree detention complex, as well as neighboring Public Works facilities and a non-profit group serving developmentally disabled adults. Current work that is underway includes mechanical upgrades to the fresh water well and maintenance of the freshwater tank. While the plumbing system could be upgraded, improvements are being made in an incremental fashion and the situation is not beyond the County’s maintenance capability. Further analyses by an energy consultant has been conducted in 2006 at all detention facilities to seek specific measures for achieving energy and water conservation, with engineering and planning to continue into the next fiscal year. During the plant budget cycle for 07/08, this planning work will be considered in view of both the Sheriff’s Office’s prioritizations for all of their detention sites and available funding for infrastructure projects. Therefore the recommendation requires further analysis. - 20 Jails Review Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office AGREES. This recommendation requires further analysis. The Sheriff’s Office is working with County GSD to solve this issue.
F10 Page 5
A formal meeting room, once used as a library, is now being used to conduct parole hearings.
No recommendations for this finding
F11 Page 5
Programs and classes that are available to the inmates include: educational and GED programs, religious services, counseling, anger management, parenting classes, domestic violence classes, and drug and alcohol classes. Attendance is high.
No recommendations for this finding
F12 Page 5
Prior to inmate placement in a housing unit, strict criteria of classification are followed. This placement process includes: an interview with the inmate to determine criminal sophistication, gender, whether there is a need for the inmate to be in protective custody due to gang affiliation and charges, if the inmate is an escape risk, if the inmate has any physical, medical, or mental health needs.
No recommendations for this finding
F13 Page 5
Tuberculosis (TB) testing is an optional component of the booking process. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors PARTIALLY DISAGREES. Inmates can opt out of TB testing but, in an effort to protect other inmates and employees, they are housed in a negative air-flow room in the medical unit until they opt to be tested. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office DISAGREES. If an inmate refuses to submit to TB testing, he/she will be placed in a negative air-flow room in the medical unit, for preventative reasons, until he/she Jails Review - 5 complies with testing for the safety of other inmates and staff. Exceptions are only authorized via medial staff due to a recent, previous booking which would have included a TB test.
No recommendations for this finding
F14 Page 6
There was one reported death this year at the jail prior to our first site visit. A copy of the report on this incident was requested from the Sheriff, but has not been provided. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office AGREES. The death-in-custody report is being reviewed by County Counsel and will not be available until notification by County Counsel.
No recommendations for this finding
F15 Page 6
There have been no escapes in the past year.
No recommendations for this finding
F16 Page 6
Correctional officers receive twenty-four hours of training each year under the Standard Training for Corrections, which is under the Department of Corrections. This is state-mandated training to review commonly accepted practice and to further educate officers and deputies on changes in the field and in dealing with inmates.
No recommendations for this finding
F17 Page 6
The Medical Unit treats inmates from all county jail facilities. All medical staff are employed by the county Health Services Agency (HSA), and their budget is approved by the Board of Supervisors.
No recommendations for this finding
F18 Page 6
A member of the medical staff is on-site twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Medical staff includes one physician, registered nurses, unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP), a mental health psychiatric technician, a nurse practitioner, and a medical assistant.
No recommendations for this finding
F19 Page 6
As stated in previous jail reviews, the nurses’ pay schedule is below what a nurse can earn in the private sector. Detention facility nurses earn $37.00 per hour, while a nurse at a local hospital could earn $51.00 per hour. In December 2005, there were three vacancies for registered nurses. These positions include nursing responsibilities at the Main Jail, Juvenile Hall, and Rountree. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors PARTIALLY DISAGREES. The difference in hourly wage reflects, in part, skills that are required of nurses working in a hospital setting (including intravenous insertion, naso-gastric tube placement and telemetry monitoring) that are not required in the detention medical system. A salary review will be completed for all health care positions for the next Memorandum of Understanding negotiations scheduled for September 2007. Presently, there is one .65 FTE RN position vacancy, a decrease from the 3 vacancies in December 2005.
No recommendations for this finding
F20 Page 6
When an inmate requires medical treatment that cannot be provided by the medical unit, for conditions such as stroke, heart attack, cancer, or broken bones, the inmate is taken by ambulance or patrol car to Dominican Hospital, Doctors - 6 Jails Review on Duty, or the County Health Clinic. The hourly cost for a deputy to transport an inmate is $65.00. The Sheriff’s Department has a contract for services with a private security company to guard hospitalized inmates for $18.08 per hour. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors PARTIALLY DISAGREES. The Detention Bureau has a contract for security services with First Alarm at $19.45 per hour for unarmed security and $30.00 per hour for armed security. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office PARTIALLY AGREES. The First Alarm Security contract for private security is: Unarmed $19.45 hr./Armed $30.00 hr. 21. “O” unit is designated for inmates with serious psychiatric problems. Seven of the rooms have video monitoring. One healthcare worker is present in this unit. There is a padded or “rubber” room known as Room 13 that is used to house inmates who are a danger to themselves or others. The room is monitored by video surveillance and physically inspected every fifteen minutes.
No recommendations for this finding
F21 Page 14
A mutually respectful relationship was consistently observed between the correctional officers and inmates. Medium Security Recommendations 7. The Board of Supervisors and the Health Services Agency should seek reduction of medical transportation and security costs by contracting with appropriate local medical personnel. Contracting with a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner for one day a week (or even an on-call status) would reduce the costs of transportation for non-urgent medical care. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors: The recommendation requires further analysis. The medical clinic at the medium security facility is now partially staffed and additional medical staff - 14 Jails Review would be needed to meet medical needs within the facility. The provision of medical staffing at all county detention facilities is evaluated each year as part of the budget discussions between the Sheriff’s Office, the Health Services agency, and the County Administrative Office. This recommendation will be included in the discussions for the 2007-08 budget. In addition, contracting out services currently provided by County employees is a collective bargaining issue and would require negotiation with the General Representation union. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office PARTIALLY AGREES. This recommendation requires further analysis. The Medium facility has a fully functional, modern medical unit, which remains partially staffed. To fully enable this unit would require the addition of two R.N.s, fulltime employees (FTE) and accompanying physician (PA) hours. Implementing this recommendation would also assist narcotic medication distribution issues.
No recommendations for this finding
F22 Page 7
Inmates who need to take medication receive it in the form of a bubble pack. By taking advantage of this method of dispensing medications to inmates, the jail is able to return any unused medications. The County of Santa Cruz, through the Health and Human Services Agency, has contracted with a company that allows unused medication to be returned. Approximately ten to eighteen percent of the jail population is on psychotropic drugs.
No recommendations for this finding
F23 Page 7
The jail has been, and continues to be, a no smoking facility.
No recommendations for this finding
F24 Page 7
The Grand Jury observed that the surrounding grounds were clean and well maintained. Main Jail Conclusions 1. All officers and staff conducted themselves in a professional manner during site inspections.
No recommendations for this finding
F25 Page 19
The necessity to contract a portion of the laundry services is costly.
No recommendations for this finding
F26 Page 10
The Grand Jury observed that the four visiting stations were clean and generally well maintained. Appointments for visiting are scheduled in advance and are usually for one hour, two times per week. Visitors cannot be on parole or have been in custody within the past sixty days. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors: The County defers to the Sheriff to assess the accuracy of findings related to daily operations.
No recommendations for this finding
F27 Page 10
A statewide no smoking policy was initiated in all detention facilities in September 2005 and seems to be relatively well accepted. Correctional officers have assisted in facilitating inmate acceptance. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors: The County defers to the Sheriff to assess the accuracy of findings related to daily operations.
No recommendations for this finding
F28 Page 10
There are several small, quiet rooms off a hallway across from the dormitories. Some of the rooms are equipped with a computer, although there is no internet access. The rooms allow for “time-off,” “cooling down,” separation of inmates, or a space to discuss personal problems with a correctional officer. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors: The County defers to the Sheriff to assess the accuracy of findings related to daily operations.
No recommendations for this finding
F29 Page 10
The kitchen area is clean, and meals are sufficient in quantity. Inmates eat in two twenty-minute shifts and are free to sit where they wish in the cafeteria. Vending machines are located in the cafeteria area. - 10 Jails Review Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors: The County defers to the Sheriff to assess the accuracy of findings related to daily operations.
No recommendations for this finding
F30 Page 11
The living areas are dormitory style with five bays, each with eleven beds. A correctional officer is present in the dormitory at all times. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors: The County defers to the Sheriff to assess the accuracy of findings related to daily operations.
No recommendations for this finding
F31 Page 11
The SAFE Program (an in-house drug program) has forty allocated beds. The annual budget for the program is $200,000. There were twenty-seven inmates in the program in October and twenty-four in the program in February. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors DISAGREES. The SAFE Program was discontinued in June 2006 due to a lack of funding at the State and Federal level. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office AGREES.
No recommendations for this finding
F32 Page 11
The SAFE Program is voluntary, but has eligibility criteria. Volunteers must complete all four phases of the program, even though it could result in an extension of an inmate’s release date from Medium Security. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors DISAGREES. The SAFE Program was discontinued in June 2006 due to a lack of funding at the State and Federal level. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office AGREES.
No recommendations for this finding
F33 Page 11
Funding for the SAFE Program is in jeopardy. When funding ran out in January 2006, the County of Santa Cruz agreed to fund the program through June. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors: As stated above, the SAFE Program was discontinued in June 2006 due to a lack of funding at the State and Federal level. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office PARTIALLY AGREES. Federal and State funding for the SAFE Program ended and was not continued, although the Inmate Welfare Fund/County bridged end-of-fiscal-year funding. Therefore, the SAFE Program officially ended on June 30, 2006. Jails Review - 11 34. Inmates in the SAFE Program have only one opportunity to participate in the program. A discipline problem may result in removal from the program. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office AGREES.
No recommendations for this finding
F35 Page 12
Several classrooms exist within the facility. Classes offered include: GED, English as a Second Language, Substance Abuse, and Ray of Hope. Meetings include A.A. and anger management. An AIDS class and testing are scheduled quarterly. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office AGREES.
No recommendations for this finding
F36 Page 12
During the October site visit, inmates were unable to view donated videos due to copyright infringement. The issue had been resolved by the February visit. The inmates now have satellite TV purchased entirely through the inmate welfare fund. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors: The County defers to the Sheriff to assess the accuracy of findings related to daily operations.
No recommendations for this finding
F37 Page 12
Inmates who need frequent medical attention or have chronic conditions such as diabetes mellitus, or psychiatric disorders are, generally, not placed at either Rountree facility. However, on occasion, inmates who take single psychotropic drugs may be placed at either facility if they are considered stable. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors PARTIALLY DISAGREES. In the past, inmates that were considered stable might, on occasion, be housed at the medium detention facility. Currently, per Title 15 regulations, inmates who need psychotropic drugs are not placed at the Rountree facility due to the lack of staff that can legally dispense this kind of medication.
No recommendations for this finding
F38 Page 12
As noted in last year’s Santa Cruz County Grand Jury Final Report, the lack of an on-site nurse precludes inmates who require cardiac, psychotropic drug combinations, or injectable medications from being placed in the medium or minimum security facility. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors AGREES.
No recommendations for this finding
F39 Page 12
No physician comes to the facility. It is reported that a nurse comes to the facility eight hours every day, Monday through Friday, to check and/or replenish medications. The nurse may check an inmate’s temperature and/or blood pressure, if needed. - 12 Jails Review Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors PARTIALLY DISAGREES. A nurse is on duty 8 hours a day, Tuesday through Friday, for a total of 32 hours per week. The nurse also conducts a routine sick call at which time inmates’ medical requests are triaged and appropriate treatment provided.
No recommendations for this finding
F40 Page 13
Medications are in bubble packs, kept in an alphabetical file, and are dispensed under the supervision of an officer at mealtime. The process of medication administration involves an inmate identifying himself, removing appropriate medication from the bubble pack, taking the medication, and signing a card to indicate receipt of the medicine. The medicine and files are secured except for meal times. The most common medications are antihistamines, antibiotics, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors AGREES.
No recommendations for this finding
F41 Page 13
An inmate requiring medical attention must be transported to the Main Jail Facility, Doctors On Duty, or a local emergency room. The costs for transportation, an accompanying officer, and services provided are significant. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors AGREES. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office AGREES.
No recommendations for this finding
F42 Page 13
Inmate dental work is performed at the Main Jail Facility one day a month. Only basic services are rendered such as pulling teeth; fillings and crown work are not considered basic. Transportation costs are incurred. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors AGREES.
No recommendations for this finding
F43 Page 13
Testing for HIV, hepatitis C, tuberculosis, and sexually transmitted diseases is optional. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors PARTIALLY DISAGREES. The testing is voluntary for all inmates except for those who want to work in the kitchen.
No recommendations for this finding
F44 Page 13
Grievance procedures are posted in several areas. Grievances are generally minor. The complaint form is filled out by the inmate and responded to by the subject of the complaint. Typically, the supervisor will review the complaint and subject’s response within several days and will seek a resolution. Jails Review - 13 Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors: The County defers to the Sheriff to assess the accuracy of findings related to daily operations.
No recommendations for this finding
F45 Page 14
Depending on the severity of the violation, discipline problems may be handled with a verbal warning, revocation of privileges, or a return to the Main Jail. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors: The County defers to the Sheriff to assess the accuracy of findings related to daily operations. Medium Security Conclusions 12. The physical appearance of the facility, including the kitchen and visiting areas, is exemplary.
No recommendations for this finding
F47 Page 17
Other inmates attend vocational classes on-site, go to Adult Education Computer Assembly and Repair programs in Watsonville, or attend Adult Education GED classes in Watsonville. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office AGREES.
Related Recommendations (2)
R33
Department of Corrections should continue to seek solutions to affordable housing problems to retain qualified professional staff. Responses requested but not required Entity Findings Recommendations Respond Within California Dept. of 122, 126, 31-33 90 Days Corrections and 129 - 32 Jails Review Rehabilitation (October 1, 2006) Jails Review - 33
R47
Due to the high cost of living in Santa Cruz County, retaining trained staff has been a problem.
F48 Page 17
Educational programs are provided through a contract with the Pajaro Valley Unified School District. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office AGREES.
Related Recommendations (2)
R32
Department of Corrections staff should reach out to community organizations to obtain donations of appropriate books and learning materials for the educational enrichment of the inmates.
R48
Additional books for the inmates to read would be a benefit.
F49 Page 17
On-site vocational programs include classes about: computer skills development, gardening and landscaping, English as a Second Language, substance abuse (in English and Spanish), anger management, bible study, and an animal bonding program. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors: The County defers to the Sheriff to assess the accuracy of findings related to daily operations. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office AGREES.
No recommendations for this finding
F50 Page 17
An immensely popular series of vocational courses includes auto body, advanced auto body, auto detailing, and auto paint mixing. This series has been in existence since 1979. It commonly has a waiting list of thirty applicants. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors: The County defers to the Sheriff to assess the accuracy of findings related to daily operations. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office AGREES.
No recommendations for this finding
F51 Page 17
Each of the programs/classes requires a certain number of hours (150-350) of participation in order to earn a certificate. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors: Jails Review - 17 The County defers to the Sheriff to assess the accuracy of findings related to daily operations. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office AGREES.
No recommendations for this finding
F52 Page 18
Certificates earned by an inmate may be a consideration when an inmate requests a modification of sentence. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors: The County defers to the Sheriff to assess the accuracy of findings related to daily operations. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office AGREES.
No recommendations for this finding
F53 Page 18
A separate bicycle refurbishing program was started in 1998 in cooperation with a local Marines Toys for Tots program. The Marines purchase parts for the bikes and inmates refurbish eighty to one hundred bicycles per year. Marines then distribute the bikes to children and teens in the Santa Cruz area. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors: The County defers to the Sheriff to assess the accuracy of findings related to daily operations. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office AGREES.
No recommendations for this finding
F54 Page 18
The facility is partially sustained by inmates who are responsible for a portion of the laundry service, maintenance of all buildings, and landscaping services. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office AGREES.
No recommendations for this finding
F55 Page 18
The plumbing and septic systems are using outdated seven-gallon flush toilets. Due to the older plumbing system, some of the laundry must be contracted out to prevent system overload. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office AGREES. The toilets are mid 1970 vintage units along with same era shower/sink fixtures, which leak water. Replacing those fixtures with low-flow units would save water, septic space and reduce our demand for outsourced laundry services.
No recommendations for this finding
F56 Page 18
There is no perimeter fence on the thirty-acre site between the facility and residential neighborhoods. - 18 Jails Review Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office AGREES.
No recommendations for this finding
F57 Page 19
Inmates are screened and selected for the minimum facility based on interviews with the Sheriff’s Department correctional officers to determine appropriate fit. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office AGREES.
No recommendations for this finding
F58 Page 19
In the past four years, escapes (walkaways) have been reduced in number from thirty-three per year to nine per year. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office AGREES.
No recommendations for this finding
F59 Page 19
Within the past year, cameras that monitor the facilities and grounds have been upgraded from black and white to color, but are still too limited in their range and clarity, according to detention staff. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office AGREES. Cameras at both the Medium and Minimum facilities do not currently monitor the direct supervision units. Minimum Security Conclusions 22. The facility offers a substantial number of quality vocational programs.
No recommendations for this finding
F61 Page 22
The inmate population is often from the community transient population. When discharged, most inmates have no permanent residence.
No recommendations for this finding
F62 Page 22
The average monthly inmate population is twenty-seven. On October 13, 2005, the population was twenty-eight and on March 2, 2006, the population was thirty-two.
No recommendations for this finding
F63 Page 22
There were two escapes last year. If an inmate walks away from the facility, she is charged with the crime of escape. The facility has a no-chase policy on escapes in progress.
No recommendations for this finding
F64 Page 22
There is one correctional officer on duty each shift. The facility is supervised by a Supervising Correctional Officer.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
The Board of Supervisors should review nurses’ salaries and consider pay increases to attract and retain competent staff. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors: The recommendation will be implemented. County salaries and benefits are regularly reviewed as a part of negotiations in the various budget units.
F65 Page 22
The Grand Jury observed that staff and inmates show mutual respect to each other while at the facility.
Related Recommendations (7)
R6
Jail administrators and staff should be commended for their professionalism in managing day-to-day duties and keeping up with modern advances in running an efficient, secure facility. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors: The County appreciates the Grand Jury’s comments.
R13
Staff should be commended by the Board of Supervisors for their knowledge, professionalism, display of genuine concern for inmates, and the conscientious manner in which they fulfill their duties. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors: The County appreciates the Grand Jury’s comments.
R18
Staff should be commended for their success in screening and inmate placement. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors: The County appreciates the Grand Jury’s comments. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office AGREES. This recommendation has been implemented.
R20
Staff is to be commended by the Board of Supervisors for their organization of programs, work-release scheduling, and dedication to the goals of operating a safe, structured, but humane facility. Jails Review - 21
R21
The Board of Supervisors should commend the staff for their professionalism.
R24
The Board of Supervisors should commend the staff for their professionalism.
R31
Department of Corrections staff should continue to meet with neighborhood and community organizations and be an active partner in the community.
F66 Page 22
The Grand Jury observed that the grounds and facility are well maintained.
No recommendations for this finding
F67 Page 22
The Grand Jury observed that kitchen facilities were clean and appeared adequate despite their non-institutional design. Meals are prepared by inmate kitchen staff. - 22 Jails Review 68. Inmates at this facility can work in the kitchen at the main jail and learn food preparation job skills.
Related Recommendations (4)
R12
The Sheriff should remain open to the addition of vocational classes that build self-esteem and facilitate preparation for employment and re-entry into society. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office AGREES. This recommendation has not yet been implemented. The Sheriff’s Office remains open and committed to inmate rehabilitation despite funding challenges.
R14
The Sheriff should continue all vocational programs and work-release opportunities and should remain open to the addition of vocational programs that prepare for employment. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors: The County defers to the Sheriff to evaluate this recommendation. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office AGREES. Jails Review - 19 This recommendation has been implemented.
R19
Staff should be commended for offering a variety of programs leading to potential future employment, self-esteem, and community benefit. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors: The County appreciates the Grand Jury’s comments. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office AGREES. This recommendation has been implemented.
R23
The Sheriff should solicit additional job training classes from educational, professional, and community organizations to help inmates be successful upon their return to the community. - 24 Jails Review Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office PARTIALLY AGREES. This recommendation has been implemented. Inmate programs are vital to the County Jail system. Inmate programs are paid for through the Inmate Welfare Fund (IWF). The IWF is principally paid from the profit of inmate commissary and phone contracts. Due to a declining IWF, inmate program contracts are continually scrutinized to derive the greatest benefit for the most inmates as possible.
F69 Page 23
Inmates serve as Kitten Foster Parents, in cooperation with the Animal Shelter, caring for kittens until they are old enough to be placed for adoption.
Related Recommendations (2)
R19
Staff should be commended for offering a variety of programs leading to potential future employment, self-esteem, and community benefit. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors: The County appreciates the Grand Jury’s comments. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office AGREES. This recommendation has been implemented.
R49
The camp provides a service to the community. Camp 45 Recommendations
F70 Page 23
Inmates attending GED classes must be transported to the Adult Education campus in Santa Cruz as there are not sufficient numbers of students to qualify for on-site teaching.
No recommendations for this finding
F71 Page 23
Inmates and staff are not permitted to smoke at this facility.
Related Recommendations (2)
R5
TB testing for newly booked inmates should be mandatory. Funding should be provided by the Board of Supervisors and testing implemented by the Health Services Agency. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors: The recommendation has been implemented. TB testing is required for all inmates. Those that refuse are placed in negative air-flow rooms, to protect the health of other inmates and employees, until they opt to be tested. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office PARTIALLY AGREES. This recommendation has been implemented. Mandatory testing is occurring for newly booked inmates. Those inmates that refuse are housed in negative air- flow rooms until they comply due to the contagious nature of TB.
R10
Given the close proximity of inmates and the ease of air-borne transmission, tuberculosis testing by the Health Services Agency should be mandatory and incorporated into the booking process by the Sheriff. Jails Review - 15 Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors: The recommendation has been implemented.
F72 Page 23
Drugs and other prohibited items can be easily introduced into the facility by throwing them over the fence from the public sidewalk. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors PARTIALLY DISAGREES. As a result of the minimum security setting, more frequent foot patrols are scheduled at this facility.
Related Recommendations (2)
R15
The Board of Supervisors needs to be aware of and reduce potential liability for the county by installing a fence to secure the grounds. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors: The Department of General Services and the Sheriff’s Office are currently in
R22
Additional fencing that would not distract from the neighborhood setting should be considered by the Sheriff, with sufficient funding provided by the Board of Supervisors, to reduce the introduction of drugs and other prohibited items into the facility. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors: The Sheriff’s Office – Detention Bureau and the General Services Department are currently discussing practical options for security fencing at the Blaine Street detention facility. Due to the facility’s location in a residential neighborhood, careful consideration needs to be given to design features and their associated impact on the immediate neighborhood environment. Any recommendation for a change in fencing will be considered in view of both the Sheriff’s Office’s prioritizations for ensuring operational security at all of their detention sites and the County’s available funding for infrastructure projects in a given fiscal year. During the plant budget cycle for 07/08, modification or replacement of existing fencing at the Blaine Street detention facility will be included for evaluation as a potential project. Therefore the recommendation requires further analysis.
F73 Page 23
On-site programs available to inmates include: • Alcoholics Anonymous • Narcotics Anonymous • computer skills class • parenting skills class • literacy skills • yoga instruction 74. Job skills training is minimal. The only training available is in the areas of computer skills and kitchen skills. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office PARTIALLY AGREES. Women inmates do not have a Medium Facility, which limits the transition and number of inmates who can successfully populate the Blaine Street Facility. Additionally, female Minimum Facility inmates have the same program opportunities as men, except for auto body and computer repair classes due to facility/transport issues.
Related Recommendations (5)
R8
The Sheriff should weigh the cost-effectiveness of the SAFE program (lacking outcome statistics) against other needs at the facility. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors: The County defers to the Sheriff to respond to this recommendation. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office AGREES. This recommendation has been implemented. The SAFE Program ended June 2006 due to lack of funding.
R12
The Sheriff should remain open to the addition of vocational classes that build self-esteem and facilitate preparation for employment and re-entry into society. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office AGREES. This recommendation has not yet been implemented. The Sheriff’s Office remains open and committed to inmate rehabilitation despite funding challenges.
R14
The Sheriff should continue all vocational programs and work-release opportunities and should remain open to the addition of vocational programs that prepare for employment. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors: The County defers to the Sheriff to evaluate this recommendation. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office AGREES. Jails Review - 19 This recommendation has been implemented.
R19
Staff should be commended for offering a variety of programs leading to potential future employment, self-esteem, and community benefit. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors: The County appreciates the Grand Jury’s comments. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office AGREES. This recommendation has been implemented.
R23
The Sheriff should solicit additional job training classes from educational, professional, and community organizations to help inmates be successful upon their return to the community. - 24 Jails Review Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office PARTIALLY AGREES. This recommendation has been implemented. Inmate programs are vital to the County Jail system. Inmate programs are paid for through the Inmate Welfare Fund (IWF). The IWF is principally paid from the profit of inmate commissary and phone contracts. Due to a declining IWF, inmate program contracts are continually scrutinized to derive the greatest benefit for the most inmates as possible.
F75 Page 23
The recidivism rate is high for inmates at this facility, as many do not have a residence to return to or do not have useful job skills. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office PARTIALLY DISAGREES. Recidivism is a complex societal issue. A substantial portion of female inmates have ongoing substance abuse issues. Statewide statistics are showing an increasing trend of female inmates on a county level. Santa Cruz County female inmate incarceration statistics are within average ratios for similar county Jails Review - 23 censuses. The Probation Department and community-based organizations are trying to provide resources for successful transitions to the community.
No recommendations for this finding
F76 Page 24
The facility passed inspection by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
Related Recommendations (2)
R7
The Board of Supervisors and the Health Services Agency should seek reduction of medical transportation and security costs by contracting with appropriate local medical personnel. Contracting with a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner for one day a week (or even an on-call status) would reduce the costs of transportation for non-urgent medical care. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors: The recommendation requires further analysis. The medical clinic at the medium security facility is now partially staffed and additional medical staff - 14 Jails Review would be needed to meet medical needs within the facility. The provision of medical staffing at all county detention facilities is evaluated each year as part of the budget discussions between the Sheriff’s Office, the Health Services agency, and the County Administrative Office. This recommendation will be included in the discussions for the 2007-08 budget. In addition, contracting out services currently provided by County employees is a collective bargaining issue and would require negotiation with the General Representation union. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office PARTIALLY AGREES. This recommendation requires further analysis. The Medium facility has a fully functional, modern medical unit, which remains partially staffed. To fully enable this unit would require the addition of two R.N.s, fulltime employees (FTE) and accompanying physician (PA) hours. Implementing this recommendation would also assist narcotic medication distribution issues.
R9
As recommended in the 2004-2005 Santa Cruz County Grand Jury Final Report, to alleviate overcrowding at the main jail, the Health Services Agency should consider employing an on-site registered nurse to facilitate the transfer of lower risk main jail inmates who require medication or monitoring of chronic conditions to the Rountree Medium Facility. Appropriate funding should be included in the budget by the Board of Supervisors. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors: Overcrowding issues, including detention health services, are addressed at regular meetings of the Jail Overcrowding Committee. Due to the complexity of the overcrowding issue, it is not anticipated that detention medical staffing will be resolved in the timeframe suggested by the Grand Jury. This recommendation requires further analysis and will be considered as part of budget deliberations.
F77 Page 24
Inmates are housed in two-person bedrooms that were observed to be clean and well organized. Blaine Street Conclusions 29. The facility is operated by a professional staff.
Related Recommendations (7)
R2
The Board of Supervisors should review nurses’ salaries and consider pay increases to attract and retain competent staff. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors: The recommendation will be implemented. County salaries and benefits are regularly reviewed as a part of negotiations in the various budget units.
R6
Jail administrators and staff should be commended for their professionalism in managing day-to-day duties and keeping up with modern advances in running an efficient, secure facility. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors: The County appreciates the Grand Jury’s comments.
R13
Staff should be commended by the Board of Supervisors for their knowledge, professionalism, display of genuine concern for inmates, and the conscientious manner in which they fulfill their duties. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors: The County appreciates the Grand Jury’s comments.
R18
Staff should be commended for their success in screening and inmate placement. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors: The County appreciates the Grand Jury’s comments. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office AGREES. This recommendation has been implemented.
R20
Staff is to be commended by the Board of Supervisors for their organization of programs, work-release scheduling, and dedication to the goals of operating a safe, structured, but humane facility. Jails Review - 21
R21
The Board of Supervisors should commend the staff for their professionalism.
R24
The Board of Supervisors should commend the staff for their professionalism.
F79 Page 25
The facility consists of five large concrete rooms for holding inmates.
No recommendations for this finding
F80 Page 25
Between forty and fifty inmates per day pass through the facility.
No recommendations for this finding
F81 Page 25
Inmates may change into personal clothing before appearance at a jury trial.
No recommendations for this finding
F82 Page 25
Holding rooms are monitored by video surveillance.
Related Recommendations (4)
R4
Potential liability could be reduced by upgrading surveillance cameras for the areas around the jail and garage/booking area. These upgrades should be budgeted by the Board of Supervisors and implemented by the Sheriff. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors: - 8 Jails Review The recommendation will not be implemented because the existing surveillance cameras provide the necessary security.
R17
Upgrading camera and monitoring equipment would contribute to officer and inmate safety and security of the facility. Sufficient funding should be provided by the Board of Supervisors and implemented by the Sheriff. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors: The recommendation has not yet been implemented. The County plans to move forward with the upgrade of the exterior of the minimum security facility (interior lighting is adequate) and is currently reviewing the project in terms of implementation options and cost. It is anticipated that the necessary information will be gathered this year with implementation likely in 2007-08. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office AGREES. This recommendation has not yet been implemented. The Sheriff’s Office is working within the fiscal year budget to upgrade camera-monitoring systems.
R25
Sufficient funding should be provided by the Board of Supervisors for the Sheriff to enhance the video surveillance capabilities to provide better security for the public and staff in and around the facility. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors DISAGREES. The recommendation will not be implemented by the County because the Superior Court is responsible for security upgrades in the Court holding facility. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office DISAGREES. This recommendation will not be recommended because it is not warranted or is unreasonable. The Court Security budget is funded by a state contract with the Superior court of California, County of Santa Cruz. Any security upgrades are facilitated through agreement with the Superior Court CEO, in cooperation with the Judicial Officers.
R26
Sufficient money should be budgeted by the Board of Supervisors to upgrade the security system with emphasis on video monitoring, electronic security doors, and the necessary infrastructure upgrades. This recommendation was made by the Santa Cruz County Grand Jury in 2003, 2004, and 2005. The county agreed with the recommendation, but it has not yet been implemented. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors and the Probation Department: Jails Review - 29 This recommendation is being implemented. The Probation Department, along with General Services, is currently working with security consultants in planning for the recommended infrastructure upgrades. The project has been divided into stages, with the video camera upgrades to be completed first.
F83 Page 25
There is no video surveillance covering the outside entrance to the facility or the stairwell leading to the courts. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors DISAGREES. Jails Review - 25 The Court Holding Facility at 701 Ocean Street currently has video surveillance that covers the outside entrance, inside the stairwell, hallways and single point entry. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office DISAGREES. The entrance to the Court Security Holding area and the stairwell leading to the courts are monitored by video surveillance.
Related Recommendations (4)
R4
Potential liability could be reduced by upgrading surveillance cameras for the areas around the jail and garage/booking area. These upgrades should be budgeted by the Board of Supervisors and implemented by the Sheriff. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors: - 8 Jails Review The recommendation will not be implemented because the existing surveillance cameras provide the necessary security.
R17
Upgrading camera and monitoring equipment would contribute to officer and inmate safety and security of the facility. Sufficient funding should be provided by the Board of Supervisors and implemented by the Sheriff. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors: The recommendation has not yet been implemented. The County plans to move forward with the upgrade of the exterior of the minimum security facility (interior lighting is adequate) and is currently reviewing the project in terms of implementation options and cost. It is anticipated that the necessary information will be gathered this year with implementation likely in 2007-08. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office AGREES. This recommendation has not yet been implemented. The Sheriff’s Office is working within the fiscal year budget to upgrade camera-monitoring systems.
R25
Sufficient funding should be provided by the Board of Supervisors for the Sheriff to enhance the video surveillance capabilities to provide better security for the public and staff in and around the facility. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors DISAGREES. The recommendation will not be implemented by the County because the Superior Court is responsible for security upgrades in the Court holding facility. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office DISAGREES. This recommendation will not be recommended because it is not warranted or is unreasonable. The Court Security budget is funded by a state contract with the Superior court of California, County of Santa Cruz. Any security upgrades are facilitated through agreement with the Superior Court CEO, in cooperation with the Judicial Officers.
R26
Sufficient money should be budgeted by the Board of Supervisors to upgrade the security system with emphasis on video monitoring, electronic security doors, and the necessary infrastructure upgrades. This recommendation was made by the Santa Cruz County Grand Jury in 2003, 2004, and 2005. The county agreed with the recommendation, but it has not yet been implemented. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors and the Probation Department: Jails Review - 29 This recommendation is being implemented. The Probation Department, along with General Services, is currently working with security consultants in planning for the recommended infrastructure upgrades. The project has been divided into stages, with the video camera upgrades to be completed first.
F84 Page 26
The facility was found to be clean and well maintained. Court Holding Facility Conclusions 34. The facility is well organized and operated in an efficient manner.
No recommendations for this finding
F86 Page 27
Approximately seventy-nine percent of the population is juvenile boys and twelve percent is juvenile girls.
No recommendations for this finding
F87 Page 27
Sixty percent of staff are bilingual.
Related Recommendations (1)
R11
The Sheriff should increase bilingual staff at the next hiring opportunity. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office AGREES. This recommendation has been implemented.
F88 Page 27
The average stay is five days. This figure is down from 10.6 days in 2002.
No recommendations for this finding
F89 Page 27
Juvenile Hall has passed inspections by the California Department of Corrections, County of Santa Cruz Environmental Health Services, Scotts Valley Fire Protection District, Superior Court of California, and the Santa Cruz County Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Commission.
No recommendations for this finding
F90 Page 27
The County of Santa Cruz was found to be delinquent in conducting the mandated medical/mental health inspections. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors and the Probation Department AGREE.
Related Recommendations (1)
R29
The Probation Department should ensure that medical/mental health inspections (as with all other mandated inspections) are conducted in a timely fashion. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors and the Probation Department: This recommendation has been implemented. The Juvenile Hall medical and mental health components were inspected on June 27, 2006, and in the future will be inspected each year on a regular schedule.
F91 Page 27
Wards are housed in two units, one of which houses more criminally sophisticated wards. The units are connected by a common hallway.
No recommendations for this finding
F92 Page 27
Wards are housed in private rooms that are small but contain necessary personal features. Wards spend most of their day outside their rooms.
No recommendations for this finding
F93 Page 27
Upon intake, wards are given an orientation on the rules of the facility and the consequences of a violation. Rules are also posted on bulletin boards.
No recommendations for this finding
F94 Page 27
Grievances can be filed and placed in a grievance box that is checked daily.
No recommendations for this finding
F95 Page 27
Parents are charged a daily fee of $24 while their child is housed at Juvenile Hall.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
The projected loss of revenue due to the decrease in booking fees collected and the impact that it will have on the jail and jail staff should be addressed by the Board of Supervisors and the Sheriff. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors: The recommendation will be implemented as part of budget preparation. Response: Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office AGREES. This recommendation requires further analysis. Since this issue affects all 58 California Counties, a legislative solution is being pursued.
F96 Page 27
Local law enforcement agencies are not charged a booking fee. There is a local protocol for booking criteria. Jails Review - 27 97. A Grand Jury inspection showed the grounds and facility to be clean and well maintained.
No recommendations for this finding
F98 Page 28
The outside exercise area is considered too small by current state standards, and the facility does not have a gymnasium or covered (shaded) courtyard. The facility is exempted from conforming due to its age.
Related Recommendations (1)
R28
Sufficient money should be budgeted by the Board of Supervisors for the construction of a covering over the courtyard area which would provide an exercise area during poor weather conditions. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors: A covering over the courtyard is also very costly, and, as indicated above, is included on the list of improvements that are being implemented over time. Therefore this recommendation requires further analysis and will be implemented.
F99 Page 28
Staff and wards continue to complain of poor heating and air conditioning within the facility. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors AGREES.
Related Recommendations (2)
R27
Sufficient money should be budgeted by the Board of Supervisors to upgrade the heating and ventilation system at Juvenile Hall. This recommendation was also made by the Santa Cruz County Grand Jury in 2003 and 2005. The county agreed with the recommendation, but it also has not yet been implemented. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors: A replacement heating/ventilation system is very costly and, as indicated above, is included on the list of improvements that are being implemented over time. Therefore this recommendation requires further analysis and will be implemented.
R30
The Board of Supervisors should commend the Probation Department and Juvenile Hall staff for their professionalism and their dedication to the community. Response: The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors: The County appreciates the Grand Jury’s comments. - 30 Jails Review Response required Entity Findings Recommendations Respond Within Santa Cruz County 90, 26, 27, 28, 30 60 Days Board of 99-101 (September 1, Supervisors 2006) Santa Cruz County 90 29 90 Days Probation Dept. (October 1, 2006) Camp 45 Camp 45 is located at 13575 Empire Grade Road in Santa Cruz and is operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. It opened in June 2005 as a prison camp to house low-risk adult male prisoners. The facility was previously operated by the California Youth Authority from 1947 to 2005. Camp 45 is a satellite facility of the California State Prison, Susanville, and is a minimum security facility that is operated as a fire conservation camp in cooperation with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF). Camp 45 is operated by the State of California and is, therefore, not obligated to respond to the Santa Cruz County Grand Jury, but it is invited to do so. Camp 45 Findings
F100 Page 28
According to staff, the video monitoring system is old and inadequate. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors AGREES.
No recommendations for this finding
F101 Page 28
Most doors are secured by key-locking systems that can cause a delay during an emergency response. Response: Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors PARTIALLY DISAGREES. While most doors are secured by key-locking systems, we do not agree that the system causes a significant delay in an emergency.
No recommendations for this finding
F102 Page 28
The food facilities were clean and appeared adequate. Food Services passed the Nutritional Health Evaluation.
No recommendations for this finding
F103 Page 28
Nursing services are available seven days a week. There is one mental health therapist to every four wards. Medications are administered in the morning and evening. A physician assistant is present one time per week as is a physician.
No recommendations for this finding
F104 Page 28
The County Office of Education provides educational services at Juvenile Hall. The school is named Robert A. Hartman School, and was one of only a few detention facility schools that received a six-year accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
No recommendations for this finding
F105 Page 28
The Probation Department continues to operate the Oasis Program that offers home supervision and encourages pro-social activities. The program reports a ninety percent success rate.
No recommendations for this finding
F106 Page 28
National studies have shown it is more beneficial to return offending juveniles back to their community than detaining them in secure detention facilities such as Juvenile Hall.
No recommendations for this finding
F107 Page 28
Santa Cruz County Juvenile Hall was selected as the model site in the nation for small counties in the elimination of unnecessary use of secure detention of juveniles. Model sites for larger counties were in Chicago, Oregon, and New Mexico.
No recommendations for this finding
F108 Page 28
Santa Cruz County is prominently featured in a DVD produced by the Annie E. Casey Foundation documenting the power and effectiveness of juvenile detention alternatives to better protect public safety, help kids in trouble, and save taxpayer dollars. - 28 Jails Review 109. Juvenile Hall provides many programs to enrich the wards such as Barrios Unidos, yoga, substance abuse counseling, writing, and poetry instruction.
No recommendations for this finding
F110 Page 29
The poetry program is immensely popular among the wards and offers them instruction in the writing arts. It gives participants the opportunity to have their writing published in a weekly newsletter published by Pacific News Service. This program provides a therapeutic opportunity and builds self-esteem.
No recommendations for this finding
F111 Page 29
There have been no escapes from Juvenile Hall during the last year.
No recommendations for this finding
F112 Page 29
The Board of Supervisors appoints qualified members of the community to the Santa Cruz County Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Commission, which is charged with monitoring the practices and performance of staff at Juvenile Hall and recommend changes.
No recommendations for this finding
F113 Page 29
This commission’s report reflects that Santa Cruz County has one of the most highly regarded juvenile justice systems in the country. Juvenile Hall Conclusions 36. Juvenile Hall is well managed and operated by a professional and caring staff.
No recommendations for this finding
F115 Page 31
The average daily population was 102 for the first quarter and 107 for the second quarter.
No recommendations for this finding
F116 Page 31
As of December 13, 2005, there had been only one escape (walk-away).
No recommendations for this finding
F117 Page 31
Most inmates have less than one year remaining on their sentence. For every day working in a program or on a fire crew, an inmate receives credit for two days served.
No recommendations for this finding
F118 Page 31
Inmates convicted of a crime of violence and verified prison gang members are not permitted to serve time at a camp.
No recommendations for this finding
F119 Page 31
No inmates from Santa Cruz County are permitted to serve time at this camp.
No recommendations for this finding
F120 Page 31
Probable cause and random drug testing is performed one to four times a month.
No recommendations for this finding
F121 Page 31
After an inmate is assigned to the camp, he must participate in a one-week physical fitness training program and then attend a fire fighting school. Upon successful completion of these two programs, he is assigned to a fire crew led by a CDF captain.
No recommendations for this finding
F122 Page 31
In preparation for opening the facility, staff met with local residents and agreed to notify local homeowners’ associations and schools of any escapes. Jails Review - 31 123. Only non-prescription products are available unless specific medication is prescribed by a physician. Inmates with more serious medical problems are either taken to a local medical facility or returned to their original institution for treatment.
No recommendations for this finding
F124 Page 32
During the off season, fire crews are sent out to schools, parks, and other facilities to perform vegetation removal.
No recommendations for this finding
F125 Page 32
There is a pre-release class to help inmates prepare for their return to society.
No recommendations for this finding
F126 Page 32
In the first five months of operation, four staff members transferred from the camp due to the high cost of living in the area and lack of family living quarters. To maintain minimum staffing, correctional officers often work overtime or must be brought in temporarily from other institutions.
No recommendations for this finding
F127 Page 32
Staff reported the recidivism rate is lower from camps than standard institutions.
No recommendations for this finding
F128 Page 32
There were no reported assaults on correctional officers. Inmate violation of rules can result in loss of privileges or immediate return to their original institution, depending on severity.
No recommendations for this finding
F129 Page 32
Due to the newness of the facility, there were few books and educational materials in the library for inmates to read.
No recommendations for this finding
F130 Page 32
A Grand Jury inspection showed that the grounds and facilities were very clean and well maintained. Camp 45 Conclusions 46. The facility is operated by a conscientious and professional staff.
No recommendations for this finding

Additional Recommendations 1

These recommendations are not explicitly linked to specific findings.

No Responses Found 1

Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.

Santa Cruz County County