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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.

Del Norte County Grand Jury • 2015-2016

Del Norte County Sheriff

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Findings 5 findings

F1 Page 37
Deputy Director Kent Burrow was very informative and accommodated all inquiries.
F2 Page 37
Bar-O Boys Ranch is a 42-bed facility and there are currently 18 boys in residence.
F3 Page 37
The staff encourages the youth to better themselves physically, educationally, and vocationally.
F4 Page 37
The barracks are maintained in a neat and orderly manner, but the physical condition of the barracks and bathroom remain outdated and in dire need of remodeling or replacement. The time is well past due for these issues to be addressed.
F5 Page 38
The atmosphere of the complex is one of professionalism where security is stressed at all times. COMMENDATIONS The facility appears to be very secure and well run and the level of knowledge held by the staff is appreciated by the 2015/2016 Del Norte County Grand Jury. We are interested in seeing how the reduced numbers of those incarcerated due to AB109 and the Public Safety Realignment will continue to affect the local institution and our community. DEL NORTE SHERIFF STATION AND COUNTY JAIL Summary Six members of the 2015/2016 Grand Jury made a visit to the Del Norte Sheriff Station and County Jail on November 23, 2015, as authorized by the California Penal Code. In addition to the detention facility tour, the same six Grand Jury members held an interview with Commander Bill Steven of the Del Norte County Jail. Background The current jail was originally constructed in 1960. A remodel in the early 1990’s included a new wing with a more modern design. While the jail has 168 beds, it currently houses a range of 90-105 inmates due to a self- imposed cap, which is a result of staffing limitations. Methodology An interview with Commander Steven was held before the tour of the facility in order to allow Grand Jury members to become more familiar with the jail and its operations before viewing the facility. Discussion The tour of the Del Norte County Jail was led by Commander Steven who was very informative and answered all questions asked of him. The jail appears to be well organized and running efficiently. The facility provides weekly programs which include: Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, religious services, mental health and parenting classes. GED assistance is available through College of the Redwoods, and they are currently in the process of setting up a computer tablet lab. Inmates are also afforded the opportunity to receive a ServSafe Certificate while working in the kitchen. A single dispatcher handles all sheriff, city police, ambulance, fire, state park, and 911 emergency calls, along with the receptionist duties of the Sheriff Department, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All of this work is completed in a very small, cramped office space located within the Sheriff Station. There is a plan in place to expand the dispatch area into the outer office by building a wall separating the outer office area from the main hallway. This construction is expected to be completed within the next year. Findings

Recommendations 5