Tiunity County Board of Supervisors

TCJ has a new multi-camera/screen inmate monitoring system, but insufficient staff to use it. Response The TCJ is currently staffed with 17 fulltime employees (FTE's). The 17 FTE's are all the allocated positions approved by the Board of Supervisors. This is a vast improvement from the 11 FTE's that were in place when I took office in 2011. Retaining these employees continues to be a challenge because of our current pay scale and working conditions compared to other counties in the northern part of California. Though the multi-camera system may not be monitored at all times it does record the various housing units 24/7 and any incidents that may occur within the facility. We estimate that to have someone monitor the cameras 24/7/365 we would need 4 additional FTE's in the jail.

Insufficient staff-both male andf emale—exists for operating the jail and the DC. Response: I disagree in part with this finding. Again, the jail is fully staffed with 17 full-time employees. It is agreed that more female officers are needed at the jail. We have targeted recruiting in an attempt to gain female officers however few applications were received in the process.

A new 911 computer system is being installed, but the air conditioning system is inadequate not only to support this new system, but also jail staff itself The jail atmosphere is humid and cool. Response: I agree with this finding in part. At the time of the inspection the ac system was not performing well. A new air conditioning system for the jail and dispatch area was completed on May 29, 2014.

The inmate intercom system does not work. Response: I agree with this finding in part. The inmate intercom system is outdated, and at times does not function. The General Services Department works diligently to find replacement parts and keep the system working.

The time inmates wait for sentencing is long; years in some case. Response: I agree with this finding, however the length an inmate awaits sentencing is not within the jurisdiction and control of the Sheriff, CAO or Board of Supervisors.

Salary and benefits for CO's is insqfficient for retention. Response: I disagree with this finding in part. The County has recently agreed to fund a classification and compensation study for members of the Deputy Sheriff's Association, and will negotiate implementation of the study when completed. This Association includes the correctional officer classifications. The County provides a very generous benefit package for employees.

CO's do not have access to necessary protective equipment, e.g. bulletproof vests. Response: I agree with this finding. The Sheriff has identified grants funds to purchase equipment needed for jail staff.

Food is prepared and distributed in a medical area in which blood samples are drawn. Response: I agree with this finding. This issue has been resolved by performing blood draws in another area of the facility, rather than where the staff refrigerator is located.

No bathroom and sink are available in the exercise yard. Inmates go to the bathroom on the ground. Response: I agree with this finding. At one time there was a sink in the exercise yard, however is was vandalized by inmate and there are no resources available to repair it at this time. Inmates may request to use a restroom just inside the building from the yard but many choose to not make that request and instead urinate on the ground.