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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.
El Dorado County Grand Jury
• 2000-2001
Working Conditions in Building 300
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings 10 findings
F1
Page 160
Building 300 does not have adequate space for the number of personnel assigned to the building. Response to F1: The respondent agrees with the finding.
F2
Page 160
Crowding of desks and file cabinets in Building 300 results in very poor working conditions including improper lighting and ergonomic problems. Response to F2: The respondent agrees with finding.
F3
Page 160
Evidence storage areas are located in the old jail area of Building 300. Evidence stored in these areas includes both hazardous and biological materials. The inside storage areas do not have adequate ventilation or proper refrigeration facilities. Response to F3: Respondent disagrees partially with finding. The inside storage areas do have adequate ventilation and proper refrigeration facilities. Cal OSHA has inspected the evidence storage area and has not issued any citations for inadequate ventilation or improper refrigeration facilities. The Sheriff’s Office is making use of the old jail for evidence storage and while it is certainly not the best facility for that purpose, and a new facility is very desirable, the existing space is safe for employees. 1 61
F4
Page 161
General housekeeping in the evidence storage area was lacking. Response to F4: The respondent disagrees with finding. The Evidence Technicians are fastidious about keeping storage areas clean and picked up. There is a hallway enroute to the evidence storage area where items awaiting pickup by the County’s salvage company are stacked that appears untidy to visitors. If this is the area the Grand Jury is referring to there is no alternative storage area available either at 300 Fair Lane or at General Services.
F5
Page 161
Of the three air-conditioning or air handling units in use at Building 300, only one was in good working condition. The other two are very old. Repair parts are hard to procure, and in some cases must be manufactured. This leads to long delays in making repairs. Response to F5: The respondent disagrees partially with the finding. While the three air conditioning units are old they are in good repair and provide adequate ventilation.
F6
Page 161
Some evidence is stored in an uncovered outdoor area. This can lead to the evidence being degraded. Response to F6: The respondent agrees with the finding.
F7
Page 161
A portion of the old jail area of Building 300 is being used as an exercise room for Sheriff’s Department personnel. This area has numerous problems, which include: · Most of the ceiling tiles are missing. The remaining ceiling tiles are loose and falling out. · There is frayed and temporary electrical wiring. · Ventilation is inadequate. · Floor tiles are missing and/or deteriorated. Response to F7: The respondent disagrees partially with finding. Several ceiling tiles are missing, not most. There is no frayed and temporary electrical wiring. Ventilation is not inadequate. Within the next 60 days General Services will evaluate the problem of missing tiles and replace as required.
F8
Page 161
The Officer’s dressing and shower area is too small for the number of personnel using it. Response to F8: The respondent agrees with the finding. 1 62
F9
Page 162
Housekeeping in the dressing and shower area was inadequate. Response to F9: The respondent agrees with the finding.
F10
Page 162
Numerous violations were noted on a fire safety inspection performed by the Fire Marshal during March 2000. As of April 2001, no re-inspection had been performed to verify corrective actions. Response to F10: The respondent disagrees partially with the finding. The Department of General Services requested the Fire Marshall to conduct an inspection of all County buildings in March 2000. Notice of violations was given to the Department of General Services. The Department of General Services provided the Fire Marshall with a written account of corrective action taken. The Fire Marshall found that written account satisfactory and elected to not perform a re inspection to verify corrective actions had been taken.
Recommendations 8
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R1Page 162The Board of Supervisors (BOS) should provide adequate facilities to house personnel of the Sheriff’s Department. Response to Recommendation R1: The recommendation has been implemented. Some staff have been relocated to the Grand Victory Mine building to alleviate overcrowding and the current facility in Placerville is being refurbished to better utilize the space and allow for the installation of new modular workstations. In addition the Board of Supervisors has directed that a facilities needs assessment be completed during FY 2001/2002. The Sheriff Department space needs will be addressed along with all other County Departments.
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R2Page 162The Department of General Services should upgrade the ventilation and refrigeration systems of Building 300 to meet current health and safety standards. Response to Recommendation R2: The recommendation has not be implemented but will be implemented within the next six months. The HVAC systems servicing the old control room and some cell areas are being replaced by a single unit. The HVAC systems servicing the front, east-end of the building and the Records Section will be replaced as part of the refurbishment of the building.
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R3Page 162The Sheriff’s Department should see to it that good housekeeping practices are observed at all times. Response to Recommendation R3: Recommendation has been implemented. The Department of General Services provides janitorial services Monday through Friday. There are no janitorial services provided on weekends or holidays, even though the Sheriff’s building is used seven days a week. Daily janitorial service has 1 63 been requested, but General Services is unable to provide it because of staffing constraints. Sheriff’s staff is, and will continue to be, encouraged to take personal responsibility for keeping the facility picked up, particularly on days when there is no janitorial service.
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R4Page 163The Department of General Services should upgrade two remaining air conditioning / air handling systems to current standards or replace them. Response to Recommendation R4: The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future. The remodel project that includes the HVAC is currently out to bid and construction is anticipated to begin prior to the end of the year.
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R5Page 163The Sheriff’s Department should identify and obtain new storage areas to protect the integrity of stored evidence. Response to Recommendation R5: Recommendation will not be implemented because it is unreasonable. The Sheriff requires approximately 14,000 square feet of evidence storage space. Because the County has no plans for a new Sheriff facility in the near future, the current storage facility at 300 Fair Lane must be maintained.
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R6Page 163The Department of General Services should upgrade the exercise room in Building 300 to meet current health and safety standards. Response to Recommendation R6: The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted. This area was not part of any General Services project. There are no health and safety standards for exercise rooms. In addition to utilizing the exercise room Sheriff Department staff can exercise out of doors.
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R7Page 163The dressing room and shower area in Building 300 should be expanded to meet current needs. Response to Recommendation R7: The recommendation has not been implemented but will be implemented in the future. General Services is coordinating a remodel project. This remodel includes new shower stalls along with an expanded locker room area.
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R8Page 163It is recommended that the 2001/2002 Grand Jury re-inspect Bldg. 300. Responses Required for Findings