Yolo County Response to 2015-2016 Grand Jury Report

R1

By September 1, 2016, instruct all staff in writing that all emergency exits must be free from impediments at all times. Response: See Sheriff Office’s response below. Yolo County Sheriff & Detention Commander response under separate cover: By September 1, 2016, the Sheriff’s Office will place signage at each emergency exit stating that the door shall not be blocked.

R2

By September 1, 2016, all SCBAs must be fully operational. Defective or inoperable SCBA units shall be removed and replaced. Staff must be educated and trained as necessary to ensure SCBAs are operable and secure. Response: See Sheriff Office’s response below. Yolo County Sheriff & Detention Commander response under separate cover: The Sheriff’s Office will continue to inspect the SCBAs on a regular basis and will remove from service those that are inoperable. Staff have been and will continue to be educated and trained on the proper use and inspection of the SCBAs. One SCBA had been designated “for training use only” and is located in the Booking Area. The training SCBA is used to train Correctional Staff in the proper donning and doffing of a SCBA, additionally it is used to train Correctional Staff in the proper inspection procedures. This SCBA will be clearly marked “For Training Use Only.”

R3

By September 1, 2016, all medical equipment and offices must be cleaned and sanitized to regulated industry standards. Procedures shall be put into place to ensure maintenance and cleanliness is sustained. Response: The respondents disagree wholly with the finding and the recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted. The most recent Local Detention Facility Health Inspection Report (inspection on 12/3/15) found all components for Facility Sanitation, Safety and Maintenance were passed, which include:  There are policies and procedures for the maintenance of an acceptable level of cleanliness, repair and safety throughout the facility.  The plan provides for a regular schedule of housekeeping tasks and inspections to identify and correct unsanitary or unsafe conditions or work practices.  Medical care housing as described in Title 24, Part 2, § 470A.2.14 is cleaned and sanitized according to policies and procedures established by the health authority. Additionally, upon June 2016 visits from the County Health Officer and the Community Health Branch Director, housekeeping in the dental rooms appeared to be adequate for provision of quality dental services. Yolo County Sheriff & Detention Commander response under separate cover: The Jail is inspected annually by trained and certified employees of the Yolo County Health Department. No notation of such violation has been made in the past. In addition, since this Grand Jury Report was published, the Sheriff’s Office asked Dr. Ronald Chapman, the Yolo County Health Officer, to inspect the Dental Office to ensure that it is in compliance with industry standards. His observations were that the staining that was observed by the Grand Jury was cosmetic in nature and would not have an impact on the quality of care.

R4

By September 1, 2016, all chemicals must be safely secured, labeled, and with the proper Safety Data Sheets on file. Safety Data Sheets must be accessible to staff. Response: The respondents disagree partially with the finding. During a June 2016 visit from the Community Health Branch Director, unlabeled chemical containers were not noted, however, it was noted that the organization of the room would benefit by having the chemicals stored in a cupboard. See Sheriff Office’s response below concerning the recommendation. Yolo County Sheriff & Detention Commander response under separate cover: The Sheriff’s Office has placed Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) on file and they are available to all staff. All chemicals have been secured.

R5

By January 1, 2017, YCSO should employ or designate a qualified health and safety officer/industrial hygienist to be responsible for the operation, equipment, and training of personnel, to ensure a comprehensive health and safety program. Response: This recommendation will be implemented in part in that the County will assist the Sheriff’s Office in assessing the needs and identifying resources necessary to ensure a comprehensive health and safety program by January 1, 2017. Yolo County Sheriff & Detention Commander response under separate cover: The County of Yolo, Probation and the Sheriff’s Office are currently in contract negotiations with California Forensic Medical Group (CFMG) to provide medical/mental health services. A component of the contract is to employ a qualified health and safety officer.

R6

By January 1, 2017, a comprehensive policy, including staff training and an updated inmate handbook, shall be in place to ensure that complete processing and proper attention is given to inmate grievances. This shall include a form that matches both staff and inmate procedures. Response: See Sheriff Office’s response below. Yolo County Sheriff & Detention Commander response under separate cover: The Jail is inspected biennially by the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) per Penal Code Section 6031. This inspection in conducted to confirm compliance with California Code of Regulations (CCR) Titles 15 and 24. This is an in depth process that includes a desk audit of facility policies and procedures manual, reconciling policy content against relevant Title 15 regulations and best practices, a site visit to inspect the physical plant and a review of documentation to verify that practices follow written procedures as well as Title 15. The last inspection prior to this Grand Jury Report was concluded on July 10, 2014 with the Inmate Grievance policy and procedure being in compliance. The latest BSCC inspection occurred on June 24, 2016. Although the inspection report has not been finalized, the inspector advised that we continue to be in compliance.