Jail Overcrowding the County Has an Option*

R1

The Sheriff should present a plan to reduce/eliminate overcrowding at the Siskiyou County Jail to the Board of Supervisors by February 2025. Siskiyou County Sheriff Response: Partially agrees. Jail overcrowding is not a new issue for Siskiyou County, and unfortunately, it persists despite ongoing efforts by the County, Sheriff's Office, Superior Court, and District Attorney's Office to mitigate its impact. The lack of adequate space to house incarcerated persons creates a scenario where critical public safety decisions must be made daily. The release of certain felony offenders is a direct consequence of this overcrowding, as jail staff must evaluate numerous risk factors and prioritize releases based on available bed space. It is clear that the current capacity of the jail is insufficient to meet the County's needs. A thorough, long-term plan to address overcrowding must include either the construction of a new facility or the reopening of the Charlie Byrd facility. Both options, however, are contingent upon securing substantial financial resources, which is ultimately a decision that rests with the Board of Supervisors. While the Sheriff's Office is eager to engage in a solution, our ability to execute an effective plan depends on the availability of funds to support necessary expansions. The Sheriff's Office agrees to discuss overcrowding with the Board of Supervisors and County to reevaluate any potential avenues to secure funding. We emphasize that without significant new funding, the overcrowding issue will remain unresolved, with ongoing risks to public safety. Sískíyou County 305 Butte Street Jeremiah LaRue Yreka, CA 96097 Sheriff-Coroner (530) 842-8300

R2

The BOS, in conjunction with the Sheriff, should identify and decide on a plan for funding the operational costs for Charlie Byrd correctional facility as a branch jail facility by January 2025. This may entail new grants, new taxes, and/or shifts in funding from other priorities. Siskiyou County Sheriff Response: Partially agrees. The Sheriff's Office is fully supportive of any effort that enhances public safety and alleviates the significant burden of jail overcrowding. Utilizing the Charlie Byrd Youth Correctional Facility as a branch jail would undoubtedly provide much-needed relief; however, it is essential to recognize that operating such a facility would involve substantial operational costs, including staffing, training, and ongoing maintenance. Historically, efforts to secure funding through ballot measures for a new jail facility have failed, as the public voted down two initiatives aimed at addressing this critical issue. Despite these setbacks, the Sheriff's Office remains committed to exploring all potential funding mechanisms. A fresh look at a new tax initiative may present one path forward, particularly if the community recognizes the direct connection between overcrowding and public safety risks. Additionally, the County could assist the Sheriff's Office in actively seeking grant opportunities and other state or federal funding to supplement these efforts. It is important to stress that while the Sheriff's Office is prepared to operate the Charlie Byrd facility, this cannot be done without a significant financial commitment. We estimate that a minimum of $3 million in annual funding will be necessary, with the bulk allocated to staffing. This commitment from both the Board of Supervisors and the public is vital to ensuring that we can fully leverage the Charlie Byrd facility as a solution to the ongoing overcrowding crisis. We further understand the significant funding challenges faced by the County.

R3

Utilize the Charlie Byrd correctional facility as a branch of the County jail operated by the Sheriff by July 2025. Siskiyou County Sheriff Response: Partially agrees. The prospect of utilizing the Charlie Byrd facility as a branch jail is a promising solution to our chronic jail overcrowding. However, it is critical to understand the complexity and financial implications involved in such an endeavor. While the facility itself is available, the staffing and operational costs required to run a 40-bed facility are substantial. Based on current estimates, the Sheriff's Office would need an increase of approximately $3 million annually to operate the Sískíyou County 305 Butte Street Jeremiah LaRue Yreka, CA 96097 Sheriff-Coroner (530) 842-8300 facility, with $2.5 million dedicated solely to hiring the additional staff required, including 12-16 new deputies and one lieutenant. Moreover, this cost estimate does not factor in the expenses necessary to reverse the current remodeling of the Charlie Byrd facility, nor does it account for the updates required to bring the facility into compliance with state regulations for housing adult offenders. These challenges, while not insurmountable, require significant time and resources. Given these financial and logistical hurdles, it would be extremely difficult—if not impossible— to have the facility fully operational by the proposed July 2025 deadline. That said, the Sheriff's Office remains fully committed to exploring all options with the Board of Supervisors and any other stakeholders to develop a realistic and sustainable timeline for utilizing the facility. This would require a coordinated effort to secure funding, ensure compliance, and address staffing shortages, all of which must be resolved before the facility can open its doors. Sískíyou County 305 Butte Street Jeremiah LaRue Yreka, CA 96097 Sheriff-Coroner (530) 842-8300 JAIL INSPECTION REPORT <b>RECOMMENDATIONS:</b>

R4

Install a walk-through metal detector/body scanner for use in the booking area. Develop a policy and procedure for use of such. Siskiyou County Sheriff Response: Fully agrees. The Sheriff's Office submitted a request in October 2024 to use non-General Fund monies for the acquisition of a body scanner. This equipment will significantly improve our security measures during the booking process. We anticipate the acquisition and installation of the body scanner by early 2025, and a comprehensive policy for its use will be developed and implemented alongside the installation.

R5

Update any pertinent policy and procedures for Food Services to ensure the 'three-day mainline sample tray' is being practiced. Siskiyou County Sheriff Response: Fully agrees. The Sheriff's Office is in the process of acquiring new equipment to properly store and maintain food samples under refrigeration. Our current policy, 900 "Food Safety," already contains the necessary procedures for maintaining a three-day sample of each meal, and it does not require any updates. Compliance with this policy will be fully enforced once the new equipment is in place.

R6

Purchase a rescue litter for the jail. Siskiyou County Sheriff Response: Fully agrees. The Sheriff's Office is currently obtaining quotes for the purchase of a rescue litter, a vital piece of equipment for emergency medical situations within the jail. We anticipate acquiring and deploying the rescue litter by early 2025 to ensure the safety and well-being of both staff and incarcerated individuals.

R7

Purchase Bloodborne Pathogen kits. Develop a policy and procedure for use of such kits and provide training to staff. Siskiyou County Sheriff Response: Fully agrees. Sískíyou County 305 Butte Street Jeremiah LaRue Yreka, CA 96097 Sheriff-Coroner (530) 842-8300 The Sheriff's Office is in the process of purchasing additional Bloodborne Pathogen kits to supplement our current supplies. Policy 227 "Illness and Injury Prevention," already contains detailed procedures for the use of such kits, so no updates to the policy are necessary. Staff will receive refresher training on the use of the kits to ensure readiness and safety.