Administrative Office County Administrative Officer*

The jail staff consists of: the Chief, one Assistant Chief, two Lieutenants, seven Sergeants, ten Corporals, 83 Officers, 17 administrative/clerical personnel and one Maintenance Worker. Response Respondent agrees with the finding per California Penal Code 933.05 (a) (1).

There is sufficient staffing to properly handle the responsibilities of the jail. Response Respondent agrees with the finding per California Penal Code 933.05 (a) (1).

The inmate supervisory staff is ethnically diverse. Response Respondent agrees with the finding per California Penal Code 933.05 (a) (1).

Staff overtime is not a problem and varies depending upon several factors such as sick leave, vacation and training. Response Respondent agrees with the finding per California Penal Code 933.05 (a) (1).

The classroom visited during the tour was observed to be quiet and orderly. Response Respondent agrees with the finding per California Penal Code 933.05 (a) (1).

Several members of the staff credited the 2014-15 Grand Jury's report, which highlighted the jail staff's low wage scale, as having an influence on increasing their pay scale. The staff believes this increase has assisted the jail by lowering turnover, providing adequate staffing levels, and higher morale. Response Respondent partially disagrees with the finding per California Penal Code 933.05 (a) (2). The Grand Jury's 2014-15 report 1415-05, entitled Madera County Department of Corrections is dated June 20, 2015 and recommends, among other things, that the Board of Supervisors increase Correctional Officer salaries. Prior to the issuance of the Grand Jury's report, on March 17, 2015, the Board of Supervisors authorized the initiation of a county-wide salary survey. As outlined in the Board's response to recommendation 1 of the prior report, the results of the salary survey had been received and presented to the Board of Supervisors and the Correctional Officers' bargaining unit at the time of the response on September 22, 2015. While the Grand Jury's influence on Correctional Officer salaries is debatable, Respondent agrees that increased wages for Correctional Officers has had a positive impact on employee turnover, staffing levels and employee morale.

During the tour, there were no concerns observed. The jail is being run efficiently and safely. Response Respondent agrees with the finding per California Penal Code 933.05 (a) (1).