Final Report 1962*

Recommendations 11

• R1
  Study the possibility of establishing standard prices on drugs and sup- plies for the purpose of eliminating different interpretations of a comp- licated pricing structure.
• R2
  Reverse the decision to impose a minimum charge of $1.20 for broken packages of non-legend drug items.
• R3
  Reduce the spread of the individual price brackets on the prescription pricing chart being used by pharmacists. Audit resulted in fifteen recommendations. Replies from the Division indicate agreement in all cases. DEPARTMENT OF CHARITIES Bureau of Resources and Collections Audit of the Bureau resulted in a number of recommendations, most of which were concurred in by the Bureau. Four recommendations called for studies, which are currently in process; and, in addition, one recommendation from the 1961 Jury is still being studied. All five should be completed They are as follows:
• R4
  A study being made to determine the feasibility of maintaining all bill- ing records at the Bureau of Resources and Collections. Audit reports indicate it is now necessary to contact six County institutions plus the Bureau of Public Assistance in order to bring an account up to date. This study is a part of the electro-data processing study now being conducted by the Bureau, completion of which is expected before the end of 1963.
• R5
  The following is a recommendation from the 1961 Jury which is still pending: "As reported by the contract auditors, it was planned originally to place the billing and accounting programs of the Bureau of Resources and Collections on an electric computor to be used in conjunction with the School Claims Division of the Auditor-Controller's office. Because the Auditor-Controller's operations would require most of the machine time, however, it was decided to investigate the feasibility of placing the Bureau's programs on a separate computer." Current Status: As stated above, an electro-data processing study of the Bureau's oper- ations is underway and will be completed before the end of 1963. REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT The Jury expressed interest in the disposition of space previously occupied by departments which were moved into new buildings, where the space formerly occupied was located in other than County-owned buildings. Investigation revealed that occupancy of the new Hall of Administration per- mitted the County to terminate leases on five premises and sublease eight oth- ers. It is expected that over-all efficiency of many departments will result from bet- er housing. . COUNTY COUNSEL The Jury has been much concerned over fraudulent claims filed by some doc- tors and dentists under the Medical Care Program. Two cases were heard, indictments returned, and if conviction is obtained, sentencing in a penal institution could result. As an additional deterrent to this fraudulent practice, the Jury requests the County Counsel to file and prosecute claims for treble damages against viola- tors in those cases where District Attorney investigators have uncovered widespread abuses. MUNICIPAL COURTS The Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Deputy Auditor-Controller indi- cate that they concur with the auditor's recommendations in general. How- ever, there are certain legal problems which involve the jurisdiction of munici- palities in some recommendations; but, by and large, we feel that this audit has been productive of improvements that will enhance the efficiency of the three courts involved. We strongly urge the 1963 Grand Jury to peruse the report for possible imple- mentations of the audit recommendations in other courts. COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT It is noted that this department provides advisory services and staffing to the Federation of Community Coordinating Councils of Los Angeles County. This organization represents many hundreds of dedicated citizens who are devoting time and effort toward the solution of many community problems. The invalua- ble services of these citizens is of such obvious importance to County govern- ment that this jury recommends that the Supervisors thoroughly review the Department with a view to increasing its efficiency and effectiveness. The department head in an appearance before the Audit Committee noted that a request for new and more efficient mimeographing equipment had been made due to the heavy load of over 6,000 on the mailing list. With the approval of the department, contract auditors were instructed to send to the mailing list a double-sided postcard which in effect stated, "If you desire to remain on the mailing list, please sign and return this card." Of 1,834 cards sent, just over 600 requested retention, while more than 1,200 requested removal or did not reply. In other words, two out of three recipi- ents did not think enough of the mailings to want their continuance. The department did not furnish names and addresses of the remaining 4,000- plus names, so no check could be made. DISTRICT ATTORNEY The District Attorney has discontinued a special division having responsibility for the prosecution of matters where children are the victims. It is recommended that such a division be re-established to the end that chil- dren who are the victims of law violations, especially sex offenses, be afforded the maximum protection under the law. Such a special division makes possible the handling of children by specially trained personnel, minimizing the unavoidable trauma of the victims. Further, re-establishment of this division will make available in one place the knowledge of all resources, both public and private, available to victims, and will insure speedy referral to the proper agency. GRAND JURY Grand Juries for the past two years have recommended either a second Grand Jury for Los Angeles County, or a study leading toward the establishment of a second jury. The 1962 group is unable to concur in this. Reasoning of this year's jury, together with an alternative proposal, will be found in the letter to the Honorable McIntyre Faries, Addendum . The appropriate committee of the Superior Court Judges did not see fit to rec- ommend the affidavit, which was a part of this jury's suggestion, and the Su- perior Court judges concurred with their committee. However, the Jury understands that the court is giving further consideration to the problem, with a view to eliminating from prospective nominees those persons who would find it impossible to devote the necessary time. This jury would respectfully urge the adoption of the suggested affidavit, or one similar. Recognizing the work load upon Grand Juries in counties as populous as Los Angeles, the frequent recommendations that two or more Grand Juries operate concurrently, and the gradual erosion of the Jury's powers through legisla- tive changes and judicial interpretations, it is recommended that a joint com- mittee of the Legislature be formed to study the entire Grand Jury operation. Specific changes which the committee might consider include:
• R6
  The California State Department of Education be requested to estab- lish a realistic scientific program on narcotics to be taught in the public schools. Qualified experts in education, public and mental health, pro- bation, medicine and law enforcement be recruited to prepare the material. a. An intensive educational program be carried on to identify addict prone individuals. b. Principals and teachers be given special training on narcotics.
• R7
  Establish an adequate research program to study and evaluate causes of addiction, to test effectiveness of present commitment and parole laws and to further improve and develop new methods of treatment and rehabilitation.
• R8
  Charge the California Department of Public Health with the responsi- bility for publishing and distributing to the public printed materials concerning narcotics and dangerous drugs.
• R9
  That radio, television and the press be utilized to educate parents and children on this subject.
• R10
  Vigorous enforcement of present narcotics laws.
• R11
  Enlistment of community leaders and organizations in marshaling all local resources for prevention activities in the field of narcotics. Crea- tion of the Blue Ribbon Watch Dog Committee to spearhead narcotics control in Los Angeles Countý is an example of such organization. Supervisors Ernest Debs, Warren Dorn and former congressman Joe Holt headed this group. In addition the Jury, while having no immediate authority concerning Federal laws, endorses the following: