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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.

Merced County Grand Jury • 2004-2005

Merced County Juvenile Detention Center (Iris Garrett Juvenile Justice Correctional Complex) — Mandated Inspection

3 pages
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Findings and Recommendations 12 findings

F1 Page 13
The complex is a state of the art facility. It is projected to be fully operational in October 2005.
No recommendations for this finding
F2 Page 13
The Department hired Brian Cooley as the new chief. An assistant chief position was created. The position of Division Director was vacant and had not been filled.
No recommendations for this finding
F3 Page 13
The new facility will house 120 juvenile offenders and the county is committee to having them serve the full sentence. 13
No recommendations for this finding
F4 Page 14
A total of 74 full-time staff are anticipated when the facility becomes fully operational. There is one full-time correctional officer for every ten juveniles during the day and evening shifts. There is one correctional officer on duty for every 30 juveniles during the graveyard shift, 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
No recommendations for this finding
F5 Page 14
There are three buildings that consist of approximately 40,000 square feet. One building house administrative functions. The other two house juvenile inmates. The main entrance has a metal detector and booking area. There is a control center manned 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with bulletproof glass.
No recommendations for this finding
F6 Page 14
There are four wings with 10 cells per wing in each building. The cells are furnished with two beds, a sink and toilet. Each wing has a separate classroom. The Merced County Office of Education provides a vice-principal, teachers, and curriculum for the students. Teachers rotate among the classrooms to provide specific subject area instruction.
No recommendations for this finding
F7 Page 14
The facility also includes a medical examination room and a nurses station where pharmaceuticals can be dispensed.
No recommendations for this finding
F8 Page 14
There is a “state of the art” courtroom complete with computers and closed circuit TVs, clerks’ officers, and judge’s chambers. The average number of cases presided over each day ranges from 45 to 50. Hearings are conducted on a daily basis.
No recommendations for this finding
F9 Page 14
Juveniles are detained while awaiting sentencing, which takes approximately 14 days.
No recommendations for this finding
F10 Page 14
At any given time, there are approximately 37 juveniles waiting to serve their sentences. This is a vast improvement over last year when there were 100 cases at any given time. Juveniles are segregated by their gang affiliation, gender, and the seriousness of their transgressions.
No recommendations for this finding
F11 Page 14
A quarter mile track serves as the main recreation areas. There are also covered basketball courts to allow for exercise during inclement weather.
No recommendations for this finding
F12 Page 14
The Division Manager has completed a new procedural manual for the facility staff.
No recommendations for this finding