Sierra County Grand Jury
2010-2011
Findings & Recommendations
9 findings
F1:
The DFPD has been unable to manage and maintain accepted principles ofaccounting and financial records since approximately 2007. The person responsible for these administrative duties, namely, the Fire Chief, not only failed to carry through on these duties, but also failed to advise or inform the DFPD Fire Commissioners that they had not been done.
F2:
During the period 2007 through 2010, the DFPD Fire Commissioners failed to exercise the oversight which could have prevented the financial and insurance problems previously noted.
F3:
The financial problems noted previously were the result of: a) too broad ofa range of financial duties and responsibilities assigned to the Fire Chief; b) lack ofcommunication from the Fire Chiefto the Fire Commissioners; and c) lack ofreview by the Fire Commissioners.
F4:
The DFPD Fire Commissioners and the Fire Chiefshould have known that Worker's Compensation Insurance or a Certificate of Self Insurance was mandatory under State labor laws, yet neither took steps to secure the insurance, thus risking costly penalties.
F5:
All who have volunteered within the Downieville Fire Department including firefighters, EMT's, and ambulance drivers were at risk ofbecoming personally responsible for all of their medical expenses if they suffered an injury while on duty during the time period that the DFPD had no Worker's Compensation Insurance.
F6:
All who volunteered to fight the Pearl Street residence fire last July were similarly at risk because ofthe lack of Worker's Compensation Insurance.
F7:
The incident commander at the Pearl Street fire exercised poor judgment in letting cadets fight the fire.
F8:
The DFPD has lost opportunities for grants because ofthe lack of up-to-date financial statements.
F9:
Since January 2011, the current Fire Commissioners have begun to take charge oftheir responsibilities. Page: DFPD - 5 -2011 FINAL REPORT
Additional Recommendations
10
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
The Fire Commissioners must make it clear that the governing body of the DFPD is the Board ofFire Commissioners, and that the Fire Commissioners have the final say in all issues ofthe Fire District..
R2:
The Fire Commissioners must make it clear to the Fire Chiefthat he reports to the Fire Commissioners and that he serves at the "will and pleasure of the District Board" (Fire Commissioners).
R3:
The DFPD Fire Commissioners should review and, if necessary, rewrite detailed job descriptions for the Fire Chief, a bookkeeper, office help, and any other DFPD paid staff, clarifying standards for organization, management and accounting.
R4:
The DFPD Fire Commissioners should review their Bylaws and amend them, as necessary, to reflect the actual policies and practices ofthe DFPD.
R5:
The DFPD Fire Commissioners should schedule a periodic review of administration, management, accounting, inventory, and chain of command functions within the DFPD (monthly for the remainder of2011, and thereafter, at least quarterly).
R6:
The DFPD Fire Commissioners should hire a Bookkeeper to maintain and keep current all financial matters ofthe DFPD.
R7:
The DFPD Fire Commissioners should be responsible for scheduling annual audits by an independent auditor. Upon completion the audit report must be submitted to the Sierra County Auditor.
R8:
The DFPD Fire Commissioners should enroll the District in the "BIT" Program (Biennial Inspection ofTerminals) as required by the California Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1988, which is conducted by the California Highway Patrol.
R9:
Fire Commissioners need training and education. The District should consider joining the Professional Association ofFire Protection Districts.
R10:
Policies and Procedures regarding Cadets must be evaluated, revised and followed at all times. It must specify the limits ofa Cadet's participation at a fire or rescue scene. Page: DFPD - 6 -2011 FINAL REPORT
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Findings & Recommendations
9 findings
F1:
An inadequately staffed jail jeopardizes the safety of not only inmates and staff but the public at large. It is virtually impossible for one Corrections Officer on duty to respond to 911 calls, Sherif-fs dispatch and inmate needs simultaneously.
F2:
Those items found by the Grand Jury in the common area are potential weapons. The safety of staffand inmates is at risk.
F3:
Inadequate supervision of Corrections Officers can result in harm or injury to staff and inmates.
F4:
The ventilation system in the Jail and in particular in the common area is inadequate. The air seems to be unhealthy.
F5:
A roofthat has leaked for more than just a briefperiod of time suggests the lack of care given to the facility by county building maintenance staff and ultimately by the Board of Supervisors. Although it is not the direct responsibility ofthe Sheriff for fixing a leaking roof, it is his responsibility to report it, and to make a motivating case to the Board of Supervisors.
F6:
A dirty kitchen attracts vermin and allows for the unsafe handling of food, putting inmates at risk for food borne diseases.
F7:
There is no on-going program for replacing essential equipment and systems components. Presently, repair or replacement ofaging or damaged equipment or systems occurs only when these items fail. These failures are potentially catastrophic. For instance, should the command center control panel fail, none ofthe locking or lighting systems could be safely controlled, and the Corrections Officer would have no way to insure the safety of staffor inmates.
F8:
The lack ofoutdoor exercise and fresh air for inmates has been noted as a problem in past Grand Jury reports as well as in other state inspection reports.
F9:
At the Loyalton substation deputies are at risk from the absence ofa secure holding area. There is also no interview room. The existing detention furnishing is a plastic chair that is not secured to the wall or floor. Means ofpublic access to the substation seems erratic/unclear. Options to provide secure access to the facility seem limited. Page: J - 3 -2011 FINAL REPORT
Additional Recommendations
9
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
The Board of Supervisors must immediately adjust the Sheriffs budget to include two full time Corrections Officers salaries per shift. In the interim, the Sheriffmust use current funds to staffthe jail with two temporary/part time Corrections Officers until permanent staff is hired.
R2:
The Sheriffmust immediately do the following: a. Remove or secure all potential weapons within the jail; b. Increase training and supervision ofstaffregarding safety; c. Establish routine and regular safety inspections.
R3:
The Sheriffmust increase the supervision of all Correctional Officers.
R4:
The ventilation system in the Jail and common area needs to be evaluated and corrected so that the air is healthy.
R5:
The Board of Supervisors must direct County staff to repair the roof and approve funds to do so.
R6:
The Sheriffor the Supervising Corrections Officer must establish regular kitchen inspections to insure cleanliness.
R7:
The Sheriffmust reevaluate the entire security system and equipment and replace the same as necessary.
R8:
The Sheriffmust conduct a feasibility study to develop an outdoor exercise area. The Board of Supervisors must fund the project in the next fiscal year.
R9:
The Sheriff must install a secured "cuffing chair" (or similar) within the Loyalton substation. Additionally, the Sheriffmust clarify access to public and secured areas. The Sheriff should provide the Board of Supervisors with a cost study for converting existing substation space into an interview room and detention cell Page: J - 4 -2011 FINAL REPORT