Sierra County Grand Jury

2013-2014

1 reports

Findings & Recommendations 9 findings
F1: The Radio Antenna Towers, (although there is “Restricted Area – No Public Access” signage), do not appear to be secure from public access, posing possible liability issues should someone attempt to climb the towers and injure themselves.
F2: Existing sally-port recreation area continues to not meet the standards set by the state per Title 24 for jail building standards for that purpose.
F3: Jail facility was built as a Type I* facility but has always operated as a Type II** facility. a. *Type I facility holds inmate up to 96 hours. b. **Type II facility holds inmates pending arraignment, during trial, and upon sentencing.
F4: An up-grade to the sally-port/recreation area would bring the jail into full compliance with Title 24 for jail building standards. While non-compliance is not illegal, it exposes the county to civil liability should a negative event occur.
F5: Funding to rectify existing non-compliance with Title 24 due to the sally-port/recreation area structural deficiencies is being sought via AB 109 realignment funds.
F6: There is a possibility that the jail will be deemed a financial burden to the county that can no longer be sustained, thereby generating continued discussion on whether the jail should be maintained or closed meaning inmates would be permanently housed out of county.
Related Recommendations (4)
R1: Upon completion and presentation of Fred Campbell’s in-depth analysis of the jail, the Sierra County Board of Supervisors must make a decision of the financial viability of keeping the jail open.
R2: The Sierra County Board of Supervisors must hold public hearings throughout the county in order to gain the public’s input regarding the prospect of closing the jail.
R3: The Sierra County Board of Supervisors must act as expeditiously as possible on the information presented for the benefit of Sierra County.
R4: Consider collecting facilities fees from all new development in order to plan for future 12 growth and upgrade of facilities as warranted.
F7: Disbursement of AB 109 realignment funds to bring the existing sally-port/recreation area is pending completion of the SB 678/AB 109 Integrated Implementation Plan prepared by Fred Campbell, Criminal Justice Research Foundation, and the Board of supervisors’ decision regarding the viability of keeping the jail open. As of the time of this report, the finalized report was still pending completion.
F8: There appeared to be a lack of effective communication from administration as to what training was available for Correctional Officers versus what training the Correctional Officers were actually being offered or sent to by superiors. That issue has been resolved. Sheriff Evans, the deputies, and the correctional officers/dispatchers are commended for their hard work at resolving those matters that were within their power to resolve. Sheriff Evans and his staff’s cooperation with this grand jury has been exemplary. 5
F9: There appears to be no coherent policy for using volunteers, i.e. whether drug testing needs to be done (especially in the case of driving city equipment) or health checks to prevent high risk people from performing tasks dangerous to their health. The city is exposed to liability, and if the risk is not covered the city will be bankrupt shortly.
Additional Recommendations 1

Not linked to specific findings.

R5: Implement a maintenance program for the fire hydrants to ensure public safety.