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Law and Justice Committee
Part 10
X. SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT BUDGET AND OPERATIONS
BACKGROUND
The Grand jury reviewed the Sheriff's Department.
METHOD OF REVIEW
Interview San Benito County Sheriff's Department Personnel
Reviewed San Benito County Approved Budget 2000-2001
OBSERVATIONS, FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS
A. Sheriff's Department Budget
The current budget to actual expenditures was reviewed by the Grand Jury. It was found to be within the required guidelines at the time of review. According to Sheriff's staff members there is money available through various grants. However, due to limited staff they are unable to pursue this money.
Currently there are 9 deputy positions open. The Sheriff's staff pointed out that this is a State-wide problem. It is difficult to attract young citizens into the law enforcement occupation due to the fact that higher salaries can be commanded in far safer occupations. Because of this it is becoming increasingly important to retain current staff members.
B. Sheriff's Department Operations
One of the major changes that is taking place at the jail is the modification of the cell doors; the result of a recent disturbance. After looking at the cost of replacing the doors compared to modifying the existing ones, it was decided to do the latter, using a local business. This resulted in substantial savings to the taxpayers. After this work is completed the safety of the jail staff will be increased considerably. The inmates responsible have been identified as a result of the review of surveillance camera film, charges have been filed, and they will be held financially responsible for damages.
Recently, a lawyer was attacked in court. This led the Sheriff's Department to review their handling of inmates in the courthouse. From now on, inmates will be allowed to wear civilian clothing only during their trial. After the jury has received their case, the inmate will be returned to jail clothing and arm and leg restraints. Additionally, the jail staff has been issued stricter handling guidelines for transporting inmates and supervising them while in court.
Overall security at the courthouse is primarily the responsibility of the Sheriff's Department. The Marshall's office does have responsibility for safety in courtroom #1 and the two agencies do assist each other when needed. It should be noted, however, that on at least one occasion when a security recommendation was made by the Sheriff to Courthouse employees, it was ignored with the explanation that it would have been too restrictive and inconvenient for employees.
Another issue the Sheriff's Department has recently resolved concerns the transportation of inmates for mental health treatment. An agreement has been reached whereby the Sheriff's Department has agreed to pay a $70.00/hr. fee for consultation/treatment by the mental health professionals to be conducted at the jail facility. A 2-hour per week schedule is currently being defined. This expenditure is considered fair since a deputy can only safely transport a minimum amount of inmates at one time, and in some cases certain inmates need to be transported alone for security. When considering the cost of the deputy's wages as well as wear and tear on the vehicle and the potential liability to the County, this is a solution long overdue. The Sheriff and the Mental Health Department are to be commended for arriving at a solution to a very serious, costly and time consuming problem.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The Grand Jury recommends that:
| 1. |
When vacancies occur in allotted positions, they be filled
immediately. |
| 2. |
The issue of safety/security at the court house be given a higher priority than
is currently obvious. If necessary, private security firms should be contacted
for guidance and recommendations. |
| 3. |
The County should give serious consideration to the hiring of a grant writer.
We feel that the County would benefit greatly if one were hired. The County
May want to consider working with the City of Hollister in this matter. |
AFFECTED AGENCIES
San Benito County Sheriff
San Benito County Board of Supervisors
San Benito County Superior Court
RESPONSE REQUIRED
California Penal Code s/s 933 requires that a response to this final report's
recommendations be delivered to the presiding judge within 90 days of the
receipt of the report.
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