The
Santa Cruz County Main Jail is located on Water Street in the City of Santa
Cruz. The California Board of
Corrections sets the rated capacity and the maximum capacity, which are the
number of beds able to fit in a given space. The Main Jail is a maximum and
medium security facility, with a California Board of Corrections rated capacity
of 311 inmates and a maximum capacity of over 400 inmates.
The
inmates are either unsentenced (awaiting trial, on trial or awaiting
sentencing), awaiting transport to a state or federal prison or serving
sentences of up to one year. The jail has both male and female inmates. Violent
or high-risk female inmates requiring medium or maximum security are housed in
a separate section of the Main Jail segregated from male inmates. The
minimum-security female inmates are housed in the nearby Blaine Street Jail.
The
Main Jail is the booking center for all of Santa Cruz County. Each city pays
booking fees to the county. The State of California reimburses them for these
fees. The primary goals of the Main Jail are safety and security for both staff
and inmates.
The
Rountree medium/minimum security facility is located in Watsonville. It houses
sentenced male inmates in separate medium-security and minimum-security
facilities. The minimum-security facility is referred to as The Farm because it
was formerly a working farm.
The
Blaine Street jail facility houses sentenced minimum-security female inmates.
The Juvenile Hall facility on
Graham Hill Road houses sentenced and unsentenced male and female juveniles
under the age of 18 or those individuals whose case is overseen by Juvenile
Court. Juvenile Court is on the
premises.
Pursuant to Penal Code
919(b), the Grand Jury shall inquire into the condition and management of the
public prisons within the county. The Grand Jury fulfilled this requirement as
follows:
·
Toured each detention
facility at least once and inspected the conditions.
·
Interviewed staff during
the tour and in telephone interviews.
·
Read previous Grand Jury
reports and responses relating to detention facilities.
·
Read California Code of
Regulations pertaining to detention facilities.
·
Researched various Web
sites pertaining to detention facilities and incarceration.
In addition to the Grand
Jury's charge, each year the State Board of Corrections performs two reviews of
county penal facilities. These reviews are done separately and include:
·
An evaluation of the
physical operation and management of each facility to ensure compliance with
mandatory state standards.
·
An audit of the
financial management of each facility.
1.
On March 23, 2004, the
inmate population was 377 in a facility with a rated capacity of 311. According
to staff, the Main Jail population varies but continues to be over its rated
capacity.
2.
The staff said the
inmate population is:
·
Ninety percent male.
·
Eighty percent repeat
offenders.
·
Eighty percent substance
abusers.
·
Twenty-five percent
suffering from some form of mental illness.
3.
Ninety percent of repeat
offenders will average a total of seven jail or prison terms.
4.
Eighty percent of
individuals booked are released on their own recognizance, or on bail, pending
disposition of charges.
5.
Medical spending is
required by law and thus an uncontrollable expense. Up to 20 percent of the
yearly medical budget is spent on psychiatric medication. Hospitalization of
inmates can cost as much as $35,000 a day.
Medical treatment is contracted with Dominican Hospital and other
agencies.
6.
Inmate complaints are
handled with a form. Inmates can request a form when they have a grievance.
7.
Inmates have access to
educational programs, movies, books and religious services. Educational programs include domestic
violence, parenting, crisis intervention, family reunification, gang awareness
and GED (General Equivalency Diploma).
8.
The busiest time of year
for arrests is summer, when the number of individuals booked ranges from 30 to
80 per day. During the rest of the year, the number booked ranges from 20 to 30
per day.
9.
The booking process
includes:
·
Detoxification (if
needed) with restraint (if needed).
·
Fingerprinting and
photo.
·
Cataloging and retention
of personal effects.
·
A visual
"strip" search for weapons and drugs.
·
Showering and
decontamination.
·
Issuing of jail
clothing.
·
A health screening by
deputies.
10. After booking, the housing requirement for each
individual is determined by classification according to stipulated criteria:
·
Criminal sophistication.
·
Gang affiliation.
·
Gender, transgender.
·
Age.
·
Physical, medical and
mental state.
·
Risk of violence -- from
others, to others or to self.
·
Nature of charge(s).
·
Potential for escape.
11. Staff said that experience, skill and judgment in
classifying inmates are crucial to maintaining safety and security. For example:
·
Members of rival gangs
or other hostile factions must be identified and separated.
·
Homosexuals and
transgendered people may be targets for attack.
·
Individuals charged with
physical crimes against children may be targets for attack.
·
Mentally ill inmates can
be perpetrators or targets of violence.
·
Some inmates are
suicidal, or become suicidal once confined.
12. Mental state is an assessment based on behavior and
observations. Individuals with mental health issues are closely monitored by
the mental health, medical and jail staff. Appropriate measures are taken to
ensure each inmate’s welfare and safety while incarcerated. Recent budget cuts
have resulted in a lower availability of mental health services. Services that
have been cut include a follow-up outpatient program.
13. Since the last Grand Jury report, there have been two
deaths in jail: one by suicide and one by other medical causes.
14. There have been two escapes since the last Grand Jury
report. Both escaped inmates have been apprehended.
15. Staff said that the computer system's software is
outdated for the jail's current needs. Newer software would allow more
comprehensive management reports.
16. The kitchen pantry wall has a hole near the baseboard
12 inches long by four inches wide.
17. Due to jail overcrowding, some of the prisoners sleep
in plastic “boats” that are so low they appear to violate Board of Correction
requirements.
18. Staff consists of 14 during the daytime and 13 at
night.
19. At each level, staff was able to provide immediate,
detailed answers to questions posed by Grand Jurors.
20. At the time of the Grand Jury reviews, July 23, 2003
and March 23, 2004, the facility was exceptionally clean and well maintained.
1.
The facility is well
managed by its staff.
2.
The staff was very
professional.
3.
Staff appeared well
organized and well versed in operational policies, rules and procedures.
4.
The hole in the kitchen
pantry wall near the baseboard could allow access by small animals.
5.
The Main Jail is
significantly overcrowded. For more information, see the Grand Jury report
“Issues Contributing to the Overcrowding in the Santa Cruz County Main Jail”.
6.
The jail appears to not
be in compliance with the Board of Corrections’ regulations because it has beds
that are not 12 inches above the floor.
7.
An updated computer data
management system could increase the jail’s efficiency.
1.
The Sheriff’s Department
and the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors should consider ways to relieve
overcrowding.
2.
Software for the jail
computer system should be updated.
3.
The hole in the
baseboard wall in the kitchen pantry should be repaired.
4.
Jail officials should
verify that the plastic “boats” used for some prisoners’ beds to ensure they
meet Board of Corrections requirements.
5.
Jail staff should be commended for its
efficiency and good work running the jail.
Entity
|
Findings
|
Recommendations
|
Respond
Within
|
Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors |
1, 15, 17 |
1, 2, 4 |
90 Days(September 30, 2004) |
Santa Cruz County Sheriff |
1, 13 - 17 |
1 - 4 |
90 Days (September 30, 2004) |
1.
The Board of
Corrections’ rated capacity is 96 with current staffing and a maximum of 110
with additional staffing. As of March 26, 2004, the population was 79 inmates.
2.
Inmates prepare meals
under direct supervision, using a posted menu.
3.
The S.A.F.E. program, a
drug rehabilitation program, has increased participation in Rountree between
July 2003 and March 2004.
4.
The sole medical position,
a nurse, was eliminated because of budget cuts. Correctional officers now
dispense medication. Rountree inmates are transported to the Main Jail for
medical treatment.
1.
This facility has a Board
of Corrections’ rated capacity of 162 with current staff and a maximum capacity
of 250 with additional staffing. As of March 26, 2004, the population was 97
inmates.
2.
Inmates sleep in
dorm-like beds with all beds at least 12 inches above the floor.
3.
No deaths have occurred
since the last report.
4.
Four escapes have
occurred since July 1, 2003. All escaped inmates have been apprehended.
5.
The Farm is a
program-based facility. Inmates can continue some educational programs at Adult
School free of charge if the program was started while they were incarcerated.
Each inmate is enrolled in at least one program.
Programs and classes include:
·
Work release.
·
Auto body and paint.
·
Computer.
·
Domestic violence
awareness.
·
Gang awareness.
·
Family reunification.
·
General Education
Diplomas (GED).
·
Building maintenance and
landscaping.
·
AIDS education and
testing.
·
HIV awareness.
·
Regional Occupational
Programs.
·
English as a Second
Language.
·
Parenting.
·
Anger management.
·
California Conservation
Corps.
·
Cabrillo College
classes.
·
Animal bonding program.
Substance abuse programs:
·
Ray of Hope.
·
Alcoholics Anonymous
(AA).
·
Narcotics Anonymous
(NA).
·
Cocaine Anonymous (CA).
·
S.A.F.E.
6.
Inmates prepare meals
under direct supervision, using a posted menu.
7.
A designated area outside
the building is used for family visits with a play area for children. In
another area are an inmate-built koi pond, gardens and an animal enclosure for
ducks, peacocks and other animals used in the animal bonding program. Outdoor
recreation includes horseshoes, baseball, and other activities.
8.
Total staffing level at
both facilities on the Rountree site is seven staff members during the day and
six at night.
1.
Rountree is a well run
facility.
2.
Rountree inmates benefit
from its variety of programs, including increased inmate involvement in the
S.A.F.E. program.
3.
Meals are nutritious and
appealing at both the medium-security and the minimum-security facilities.
4.
The interior of the
minimum-security building is in good condition.
1.
The Rountree staff
should continue to run the facility with the care and success that it currently
is doing.
2.
Rountree should continue
to offer its current programs.
3.
Rountree should continue
to apply for grants to fund its programs.
Entity
|
Findings
|
Recommendations
|
Respond Within
|
Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors |
1 |
|
90 Days (September 30, 2004) |
Santa Cruz County Sheriff |
1 |
1 - 3 |
90 Days (September 30, 2004) |
1.
The facility has a Board
of Corrections’ rated capacity of 32 inmates, with a maximum capacity of 42. As
of March 26, 2004, the jail had a population of 12 inmates.
2.
There have been no
escapes since the last report.
3.
No deaths have occurred
within the facility since the last report.
4.
Fire drills are
practiced.
5.
Rooms are in a dorm-like
setting with inmates sharing rooms. Inmates are allowed personal property. Beds
are at least 12 inches above the floor. There is a TV room and an exercise
room.
6.
Inmates prepare meals
under direct supervision, using a weekly-posted menu.
7.
There are two classrooms
containing computers. Educational classes and support groups include:
·
Computers.
·
Parenting.
·
Alcoholics Anonymous
(AA).
·
Narcotics Anonymous
(NA).
·
Domestic violence
awareness.
·
Yoga.
·
Knitting and crocheting.
·
General Education
Diploma (GED).
·
Health.
·
English as a Second
Language (ESL).
·
Gardening.
Every
inmate is enrolled in classes. Free continuing education classes are offered
through the Adult School but inmates must pay the fees themselves after they
are released.
8.
The backyard is a
park-like setting with benches, flowers and a garden. The inmates maintain it
and family visits are conducted there.
9.
The facility is staffed
with two officers during the day and one at night.
10. Discipline consists of a warning for a first offense.
Extra work detail is required after that.
1.
The Blaine Street Jail
interior is in good condition. Everything is clean and in working order.
2.
The kitchen is clean and
in good order. Meals are nutritious and appealing.
3.
The jail is a well run
facility.
4.
The exterior area of the
building is in good condition. The yard is well kept.
5.
The programs offered to
the women inmates are not as extensive as those offered to the men and do not
include free Adult Education classes.
1.
The staff should
continue to run the facility with the care and integrity that it now does.
2.
Women should have the
same option that male inmates do to continue classes started while incarcerated
without paying fees after their release.
Entity
|
Findings
|
Recommendations
|
Respond Within
|
Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors |
7 |
2 |
90 Days (September 30, 2004) |
Santa Cruz County Sheriff |
1 - 10 |
1, 2 |
90 Days (September 30, 2004) |
1.
This facility has a
State Board of Corrections’ rating of 42 inmates. It has never exceeded
capacity. As of March 24, 2004, the facility had a population of 19 juveniles.
2.
There have been no
suicides, attempted suicides, deaths or escapes during the last year.
3.
The last fire drill was
in February of 2004.
4.
The faculty has passed
inspections by the State Board of Corrections, Fire Department and Nutritional
Health.
5.
The correctional staff consists
of four to five officers during day hours and two at night.
6.
Eighteen of the total 33
staff members speak Spanish.
7.
The staff is culturally
diverse.
8.
Chemical cleaning
products are labeled and locked up.
9.
Weapons are in a secure
area.
10. Individual cells are provided for each juvenile. They
contain beds that are 12 inches above the floor, a sink, toilet and toiletries.
11. The common area includes a study area, ping-pong
table, books, board games and television.
12. The juveniles are
housed in two units. One unit is for more criminally sophisticated boys and the
other is for girls and less criminally sophisticated boys.
13. Juveniles must attend classes, with the following exceptions:
·
Individuals who are 19
years old.
·
Runaways.
·
Individuals housed under
a Child Protective Services protective order.
·
Individuals who pose a
threat to others.
14. Inmates are required to do class homework once a week.
15. Programs include:
·
Alcoholics Anonymous
(AA).
·
Narcotics Anonymous
(NA).
·
Alateen.
·
Friday Night Live.
·
Book and Poetry Club.
·
The Beat Within.
·
General Education.
·
Barrios Unidos.
·
Planned Parenthood.
·
Mentoring/Job Readiness.
·
Religious programs.
·
Community speakers.
·
Young Men as Fathers.
·
Sports, such as
basketball, soccer and running (in an enclosed uncovered area).
·
Programs for girls.
·
Job Corps.
·
Family Reunification
Planning: Strength-based Treatment and Assessment Recovery (STAR) and Graduated
Return Out into the World (GROW).
·
Victim awareness.
·
Life skills and mental
health classes.
·
High School Diploma
classes.
·
General Education
Diploma (GED) classes.
·
Juvenile Enforcement/
Juvenile Law Classes.
·
English language
classes.
·
Work Release programs
(through the courts).
16. Kitchen knives are locked up when juveniles are
present. The meals are served cafeteria-style and juveniles are given 30
minutes to eat.
17. Juveniles are given an orientation to the facility
upon intake (arrival). Juveniles are given a list of rules and consequences,
which they sign.
18. Rules and grievance procedures are posted.
19. Discipline works on a point system. It includes
time-outs, writing a paper, additional homework, loss of privileges, loss of
store items and earlier bedtimes.
20. Juveniles are allowed to file grievances. The staff
checks the grievance box twice a day. Typical grievances include treatment from
staff, points lost, food issues and requests for televisions in their rooms.
21. Postage for correspondence is provided free of charge.
Juveniles cannot write to anyone in another institution or to anyone protected
by a restraining order.
22. Juveniles have access to a phone during intake and
free-time hours to make collect calls. Only under special circumstances can
juveniles use a staff phone.
23. Juveniles shower every day and have their hair cut
every four to six weeks.
1.
The exterior of the
Santa Cruz County Juvenile Hall building and grounds are in excellent
condition.
2.
The interiors of the
buildings are clean and organized.
3.
Juvenile Hall is a well
managed facility with an excellent staff.
4.
The staff is diverse and
has excellent interactions with the juveniles, which provides a safe
environment.
5.
The kitchen area is
clean and in good order. Meals are nutritious and appealing.
6.
In poor weather,
juveniles have very little opportunity for physical activity because the
enclosed exercise/recreation yard is not covered. There is a genuine need for a
covered recreation area.
1.
Staff should continue to
run the facility with the care it has in the past.
2.
A covered recreation
area, such as a gym, should be built so the juveniles will have an area for
physical recreation in poor weather.
Entity
|
Findings
|
Recommendations
|
Respond
Within
|
Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors |
11, 15 |
2 |
90 Days (September 30,2004) |
Santa Cruz County Sheriff |
1 – 15 |
1, 2 |
90 Days (September 30,2004) |
This page intentionally left blank.