Monterey County Main Jail is
classed as a medium-security facility. A recent report issued by the Monterey
County Civil Grand Jury has identified “numerous problems, many of them
serious” within the Monterey County Jail located in Salinas, Calif.
Although this 43-year-old jail
was initially build to house approximately 825 inmates, the average daily
population often reaches upwards of 1,150 detainees. Along with remaining
consistently overcrowded, Monterey County Jail has recently seen a series of inmate
deaths, including suicides and longstanding issues, which then led to a class
action settlement aimed at improving these conditions for inmates.
Over the years, this jail has
experienced “chronic” problems relating to their overseeing inmates, poor screening
for contraband, inadequate staff training and lax discipline, excessive
overtime spending, and even illegally diverted funds meant for inmates. The
jail has also failed to follow through on a deal with the county’s probation
department to provide services under a statewide prison realignment effort
according to the report.
In response to this report, the
civil grand jury has warned that conditions could get even worse without
immediate action. According to a prepared statement by Sheriff Steve Bernal,
who has been responsible for the operation of the Salinas-based jail since
becoming sheriff in 2014, he “applauds” the grand jury’s efforts and agrees
with some of its findings.
“The Sheriff’s Office looks forward to working
with their partners to address the findings and recommendations of the grand
jury and will continue to seek efficient and effective practices to ensure the
safety, of staff and inmates,” declared Bernal.
Further included within this
report is information regarding the jail’s inability to follow through on a
deal with the county’s probation department, thus failing to cooperate with a
statewide prison realignment effort. The report also found routine violations
of state law, which require deputies to conduct visual checks on inmates at
least once an hour at random intervals.
After reviewing video
surveillance of inside the jail, the jury found that checks were frequently
missed, skipped or not adequately documented. From Jan. 1 to March 31, the jail
conducted proper checks on just 21 out of 90 days.
The jail also has very few
rehabilitation and educational classes available to inmates, despite possessing
available funding for both programs. The jury also found that at least half the
money from the Inmate Welfare Fund fund, which brings in roughly $1 million a
year from inmate spending on phone calls and commissary visits, is used to pay
employees and not at all engaged in inmate education and drug and alcohol
treatment programs as it’s supposed to be.
There is also a lack of viewing
windows in dormitory areas, creating potentially dangerous situations for
deputies who must open a door to see inside. In addition, Newly arrived inmates
are put in a heavily-crowded holding tank with one toilet and sink, but without
regular or adequate cleaning.
Current recommendations for the
improvement of this facility include prison-strength view windows onto doors
leading into inmate areas, adequate relief staff for a security camera control
tower, prohibit inmate-to-inmate mail and hire another mailroom clerk. The
grand jury has recommended the sheriff ask the supervisors for additional
funding to increase staff positions and inmate programs.
July 1, 2015
Correctional
News
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