MoCo Jail lacking security cameras in some critical areas, Grand Jury says
The Monterey County Grand Jury released a report Tuesday detailing concerns about the condition and management of the Monterey County Jail.
The 40 page report cites numerous problems including the health and safety of inmates, finances and budgeting, facility maintenance, video surveillance, excessive overtime, employee safety and jail administration.
In summarizing the problems with the jail the grand jury found the problems are not new saying “For the most part, to have existed quietly over a number of Sheriffs’ administrations.”
Specifically, the MCCGJ found that a huge drug and contraband problem exists in the jail. They say that this has led to inmate deaths in the jail.
When it comes to staffing, the grand jury found that the jail is consistently understaffed leading to excessive overtime.
As for the video surveillance, the grand jury found that there are too few cameras monitoring all areas of the jail. Add to that, the lack of adequate staffing for the control tower where the cameras they do have are monitored.
Ultimately, the grand jury recommended that the Sheriff and the Board of Supervisors work to increase funding for the jail. Primarily increase staffing and inmate programs at the jail.
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office responded by reminding the public that a settlement has been reached in a federal class action lawsuit surrounding many of those same concerns.
Click on the links below to read the report and the response from the Sheriff’s Office.
