Title
a. Receive and support request for funding from the Board of Supervisors for the Sheriff's Office refurbishment of jail safety and observation cells to protect the incarcerated population from self-injurious behavior; and
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors Capital Improvement Committee:
a. Receive and support request for funding from the Board of Supervisors for the Sheriff's Office refurbishment of jail safety and observation cells to protect the incarcerated population from self-injurious behavior; and
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Monterey County Sheriff's Office operates the Monterey County Jail which has an average daily population of over 900 incarcerated persons. The County Jail currently has four (4) safety cells and four (4) observation cells with two (2) of these cells not able to be used in any manner due to their inhumane condition. The other six (6) cells are in a state of deteriorating condition which could lead to the inability to use them in the future. Safety and observation cells are used, within the scope of legal standards, to safely house incarcerated persons of different classifications as well as for medical and mental health needs. The safety and observations cells are lined with a specialized safety padding. The safety padding protects the incarcerated population from self-injurious behavior. Safety cells shall be used to hold only those incarcerated persons who display behavior which results in the destruction of property or reveals intent to cause physical harm to self or others.
The California Board of State and Community Corrections advised the Sheriff's Office in FY21-22 that the safety and observation cells needed refurbishment and noted this factor in their inspection of the jail. Additionally, federal monitors assigned to monitor the County Jail pursuant to the Hernandez settlement agreement have also noted the need to refurbish these cells. The Sheriff's Office obtained a quote for t...
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