Minutes 06-04-2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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within the criminal justice system. She asked if the Sheriff would please keep the BOCC alerted to road blocks encountered so that the Board can assist in creating resources. Sheriff Blackwood said the Judges, attorneys and jail personnel work well together and he said the philosophy in Orange County is committed to treating mental health needs properly. Commissioner Price reinforced what Commissioner Rich said about a Safe House in Orange County. She said the need for a domestic violence shelter is paramount and she is supportive of this idea. Commissioner Dorosin said a member of the public came to speak on the issue of pre- trial services, and asked if there are plans for the transition process. He also asked if any current employees who are performing well would be asked to remain. Sheriff Blackwood said there will not be any lack of services during this transition period. He said there are no County employees currently in these positions as they are filled by contracted employees. Commissioner Jacobs said the Sheriff projects a 50% decrease in break-ins. He asked if this prediction is based on anything in particular. Sheriff Blackwood said he is fairly certain that numbers given regarding break-ins during the prior year were not accurate. He said the numbers he is presenting are based on the Uniform Crime Report from SCI and the numbers that he has developed since taking office on December 1. Commissioner Jacobs asked if the new positions being re-allocated regarding the Jail Alternatives Program, pre-trial services, drug treatment and Court liaison have been run by the legal community. Sheriff Blackwood said he started this conversation over a year ago with members of the Public Defender's Office, other attorneys, Judges, and the District Attorney's office. He said all were not only supportive but excited about the overall concept. Bonnie Hammersley said she has had conversations with the District Attorney and there was support but some concern about the transition process. Commissioner Jacobs asked if there was an update regarding electronic monitoring. Sheriff Blackwood said a training program was just completed today. He said it covered a great deal of information that should better equip officers in issues of domestic violence. He said he would like to see electronic monitoring reduced if not eradicated altogether. Commissioner Jacobs mentioned the possibility of a Safe House being incorporated into the future expansion of the Southern Human Services Center. Commissioner Jacobs asked if there was an update for the jail regarding the local 10% food campaign. Sheriff Blackwood said food services at the jail are overseen by Captain Sellew. Sheriff Blackwood said he would like to embrace this concept and possibly start a garden at the future jail to serve not only the jail but others in need outside the jail, if possible. Chair McKee asked if Sheriff Blackwood would expand on training and the new body armor. Sheriff Blackwood said since he assumed office on December 1, there has been 3,821 hours of training accumulated, approximately 27 hours per officer. He said body armor, upgraded weaponry, radios, and uniforms in cars were goals that he brought with him into office. He said all of these goals, except radios, have been met without any additional funds. He said these achievements lead to a safer department, as well as the public.