Agenda - 11-19-2024; 7-a - Report on Detention Center Operational and Staffing Assessment

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1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: November 19, 2024 Action Agenda Item No. 7-a SUBJECT: Report on Detention Center Operational and Staffing Assessment DEPARTMENT: County Manager and Sheriff's Office ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Operational and Staffing Assessment Travis Myren, 919-245-2308 Consultant Presentation Sheriff Charles Blackwood, 919-245-2922 PURPOSE: To receive the findings and recommendations from the Detention Center Operational and Staffing Assessment. BACKGROUND: In response to a petition from Commissioner Anna Richards, the County retained Matrix Consulting Group to conduct an independent, objective, and comprehensive staffing and efficiency analysis of the Orange County Detention Center. The scope of the assessment included: • an analysis of current detention operations, including workload and service level objectives, • a review of the intake and release processes, • a comparison of current service levels to emergent best practices, • a review of the fixed post staffing plan, and • an analysis of current staffing needs based on the current Detention Center population. The study noted six (6) key findings following the analysis: • The Sheriff's Office should continue the transition to an operational model that conforms to a podular remote designed facility rather than the linear indirect supervision module used in the prior facility. • Robust policies and procedures are in place, but staff lack staff awareness and understanding of those policies and procedures. • No detainee programs/services or in-person visitation is currently provided. • Detainees are able to use tablets to increase video visitation opportunities. • The facility lacks formalized minimum staffing levels. • Staff have a limited understanding of booking and release functions and processes.