Last week, I took Captain Julie
Hutchens up on an offer to tour the County jail. It is eerie to walk down the stark
windowless corridors where every door must be opened with a key. Currently, the jail
houses a near capacity population of about 97 – most of whom are serious felons.
We started the tour from the Captain’s office. Ninety percent of
the Sheriff’s fiscal operation is run out of the jail. This includes bill paying,
contracts and payroll. I was surprised to learn that the Sheriff’s computer system
and computer support to both Probation and the District Attorney’s office also comes
from there.
The County jail runs several other programs, such as the Sheriff’s
Work Alternative Program, work furlough and a commissary. Also, the jail coordinates the
many volunteers who bring community programs to the inmates – such as religious
services, counseling, literacy, AA, NA and anger management.
There is a small medical facility on site, accredited by the
Institute for Medical Quality. In addition, there is a laundry, outdoor exercise yard and
lending library. The immaculate kitchen smells of warm bread and is staffed by two
fulltime and one part time cook. There is also a vocational baking program to which the
inmates may apply.
The group cells have bunks, a table with benches and a television
set. The cells house several inmates of relative age and criminal history. I was given the
opportunity to speak freely with some of the inmates. They confirmed that the food was
good. Overall, they rated Siskiyou County better than most jails they had visited.
The jail has 50 employees in all. This includes one Captain; two
lieutenants; five sergeants; and 33 line staff. Seven of the line staff are assigned to
the courts. Two are assigned to transportation. (Prisoners must be moved up and down the
state.) The remaining 26 work in 12 hour shifts.
I also spoke with two of the line staff and they indicated that they
liked their jobs and working environment. One had been working there for more than 20
years,
While on the tour, we visited the law library and I asked about
access by inmates who were pleading their own defense - in “pro per.” Captain
Hutchens explained that the library resource is very minimal. Its purpose is to assist
inmates in understanding the charges that have been brought against them. The resources
are not sufficient, nor were they ever intended for preparation of a defense. In addition
the law library room is also used for the literacy and other programs and must be
scheduled for use by all the inmates.
I will say that it felt good to be out in the sunshine again with the
locked door behind me.
It appears that I goofed in my last week’s column on the
Bluegrass Festival. Tickets are not available at the various sites – the forms to
mail in to order the tickets are available. There are so many different rates for Seniors,
children, etc. that it was decided that it will be easier just to order tickets by mail
using the form. I am also told that my inclusion of the Yreka Chamber of Commerce in my
list of sites was in error. In any event, I encourage you to order early as it will be a
fun event. http://www.scottvalley.org/SVbluegrass.htm
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