Humboldt County Grand Jury findings on jail, courthouse

EUREKA, CA. (KIEM) – The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury releases their annual inspection of county happenings.

This time around, they’re focusing on the county jail and courthouse – and there is good news and bad.

As for the jail, the grand jury had many good remarks – commending the Sheriff’s Office for expanding educational and post-release opportunities for Humboldt County Jail inmates.

They go on to remark that out of 31 counties, the Humboldt County Jail was one of 16 to receive a “Challenge Award” from the state, one of the highest honors.

However, they also note that due to recent legislation, the jail has experienced overcrowding, and a dramatic increase of violence between inmates and against staff, and they point to a serious staffing shortage.

Overall, they say the jail is making the best of their budget.

As for the Humboldt County Courthouse, the Grand Jury focused their scope on the county’s Emergency Preparedness Plan for the facility.

They say the courthouse was an apt choice, since about 1,500 people work and visit the building on any given day.

The jury learned that the county’s Emergency Preparedness Plan for the courthouse was last updated in 2001, and says it contains information that is outdated, and inconsistent.

They also said emergency evacuation signage is missing from many courthouse locations, and that these deficiencies put visitors at a higher risk.

They make a number of recommendations, to read the grand jury reports in their entirety, you can do so, here.

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