John MonacoForemanPlacer County 2010 – 2011 Grand Jury

England, 12th CenturyBring charges against anyone who committed crimes

United States, 1635Massachusetts Bay Colony – 1st Grand Jury, to consider cases of murder, robbery, wife-beatingU.S. Constitution, Article Five of the Bill of Rights, 1791

California, 1850, CA Constitution, Article 1, § 23Arm of the court system; component of judicial branchCriminal hearings (as requested) - decreasing Civil oversight - increasing

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Help local government be more responsive and efficient.Monitor performance of county, city, and other public county entities within the county.Conduct research; interview public officials, experts, citizenry; visit facilities.Publish reports with recommendations to increase efficiency and effectiveness of government services.

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ConfidentialityOath – Sworn to secrecy for life

Collegial BodyMeeting of equals; decisions as a body

Independent BodyMost independent of all government institutions

Continuity

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Via publically published response to Grand Jury reportsFindings:

Agree, or Disagree wholly or partially.

Recommendation implementation:Has been, Will be, orWill not be.

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Shall Investigate:Conditions & management of public prisons in the county;Inquire into willful/corrupt misconduct of public officials.

May Investigate:Cities

Special DistrictsAuthorities & Agencies

Counties

School Districts

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Not within Grand Jury jurisdiction:

State Agencies (excluding prisons)

School district personnel records, curriculum, policy

Federal Agencies

Superior Court System

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Responses to previous Grand Jury report:Reporting requirementsPotential further investigation

Required inspections (public prisons)Carry-over recommendations from prior Grand JuriesCitizen complaintsAgency investigation history – past 3 to 5 yearsCriminal hearings upon district attorney request

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Grand Jury can be selective in what it investigates and reportsBased on proposed investigation’s:

Scope – complexityImportance / impact on county citizensSignificance – itself compared to other potential investigationsExisting legal activity

Grand Jury’s:Resource availability and timelineExpertise

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Methods:ObservationResearch Interviewing

Factual information:ObtainVerify (triangulate)Utilize leads

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76 Published Reports

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Annual average from 2005 through 2010:

TYPE RECEIVED RESULTING IN A FINAL REPORT

COMPLAINTS 20 20%

CARRY-OVER + NEW GJ-INITIATED INVESTIGATIONS

10 50%

REQUIRED 8 100%

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Financial ManagementQuimby Act in AuburnCity Manager’s CompensationRevenue Sharing FundsLibraries – Service vs. BusinessVolunteerismBlue Bag RecyclingThunder Valley Casino Costs to CommunityRefinancing School District BondsSpecial District – Special Benefit AssessmentSewer Service Rates in AuburnCity Council Members’ CompensationAuburn Recreation District

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Health and WelfareAnimal ShelterChild Abuse ProceduresEmergency Call Center ConsolidationWaste Water Treatment in ColfaxChild Abuse Reporting Process in SchoolsSewer Lift StationPublic Guardian’s OfficeAdult Residential Facilities

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Operational Efficiency and EffectivenessCemetery DistrictsSchool - Districts, Auburn, CharterMaterials Recovery FacilityRoseville TransitAuditor-ControllerCommunity Development Resource Agency SoftwarePolice Department Complaint ProcessNewcastle Fire Protection DistrictResource Conservation DistrictBuilding Department

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Required Holding Facility InspectionsCities – Auburn, Lincoln, Rocklin, RosevilleCounty – Auburn Courthouse, Santucci Justice Center, Main Jail, Burton Creek SubstationCounty - Juvenile Detention Facility

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Law Enforcement– Held and Seized Property

• Misconduct– Sierra College President

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• An audit or part of an audit can be the starting point of an investigation

– Audit reports and financial information as tools for more effective and efficient investigations

• The Auditor-Controller’s office can be used to verify that a recommendation has been addressed

• Recommendation to audit an organization or function• Other – Potential subject of an investigation by the Grand Jury

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• Placer County 2009-2010 Grand Jury Report– Issue:

• Myriad of different audits and external reviews conducted by municipalities and districts

– Findings:• No single repository• Different agencies report through different channels• Three different reporting cycles

– Recommendation:• Auditor-Controller create webpage as central repository• Implemented partially - within authority and where practical

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