San Andreas, CA…After touring Calaveras County’s two detention facilities, questioning their staff and observing the state of their inmates, the Calaveras County Civil Grand Jury issued a report that found both facilities to be “well run, clean, safe and secure.”

California’s Penal Code Section 919(b) obligates the county grand jury to “inquire into the condition and management of public prisons within the county.” There are two detention facilities located within Calaveras County: Calaveras County Adult Detention Facility and Vallecito Conservation Camp #1.

Located in San Andreas and handling the intake of arrestees from every law enforcement entity in the county, the Calaveras County Adult Detention Facility is a modern 240-bed jail operated by the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office. Inmates can improve their education and work skills, take online college courses and work in the kitchen, where they gain experience that can facilitate post-release employment. Mental health services are also available. The Grand Jury was impressed by the dedication of its officers and staff, and found the inmates to be treated in a
safe and respectful manner with a goal of improving their life skills.

Vallecito Conservation Camp #1 is a minimum-security correctional facility in Angels Camp that opened in 1958. Jointly run by CAL FIRE and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, it is one of the most successful vocational programs offered to inmates in the California Corrections system. Housed at the facility, inmates are trained in various aspects of wildland fire fighting while they respond to fires and other emergencies to assist CAL FIRE.

Between emergencies, they help with fuel reduction and ground maintenance at County schools, parks, and cemeteries. The variety of programs open to inmates in addition to firefighting demonstrated to the Grand Jury a commitment to opportunities for employment and improved quality of life upon inmates’ release.

The Grand Jury had no recommendations for improvement at either facility. The Calaveras Civil Grand Jury encourages the public to share concerns about county, municipal, school, and special-district operations at its online complaint form, forms.calaverasgov.us/Grand-Jury

###