Introduction
California Penal Code section 919(b) requires all California civil grand juries to “inquire into the condition and management of the public prisons within the county.” The 2015-2016 Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury (Grand Jury) decided to fulfill its responsibility as citizens working for positive change by investigating and reporting on the training, use of force, and treatment related to mentally ill inmates in Santa Clara County (County) jails. During its investigation, this Grand Jury toured the jails; held 38 interviews; examined hundreds of documents; and spent over 300 person-hours observing the Custody Academy, Crisis Intervention Team training, jail operations including Custody Health Services, commission meetings, and mental health court.