Report relating to legally permissible options for the organizational structure of County jails

Department:    County Counsel    Sponsors:    
Category:    Report

At the December 20, 2016 Board meeting, the Office of the County Counsel provided a report and memorandum outlining the legally permissible options for the organizational structure of the County jails.  A copy of that memorandum is attached.  As discussed in detail in that memorandum, the Board has four basic options for structuring the jails:

1. Maintain some version of the current structure in which the Department of Correction (DOC) operates the jails in conjunction and cooperation with the Sheriff. 
2. Revert to the previous structure in which DOC had sole responsibility for jail operations, but contract with the Sheriff to provide a sufficient number of peace officers and to provide direction to any correctional officers who carry or use firearms in the performance of their duties.
3. Transfer authority over all jail operations and staff to the Sheriff. 
4. Transfer authority over all jail operations and staff to DOC and contract with one or more chiefs of police to provide necessary peace officers and to direct any correctional officers who carry or use firearms in the performance of their duties.