August 6, 2001

Honorable Terrence Van Oss
Presiding Judge of the Superior Court
County of San Joaquin
222 E. Weber Avenue, Room 303
Stockton, CA 95202

Dear Judge Van Oss:

Response to Grand Jury Final Report, Case No. 0900
Courthouse Security

Pursuant to Section 933 of the Penal Code, following are comments regarding the Grand Jury Final Report, Case No. 0900 (copy attached), Courthouse Security.

Findings and Responses:
The County concurs with the findings outlined in the report and will re-enforce program policies and guidelines with the Sheriff's Office (service provider commencing July 23, 2001). The Courthouse Security Committee has agreed to consider establishing regularly scheduled meetings on a quarterly basis. Additionally, the Courthouse Security Committee will be informed and requested to determine whether or not the Committee is the appropriate forum to hear employee security concerns.

Recommendations and Responses:
Following are responses to the Grand Jury's recommendations:

• Recommendation No. 1: The recommendation that security policies and guidelines be reviewed and implemented consistently will be forwarded to the Courthouse Security Committee and the Sheriff's Office.

• Recommendation No. 2: The recommendation that security employees review policies and guidelines on a quarterly basis will be provided to the Sheriff's Office for inclusion in its training program.

• Recommendation Nos. 3 and 4 require no action because the Sheriff's Office has assumed security responsibilities.

• Recommendation Nos. 5 and 6 concerning the Courthouse Security Committee will be included for discussion at the next Committee meeting.

• Recommendation No. 7 concerning a separate employee entrance will not be implemented. This particular subject was discussed in great detail prior to the implementation of the weapons screening program and rejected because of the close proximity and visibility of the entrances currently in use. The facility has entrance points located on Weber Avenue, Hunter Square, San Joaquin, Main Street, and basement level. The basement level entrance provides access to a limited number of employees and is used to receive facility deliveries. Basement level pedestrian access is purposely limited because of safety concerns. The Main Street and Weber Avenue entrance points are non-operational.

DLM:CYO:EMA