Merced John Latorraca Correction Center (2023-2024 inspection cycle)

September 13, 2024 Verne Warnke, Sheriff-Coroner Merced County Sheriff’s Office 700 W. 22nd Street Merced, CA 95340 2023-2024 UNANNOUNCED INSPECTION, PENAL CODE SECTION 6031, WELFARE & INSTITUTIONS CODE SECTION 209, MERCED COUNTY DETENTION FACILITY Dear Sheriff Warnke: An Unannounced Inspection of the Merced County Sheriff's Office was completed for the following facility on Wednesday, August 28, 2024: FACILITY NAME BSCC # FACILITY TYPE John Latorraca Correctional Center 3190 II This inspection was conducted pursuant to Penal Code Section 6031 to determine compliance with the Minimum Standards for Local Detention Facilities as outlined in Titles 15 and 24, California Code of Regulations. INSPECTION RESULTS The focus of the Unannounced Inspection was to evaluate the booking area, the serving of meals, maintenance, and sanitation. We identified no items of noncompliance with Title 15 Minimum Standards. Only females are accepted at this facility. An intake screening process begins in the Booking area where nursing staff ask newly received persons their medical and mental health history and perform a medical assessment. Based upon the assessment the medical staff determine if the person is medically stable to remain in custody or must first receive a clearance from the hospital. This intake assessment assists in identifying those at risk of suicide. This is the first time identification of the risk of suicide is determined and the facility complies with 1030 Suicide Prevention Program, 1051 Communicable Diseases, and 1206.5 Management of Communicable Diseases in a Custody Setting, regulations of Title 15. The initial screening by the medical staff also determines placement into Safety Cells, Sobering Cells, and Holding Cells. Additionally, 1240 Frequency of Serving, was reviewed and the facility is compliant with this regulation. Two cold meals are served; breakfast at approximately 4:00 am and lunch is served at approximately 10:30 am. Dinner is a hot meal and served at approximately Verne Warnke Sheriff-Coroner Page 2 4:00 pm. All forms of medical or religious diets are prepared through the meal service provider. 1260 Standard Institutional Clothing was reviewed, and the facility is compliant with this regulation. Clean undergarments and outer garments are provided. Each incarcerated person receives three sets of clothing along with one blanket and two sheets. Clothing exchange is conducted weekly. 1280 Facility Sanitation, Safety, and Maintenance was reviewed, and the facility is compliant with this regulation. An Environmental Health Inspection was completed on 03/27/24. A sergeant recently walked through all dorms and documented all areas of concern, this included not just repair work, but areas that have discolored walls. Work orders were written and submitted. All work has been completed. This facility is currently in the process of renovation. All dormitory living areas will be completely renovated. As each building is renovated, incarcerated persons will be rehoused from the old dormitory to a renovated dormitory. An Exit Briefing with your staff was held on Wednesday, August 28, 2024; BSCC staff presented an inspection overview and discussed technical assistance and best practice recommendations. * * * Please email me at tim.mcwilliams@bscc.ca.gov or call (916) 956-1559 if you have any questions. Sincerely, TIM MCWILLIAMS Field Representative Facilities Standards and Operations Division Cc: Presiding Judge, Merced County Superior Court* Chair, Grand Jury, Merced County* Chair, Board of Supervisors, Merced County* County Administrator, Merced County* Brandon Thomas, Lieutenant, Merced County Sheriff’s Office *Copies of the inspection are available upon request or online at www.bscc.ca.gov. 3190 Merced John Latorraca Correctional Center Unannounced LTR 23-24