Jurors praise jail, youth detention facilities

While Douglas County grand jurors took some agencies to task for ignoring recommendations made eight years ago by a previous jury, the county's detention facilities received good marks.

The jury's jail/detention center committee found that the county's facilities to incarcerate juveniles and adults corrected any deficiencies from a previous report and were adhering to department policies and procedures.

Jurors found the sheriff's office staffing to be "adequate, but not optimal."

"The grand jury also recommends that the sheriff's office continue to pursue vigorous recruiting," the report stated.

Jurors visited youth detention facilities at Lake Tahoe, China Spring Youth Camp and Aurora Pines Girls Facility.

"At each visit, the members of the committee came away with admiration and appreciation of the organization and administration of these facilities. The members were especially enthusiastic about the line staff that is providing the various programming opportunities to juvenile offenders. These programs appear to be well-conceived and implemented by dedicated staff members; appear to have a genuine positive impact on recidivism," jurors said.

The jury recommended that juvenile facilities consider certification of organizations and staff members through the American Correctional Association.