By Rebecca Howes
Santa Ynez Valley News
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. — In an effort to ensure the safety of inmates and the community, the Santa Barbara County grand jury recommends that the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office establish a written release policy advising inmates of their options upon discharge from Santa Barbara County Main Jail during late-night hours.
The 2013-14 Santa Barbara County grand jury made its recommendation Tuesday in a report titled “Inmates Released During Late-Night Hours,” after receiving and inquiry into the safety of releasing inmates from the relatively isolated jail between the hours of 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
After reviewing the late-night release policies of the jail and interviewing jail staff, the jury concluded that inmates are not always advised of their options, either verbally or in writing, upon release.
Full story: Grand jury recommends revising release procedure