CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
September 3, 2024 {{section.number}}f
RESPONSE TO THE 2023/2024 SAN DIEGO GRAND JURY REPORTS ON “DOG BITES IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY” AND “RETIRED SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS (RSVP) AT SAN DIEGO LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES”
RECOMMENDATION:
Accept the staff report and authorize the transmittal of the proposed responses to the Presiding Judge overseeing the Grand Jury as presented or revised.
BACKGROUND:
The San Diego Grand Jury issued two reports in 2024 that require formal responses from the City of Coronado:
1. Dog Bites in San Diego County (published June 10, 2024): This report addresses the reporting of dog bites and the public availability of fines for dog control ordinance violations across San Diego County.
2. Retired Senior Volunteer Programs (RSVP) at San Diego Law Enforcement Agencies (published May 30, 2024): This report evaluates the effectiveness of RSVP programs and provides recommendations to enhance their operation within the county.
Both reports require formal responses from the City within 90 days of publication, including agreements or disagreements with findings and the status of recommendations.
ANALYSIS:
The reports include several findings and recommendations that apply to the City of Coronado.
Per State statute, the responding entity must state whether it agrees with the findings, and if not, provide an explanation. The City must also respond to each recommendation assigned for response by stating one of the following:
a) The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented action.
b) The recommendation has not yet been implemented but will be implemented in the future, with a timeframe for implementation.
c) The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a timeframe for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department being investigated or reviewed, including the governing body of the public agency when applicable. This timeframe shall not exceed six months from the date of publication of the Grand Jury report; or,
d) The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefor.
The Grand Jury assigned two recommendations for the City of Coronado’s response regarding dog bites and three recommendations regarding retired senior volunteer programs:
Dog Bite Recommendation R1 Interviewed cities should submit to the County of San Diego reports about all dog bites within their jurisdiction annually.
Dog Bite Recommendation R2 Interviewed cities and the County of San Diego should publicly post the fines associated with violations of
ordinances concerning dogs.
RSVP Recommendation R1 Collaborate to create a centralized two-week academy for new RSVP recruits across all law enforcement agencies.
RSVP Recommendation R2 Collaborate to develop and share recruiting best practices.
RSVP Recommendation R3 Pursue outside funding sources for RSVP operations and acquisition of dedicated equipment.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
ALTERNATIVE:
The City Council may direct staff to modify responses to any of the Grand Jury’s findings or recommendations.
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT:
This activity is not a project as defined by CEQA and is therefore exempt from environmental review.
PUBLIC NOTICE:
No notice required.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Grand Jury Report – Dog Bites in San Diego County
2. Proposed Grand Jury Response Letter – Dog Bites in San Diego County
3. Grand Jury Report – Retired Senior Volunteer Programs (RSVP) at San Diego Law Enforcement Agencies
4. Proposed Grand Jury Response Letter – RSVP at San Diego Law Enforcement Agencies Submitted By: Police Services Department / Rick Martinez