DATE: NOVEMBER 12, 2024
DEPARTMENT: SALINAS POLICE DEPARTMENT
FROM: DANNY WARNER, ACTING CHIEF OF POLICE
TITLE: UPDATED RESPONSE TO 2023-2024 MONTEREY COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT RECOMMENDED MOTION:
A motion to authorize the Mayor to sign a letter updating responses to the 2023-2024 Monterey County Civil Grand Jury Final Report regarding “Monterey County’s Response to Community Members Experiencing a Mental Health Crisis.” EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
On April 5, 2024, the Monterey County Civil Grand Jury (“Grand Jury”) issued its Final Report titled “Monterey County’s Response to Community Members Experiencing a Mental Health Crisis.” The Grand Jury found that a lack of training, collaboration, and public engagement among local agencies may lead to dangerous outcomes for peace officers and community members with mental health challenges. The Final Report recommends crisis intervention training for peace officers, better coordination of agencies in Monterey County on mental health issues, and posting of policies on agency websites. The City provided a response around June 11, 2024. On October 3, 2024, the Grand Jury requested an update.
BACKGROUND:
The Salinas Police Department is committed to implementing strategies to safeguard public safety and to defuse situations involving mental health crises. Our officers receive ongoing Critical Incident Training (CIT) conducted by instructors from the Monterey County Behavioral Health Department. Officers are currently undergoing mandatory CIT refresher training to stay compliant with the POST perishable skills training program. This training is designed to equip officers with updated skills and enhanced communication strategies.
The Department supports transparency in government and posts its Policy Manual and use of force policy and related materials on its website.
Salinas Police Officers are participating in an updated Critical Incident Training (CIT) course that began on September 19, 2024.
A draft letter responding with updates to each of the items identified by the Grand Jury is attached to this Staff Report.
CEQA CONSIDERATION:
The proposed action is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378).
CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES:
No.
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
This item meets the City Council’s current Strategic Plan initiatives of Public Safety and Effective and Culturally Responsible Government.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with City Council’s consideration of this item.
ATTACHMENTS:
2023-2024 Civil Grand Jury Final Report
Letter from Monterey County Civil Grand Jury Foreperson Doug Smith dated October 3, 2024 Draft Response Letter to Foreperson Doug Smith
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