San Benito County Civil Grand Jury Report on Sheriff's Office

SAN BENITO, Calif. (KION-TV) — Findings from a recent San Benito County Civil Grand Jury report say competitive salaries, inadequate funding, lack of quality hiring and poor communication all contribute to staffing problems at the sheriff's department.

The report cites the lure of a $30,000 signing bonus for Santa Clara law enforcement and bigger paychecks as reasons why some officers living in San Benito County might choose to work for the Santa Clara Police Department.

“A Santa Clara Police Department captain could live in San Benito County and earn an annual salary of $346,000. Local salaries pale in comparison,” the report said.

The findings are the result of interviews with sheriff's department administrative staff and sworn officers.
personnel, patrol escorts and information from previous Civil Grand Jury reports.

“Communities with the highest priorities and expectations bid for the best candidates,” the report said. “San Benito County is a ‘lower tier’ agency and larger agencies steal candidates from the pool.”

The report also suggests that San Benito County should try to create new recruiting opportunities, including at Gavilan College. It also encourages the county Board of Supervisors to authorize a pay raise.

Additionally, the report found that “San Benito County's communications system is inferior to surrounding areas.” It added that communications improvements are needed to avoid law enforcement burnout and the outsourcing of Santa Cruz County's communications systems.

“The current infrastructure of communications systems leaves law enforcement
“Authorities need more time to protect themselves and leave the community vulnerable,” the report said. “For the safety of the community and law enforcement, the current communications infrastructure must be improved immediately.”

According to the report, the San Benito County Board of Supervisors has 60 days to respond and the Sheriff's Department has 90 days to respond to the findings.