HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 05261987 - S.10 THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
Adopted this Order on May 26, 1987 , by the following vote:
AYES: Supervisors Powers, Fanden, Schroder, Torlakson, McPeak
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
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SUBJECT: Lawrence Singleton Parole Issues
Supervisor Nancy Fanden commented on the events which
took place over the past week-end as a result of an attempt by the
State Department of Corrections to place Lawrence Singleton in the
unincorporated community of Rodeo. She noted the potential danger
to citizens and the cost to the County in terms of increased law
enforcement staffing. Supervisor Fanden presented the attached .
report, recommending that certain actions be taken to resolve the
Singleton issue. In addition, she proposed that the County
Administrator arrange a meeting as soon as possible between the
Board of Supervisors and the State Department of Corrections.
Board members discussed the matter and determined to
take the following actions:
1 . DIRECTED County Administrator /t/o arrange a meeting
of the Board of Supervisors with the officials of the
State Department of Corrections to discuss the Lawrence
Singleton parole to Contra Costa County;
2. REQUESTED the Sheriff to prepare a report on the cost
incurred by his department relative to the placement of
Lawrence Singleton in this County; and
3. REQUESTED the County Administrator to compile a list of
the parole reforms proposed by the Board together with a
recommended course of action for the Board to pursue.
cc: County Administrator
Sheriff
1 hereby certify:hat this is a true and correct copy of
an action taken and entered on the minutes of the
Board of Supervisors on the date shown.
ATTESTED: ��8l
PHIL BATCHare,, Cierk of the Board
of Supervisors and County Administrator
By , Deputy
To( . BOARD OF SUPERVISORS +
FROM: Supervisor Nancy Fanden Contra
Costa
May 26, 1987 y Count
DATE: l7
EMERGENCY DISCUSSION CONCERNING LAWRENCE SINGLETON
SUBJECT:
SPECIFIC REQUEST(S) OR RECOMMENDATIONS) & BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
REQUEST:
That the Board finds the need to take emergency action, as a
result of the traumatic events surrounding the placement of
Lawrence Singleton in the small unincorporated community of
Rodeo, arising after the Board' s agenda was posted as
specified in Government Code section 54954.2( a) .
That Assistant Sheriff Warren Rupf be allowed time on todays
agenda to address this issue.
That the Board consider the following actions:
- Request the Attorney -General to investigate
the placement criteria established by the State
Board of Corrections.
a) Establish an accurate evaluation system -
one that would allow the denial of parole
under special circumstances.
b) Lengthening of the parole period for better
evaluation and protection of society.
Support AB 1728 sponsored by Assemblyman Rusty
Areias that would require the State Board of
Prison Terms to notify local law enforcement
officials when an inmate is going to be paroled
to their community.
In cases in which the prisoner is paroled to
the community where he was convicted, the local
police chief or sheriff would be given at least
30 days ' notice of the release.
- Immediate review of the determinant and .indeterminate
sentencing laws.
CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: YES SIGNATURE:
RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
APPROVE OTHER
SIGNATURE(S)
ON OF BOARD ON APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED OTHER
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
UNANIMOUS (ABSENT ) I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE
AYES: NOES: ND CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN
ABSENT: ABSTAIN: A NTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD
OF SUP SOBS ON THE DATE SHOWN.
CC: ATTESTED
J.R. OLSSO OUNTY CLERK
AND EX OFFICIO RK OF THE BOARD
M382/7•83 BY ' DEP
Since the State Board of Corrections is mandating
that Lawrence Singleton spend his parole time in
Contra Costa County, the State should assume
responsibility for the costs associated with 24
hour protection over the the next eleven months of
probation.
BACKGROUND:
The runaround we elected officials have gotten in Contra
Costa County from the State while they are deciding where to
permanently place Lawrence Singleton has been ridiculous.
It has been callous and wasteful of our time and legal
energies. ,
Public policy would be well served if the Legislature
immediately directed the Department of Corrections to begin
a comprehensive review of their community parole policies.
Not one more town should find itself the innocent victim by
default of a travesty such as the current placement of Mr.
Singleton.
If the State is concerned about the liability for Mr.
Singleton' s safety, he should be offered the opportunity to
live out his parole term in a secure State setting such as
the minimum security facility in Lompoc.
In the spirit of constructive criticism I say this circus
has to end and solutions must be sought. I feel it is the
responsibility of our State elected representatives to make
this their top priority.