Highlights of public safety forum panelists

Sheriff  Downey, the first panelist to speak gave some statistics, kinds of crimes people were booked for in 2013. Average hold time for a person 51/2 hours. He explained the current policy and spoke about night-time releases. 647 (f) is the code he referred to and mentioned, "subject is placed in detention state to protect the public and because they are unable care of themselves." He elaborated on what that meant.

Counties have different hold times, it varies. Some have upto 8 hours, said Sheriff Downey. When they are sober, they are released because "we have no authority to hold them because of constitutional rights. If bail is secured, they eligible for release, free to leave whenever night or day." Sheriff Downey said that the staff offers everyone a chance to sit in the lobby, offers to call a cab, can wait for someone to pick them up."

This procedure was countered by some audience members who spoke and they also addressed the practical difficulties of family members or friends coming to pick people up, money being one issue, mental illness for some.

"When there is no custodial relationship, we cannot compel them to sit and wait until daylight."

Certain panelists were given questions/areas to address specifically beforehand by forum organizers.

The second panelist who spoke was DHHS Director Phil Crandall. He defined 5150 and under what conditions someone can be held  upto 72 hours if they qualify for that hold. He elaborated on who has the authority to determine a 5150.

Captain Ed Wilkinson who is with the Sheriff's office and the jail manager  said that "our policies are currently under review." Undersheriff Billy Honsal who was the 4th panelist to speak, opened his remarks by saying, "We work for the community. We look to you for solutions, to talk about possible strategies." He focused on the challenges of the homeless on the street because at night the shelters are closed, suggested a "sobering station" privately run.

EPD Chief Andy Mills started his comments by saying, "How do we protect the community and the rights of individuals." He said there are 4 areas to focus on: the preventive approach; policy decisions that can be made on City, County and State level; what legislative actions can be taken; and what solutions can we come up with together as a community?"

I applaud the Interfaith group that put this forum together. I thank all who came. Many took notes and did not speak.