Volunteer Civil Grand Jury - Salinas, United States - Superior Court of California, County of Monterey

Description

DEFINITION
The Superior Court of California, County of Monterey is looking for 30 volunteer citizens to serve as Grand jurors. The 30 persons drawn randomly will constitute the prospective grand jury panel. The first 19 jurors become the Monterey County Grand Jury. The remaining 11 are to provide as alternate grand jurors.

Alternates may be called to serve at any time when a sworn juror becomes unable to complete their service during the course of the fiscal year.

The Grand Jury is charged with keeping watch over numerous government agencies, cities and districts throughout the county.

The Civil Grand Jury may investigate, evaluate and make recommendations to any city, county or special district agency that receives county funds.

California law also requires the Grand Jury to inspect county and city jails and detention facilities, and to review county financial accounts and records.

The Grand Jury relies on its own discretion and citizens' to determine other issues to investigate.

Examples of Duties


EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
The Grand Jury is an investigatory body created for the protection of society and the enforcement of the law.

Although the responsibilities of a juror are many and diverse, its predominant functions include:

A. Civil Government Oversight.

This is the major function of present-day grand jurors, and considerable effort is devoted to these responsibilities.

The Grand Jury may examine all aspects of county and city government to ensure that the best interests of Monterey County citizens are being served.

The Grand Jury reviews and evaluates procedures, methods and systems utilized by county government to determine whether more efficient and economical programs may be employed.

The Grand Jury is also authorized to:

• Inspect and audit books, records and financial expenditures to ensure

that public funds are properly accounted for and legally spent.

• Inspect financial records of Monterey County.
• Examine the books and records of any nonprofit organization receiving

county or city funds.

• Inquire into the conditions of jails and detention centers.
• Inquire into any charges of willful misconduct in office by public officials

or employees.

On the last day of the year of service, the grand jury is required by law to submit all final reports to the presiding judge of the Superior Court.

These reports, with appropriate recommendations, include all studies and investigations conducted by the jury during its term. The reports are published at the end of each Grand Jury term.

B. Citizen Complaints.

As part of the civil function, the Grand Jury receives letters from citizens alleging mistreatment by officials, suspicions of misconduct or governmental inefficiencies.

Such inquiries are kept confidential.

The ultimate goal of the Civil Grand Jury is to improve government in Monterey County and to make public official responsible and responsive to the people.

Minimum Qualifications & Examples of Experience and Training


EDUCATION
Any combination of education, training and/or experience which substantially demonstrates the above knowledge, skills and abilities:

Other Information


REQUIRED DATES OF ATTENDANCE:

To volunteer as a Civil Grand Juror it will be necessary for you to attend one of the following information sessions with interviews to follow.

Please choose whichever is most convenient for you.

Wednesday, May 08, 2024 at 2 p.m. - Monterey Jury Assembly Room

1200 Aguajito Road, Monterey CA 93940

Thursday, May 09, 2024 at 2 p.m.- Salinas Jury Assembly Room

240 Church Street, Salinas CA 93901

Friday, May 10, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. - King City Courthouse

250 Franciscan Way, King City, CA 93908