HomeMy WebLinkAbout740330.tiff 4
OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF
RICHARD P. MARTINEZ
SHERIFF
GEORGE J. MILLER
UNDERSHERIFF
DC PHONE(303) 352-2216
O GREELEY,COLORADO 80631
SHERIFF SUB STATION
SERGEANT ALFONSO LOPEZ
PHONE (303) 857-2465
COLORADOFT. LUPTON,COLORADO 80621
January 28, 1974
Weld County Board of County Commissioners
Weld County Court House
Greeley, Colorado 80631
Gentlemen:
The recent 1973 Grand Jury found specifically that the security
for the hospital, when prisoners are taken for hospitalization,
is inadequate. The Grand Jury also found there is no "locked
or guarded" facility at the hospital designed for holding
inmates.
Our shortage of deputies often does not allow us to station
an officer as a full time guard for these inmates at the
hospital. Inadequate security of these inmates is certainly
a real threat to the hospital staff while some of these
inmates are housed at the hospital. We have, to this time,
been fortunate that we have not had any serious incidents.
For this reason I am concerned, and I want to avoid any
serious incidents on any innocent patients or employees
at the hospital.
On November 26, 1973, I met with Mr. Stenner, Weld County
Hospital Administrator, to discuss this situation. The
results of this meeting were forwarded by letter to myself
and a copy to the Board of County Commissioners. Since I
am still concerned about this situation, I would like to
make the following recommendation for your consideration,
as I suggested to Mr. Stenner at the time of our meeting.
Since Mr. Stenner felt that a development of a segregated
area as a lockup for hospitalized prisoners would not be
feasible nor practical, perhaps the best solution would be
to contract or arrange for a physician to examine and treat
inmates at the jail rather than transporting them to the
hospital unless this physician authorized inmates to be
hospitalized.
I know that several years ago this type of service was
being done. I feel that this would eliminate many false
runs to the hospital as this would discourage inmates
740330
Weld County Board of County Commissioners
Page 2
January 28, 1974
faking illness. Also I feel that there would certainly be
less cost to the county, not only because of discouraging
the inmates who desire to go to the hospital but also the
cost at the emergency room, not to mention the time and
deputy manpower to transport the inmate.
I am aware that the Commissioners would have to approve of
this type of service of having a physician examine inmates
at the jail. I would certainly be willing to check with
various physicians to see if they would be willing to per-
form this type of service and what it would cost the county.
Your consideration and a reply on this matter at your earliest
convenience would be appreciated.
Sincerely,
L72:5-
'' RICHARD P. MARTINEZ //
SHERIFF OF WELD COUNTY -'S
RPM:cc
CC - New Media
Hello