Sonoma County ChapterSonoma County ChapterCalifornia Grand Jurors’ California Grand Jurors’

AssociationAssociation(SCCGJA)(SCCGJA)

A non-profit, volunteer organization to help Sonoma County’s Grand Jury

system have a greater positive impact on our community

Why SCCGJA -1Why SCCGJA -1

Former Grand Jurors are a unique and valuable asset

◦Experienced in Jury processes and rules◦Understand workings of local government◦Have established relationships with County staff◦Have time and interest

In California 19 other counties have Grand Jury Associations, and 15 are authorized CGJA Chapters

10/27/2009.V7 2Sonoma County Chapter, California Grand Jurors Association

Why SCCGJA -2Why SCCGJA -2

Former Grand Jurors help extend reach and effectiveness

◦Add “extra hands” to assist the Court – help educate educate the community about the Grand Jury system◦Offload administrative tasks from the sitting Jury so it can focus on investigations◦Create continuity beyond 1-year terms (source for history and practices)◦Address accountability for report responses

10/27/2009.V7 3Sonoma County Chapter, California Grand Jurors Association

SCCGJA Support Areas - 1SCCGJA Support Areas - 1

1. Community Outreach

• Attend events to talk about the Grand Jury system• Write and place public service announcements• Develop Grand Jury materials with the Court• Oversee website structure and content

2. Recruiting & Onboarding

• Encourage new applications and complaints• Review applications; assist with interviewing• Coordinate initial and in-service training• Maintain contact with other counties for ideas

10/27/2009.V7 4Sonoma County Chapter, California Grand Jurors Association

SCCGJA Support Areas - 2SCCGJA Support Areas - 2

3. Administrative Offload

Administrative/Budget Liaison• Review budget reports and assist with budget research

and budget development• Acquire public information requested by the Court

4. Response Accountability

• Review responses to ensure completeness, accuracy• Confirm that response commitments have been

implemented

10/27/2009.V7 5Sonoma County Chapter, California Grand Jurors Association

SCCGJA Committee StructureSCCGJA Committee Structure

1.Outreach Speakers Bureau (events, visits) Marketing Communications (materials, website)

2.Applicant Assessment and Selection3.Onboarding / In-Service Training

Policy Manual support

4.General Administration5.Published Report Oversight

10/27/2009.V7 6Sonoma County Chapter, California Grand Jurors Association

Organizational RelationshipsOrganizational Relationships

SCCGJA

IT

CommunityOutreach

Administrative Offload

SonomaCounty

Superior Court

Grand Jury

CAO

County Counsel

SCCGJA works with the Court and supports the

sitting Grand Jury

SCCGJA may interface with

County organizations

Recruiting & Onboarding

10/27/2009.V7 7Sonoma County Chapter, California Grand Jurors Association

Response Accountability