Many caregivers are concerned over misappropriation of tax dollars appropriated for the SMI community. The public has a basic right to question the use of their tax dollars. The Grand Jury is a way to get those questions asked.
The grand jury system has roots in laws traced from ancient Greece, through the Norman system, the Magna Carta and early American and California judicial systems. The United States Constitution specifically refers to a grand jury. The Alameda County civil grand jury is comprised of citizens who act as officers of the Court and are responsible to citizens of Alameda County.
Below is general info on the Grand Jury and attached is their most current report. It tells who they’ve investigated this past year and gives a more of an idea of how things work and who it involves. Requesting an investigation is anonymous and this seems important because it does not benefit anyone to make enemies and any consideration of filing should be kept between us.
The civil grand jury is also authorized to:
- Inspect and audit books, records and financial expenditures to ensure the public that public funds are properly accounted for and spent.
- Inspect books and records of special districts in Alameda County.
- Examine books and records of non-profit agencies that have substantial contacts with county or local agencies.
- Inquire into and inspect conditions of local jails and detention facilities.
- Investigate charges of willful misconduct by public officials or employees.
Secrecy
Both civil and criminal grand jury proceedings are conducted in secret. Complaints made to the grand jury are kept confidential as are the identities of complainants and of witnesses who testify in front of the grand jury. This secrecy allows complainants, including whistle-blowers, and witnesses to have confidence that their identities will not be revealed.
How Can I File A Complaint With The Grand Jury?
Any person may complain to the Alameda County civil grand jury. The grand jury can only act on complaints dealing with a county department, any city within Alameda County, local agencies that operate within Alameda County (for example BART, EBMUD, AC Transit), and all school districts within Alameda County. The civil grand jury also considers complaints against public officials typically dealing with malfeasance in office. The civil grand jury cannot investigate complaints against state or federal agencies.
To make your complaint:
- Download the complaint form. (7kb)**
- Complete the form.
- Mail the completed form to the address listed in the form
1401 Lakeside Drive, Suite 1104
Oakland, CA 94612
Phone: (510) 272-6259
FAX: (510) 465-9647
E-mail: Grand Jury