Ventura County grand jury seeks new jurors

Some residents in Ventura County want to do more to fulfill their civic obligation than simply pay their taxes. To find more altruistic citizen volunteers, the Ventura County grand jury recently hosted a public open house to recruit new members.

Grand juries were incorporated into the United States judicial system in 1791 under the Fifth Amendment. California included its own regulations regarding grand juries in the state Constitution in 1879.

California grand juries serve as government watchdogs. The main purpose of the Ventura County grand jury is "to act as a civil oversight of county and city government, special districts, governing boards, personnel commissions, school districts and humane officers," according to the county website.

While the grand jury watches over anything publicly owned by the county of Ventura, courts and state institutions remain outside its jurisdiction.

The grand jury often conducts investigations to ensure that public funds are being appropriately spent, that detention centers are kept in adequate condition and to investigate any allegations of misconduct by public officials.

Unlike the grand juries depicted in episodes of "Law and Order," the Ventura County grand jury can consider whether to indict or not.

When an indictment is needed, the county's district attorney will organize a criminal grand jury, which serves for a limited time, from a prospective jury pool.

Members of the civil grand jury serve for a year and may serve up to two years before they're required to take a break. Members are required to meet every Tuesday morning to listen to and review various agency briefings regarding budget problems, funding issues and operations.

In addition to weekly meetings, grand jurors are also required to serve on an external and an internal committee. External committees review city and joint powers, health, education and welfare, law, justice and public safety, and finance and administration. Internal committees handle editorial and grand jury reviews and complaints.

Members of the grand jury have access to conference rooms furnished with recording equipment and computers.

When the grand jury finds an organization at fault, an investigative report will be written and sent to the D.A. to make sure the report contains no information that can get the grand jury sued. Once the report is approved by the Superior Court, the agency is given notice and a maximum of 90 days to respond to the charges.

Investigation materials remain confidential until they're released by a Superior Court judge.

In recent years, the grand jury has issued reports that have led to change, such as implementation of handicap-accessible voting booths in polling places.

Grand jurors are often required to meet from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. four to five days a week.

Jurors receive $20 per day compensation, mileage and designated parking.

People who apply to become a member of the grand jury will be required to undergo a background investigation. If they pass the initial screening, they'll be selected from a pool of potential jurors at random by the judge's clerk. If you want more information about the Ventura County grand jury, please visit www. grandjury.countyofventura.gov.