PREVIOUSLY: Grand Jury Reminds Poor People That They Can Demand a Ride Home After Being Arrested

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From the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On March 16th, 2015, The Humboldt County Grand Jury submitted their findings and recommendations to the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office regarding the Transportation of Indigent Detainees in accordance with Penal Code Section 686.5.  

By statute, the Sheriff’s office has 90 days to respond to the Grand Jury Report. The Sheriff’s Office is working with County Counsel to implement the law and create a policy within our Correctional facility to be in full compliance with 686.5.  

As the law states, an indigent person who was released without trial, or acquitted may request to be taken back to the place of arrest. There is no provision within the law that directs the Sheriff to inform the arrestee of this service.  

It is Sheriff Downey’s intent to implement a legally sound policy in order to protect the rights and safety of all citizens in Humboldt County. When the policy is implemented a press release will outline the provisions of the policy.

Since January 2015, the Correctional Facility has been given the directive to provide, upon request, public transportation passes to indigent persons who were arrested in Garberville and Willow Creek areas.