Patton State Hospital. (Photo by PAUL BERSEBACH, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER/SCNG)
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San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus and
Local Stakeholders Express Concern on Peace Officer
Staffing Reductions at Patton State Hospital

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: May 31, 2023

Contact: San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Public Affairs paffairs@sbcsd.org

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – Sheriff Shannon Dicus of San Bernardino County has penned a letter to Secretary Jeff Macomber at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, expressing his deep concerns regarding staffing adjustments for perimeter patrols at Patton State Hospital in Highland, CA. In his letter, Dicus highlights the potential impacts of these reductions on public safety in the surrounding communities, including the City of San Bernardino, Highland, and San Bernardino County.

The California Department of State Hospitals operates Patton State Hospital in San Bernardino County. It serves a large population of individuals who are incompetent to stand trial, not guilty by reason of insanity, sexually violent predators, and offenders with severe mental health disorders. Throughout the California Department of State Hospitals, Patton has the highest bed capacity totaling 1,527.

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) is responsible for the transportation of subjects as well as securing the outer perimeter of Patton State Hospital to ensure the safety and security of the immediate area and prevent unauthorized departures of individuals from Patton into the community.

Earlier this month, CDCR notified local community stakeholders of their plan to reduce the number of correctional officers from 71 peace officers to 44 to create operational efficiencies, effective July 3, 2023.

Sheriff Dicus’ letter urges CDCR to carefully reconsider the staffing adjustments and reductions at Patton State Hospital. A response from CDCR’s Secretary Macomber acknowledges the concerns of local stakeholders but does not believe that staffing changes will indicate a decrease in the level of security provided.

In addition to Sheriff Dicus, community stakeholders have also written letters, including San Bernardino County Chairwoman Dawn Rowe, whose district includes Patton, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, San Bernardino Police Chief Darren Goodman, and the City of Highland. These letters and correspondence can be found at the following link.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1D8yApwhcP07DjkszSuWDo1ht7SXzxkke/view?usp=drive_link

By Sheriff's Public Affairs

Sheriff's Public Affairs Station: Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Station Phone No. 760-366-4175

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