About

The San Diego County Grand Jury investigates citizen complaints and performs a traditional function as a watchdog over government agencies.This is different than a "Criminal Grand Jury" which is a group of people summoned together by a prosecutor to decide whether there is enough evidence to press criminal charges. The California Constitution provides for a group of 19 citizens of San Diego County to be brought together and dedicate a year of full-time "watchdog" service looking into the workings of government.

What is the mission of the Grand Jury?

To represent the citizens of San Diego County by investigating, evaluating and reporting on the actions of local government and special districts.

What are the duties of the grand jurors?

The grand jury is a body of 19 citizens who are charged and sworn to investigate county matters of civil concern as well as inquire into public offenses committed or triable within the county. Grand jury duties, powers, responsibilities, qualifications and selection processes are outlined in Penal Code section 888 et seq.

The grand jury reviews and evaluates procedures, methods and systems utilized by government to determine whether they can be made more efficient and effective. It may examine any aspect of county government and city government, including special legislative districts and joint powers agencies, to ensure that the best interests of San Diego County residents are being served. The grand jury may inquire into written complaints brought to it by the public.

The grand jury functions lawfully only as a body; no individual grand juror acting alone has any power or authority. Meetings of the jury are not open to the public, and discussions and voting are required by law to be kept private and confidential.

The Penal Code requires the grand jury to:

• Inquire into the condition and management of the detention facilities within the county;
• Investigate and report on the operations, accounts and records of county officers, departments or functions;
• Inquire into the willful or corrupt misconduct in office of public officers; and
• Submit a final report of its findings and recommendations no later than the end of its term to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court. Agencies to which these recommendations are directed are required to comment.

What are the qualifications of a grand juror?

A grand juror must meet all of the following qualifications:

• be a citizen of the United States.
• be at least 18 years old.
• be a resident of California and San Diego County for at least one year immediately prior to selection.
• possess ordinary intelligence, sound judgment, and good character.
• possess sufficient knowledge of the English language to communicate both orally and in writing.

A grand juror cannot...

• be serving as a trial juror in any California court.
• have been discharged as a grand juror in any California court within one year of the beginning date of service, July 1.
• have been convicted of malfeasance in office, any felony or other high crime.
• be serving as an elected public officer.

Other desirable qualities:

• good health
• open-mindedness
• sensitivity to and concern for the views of others
• skill in working with others in a group setting
• interest in and knowledge of community affairs
• skill and experience in fact finding
• skill and experience in report writing
• working knowledge of computers (e.g., files, word processing, email)
• general knowledge of the responsibilities, functions and authority of county and city governments

What is the time commitment?

Nominees selected for grand jury service must commit to serving at least 32 hours, four days per week for the period July 1 through June 30. It is not unusual for jurors to work more than six hours in any given day and more than four days in any given week. Business hours are usually 9a-3p Monday through Thursday. The grand jury traditionally does not work during the two-week, year-end holiday season and on court holidays. Jurors are requested to take no more than 15 days of additional time off.

How is a person selected to serve on the Grand Jury?

A person must complete an application {link to application} by the specified deadline which is usually mid-January. Once a potential applicant passes the background check, their application is reviewed by a judge. A judge typically will interview the applicant by phone and then forward their name for nomination.

Potential Grand Jury members are selected from all the supervisorial districts. On a specified date in June, random drawings are conducted under the direct supervision of the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court in the presence of the nominees. The names of 19 Grand Jurors are chosen along with a number of alternates who are ranked. If a selected Grand Juror is unable to serve, a replacement is selected from the list of alternates by rank.

Do jurors who serve on the Grand Jury receive any monetary compensation?

The County of San Diego provides a stipend of $25 per day plus mileage and parking for those who serve on the Grand Jury.

Contact

• Phone: 619-236-2020
• Fax: 619-338-8127
• 550 West C Street, Suite 860, San Diego, CA 92101

Frequently Asked Questions

What do grand jurors actually do during their year of service?

Grand jurors, working as a team, may investigate and respond to citizen complaints about governmental entities within the County of San Diego, conduct studies of government operations, prepare reports of its investigations and serve as a watchdog to assure compliance with established law and regulations governing county agencies. The Grand Jury must complete audits of county governments, inspect the detention facilities within the county and issue a final report.

What is the jurisdiction of the San Diego County Civil Grand Jury?

The San Diego County Civil Grand Jury has jurisdiction over all local governmental entities within the County of San Diego.

Does the jurisdiction of the grand jury cover complaints by residents against other residents or public/private companies?

No. The Grand Jury has jurisdiction over local government agencies and officials within San Diego County.

Are any special skills or education required to be a grand juror?

No. The only requirements are that you be a citizen of the United States, be a resident of San Diego County for at least one year prior to selection, be 18 years or older, possess ordinary intelligence, sound judgement, be of good character and possess sufficient knowledge of the English language to communicate both orally and in writing.

What facilities or offices are provided to the grand jury?

The grand jury has a suite of offices in the Hall of Justice. The suite contains several quiet rooms, with telephones, several meeting rooms and a lunchroom with a small kitchen. Each grand juror has a workstation in the grand jury chambers with a computer which is connected to a printer, a telephone and drawer space. The foreperson and the jury coordinator are provided separate offices.

Will the grand jury be involved with criminal indictments?

Under normal circumstances, the San Diego County Civil Grand Jury will not be involved in criminal indictments.

How formal are the procedures of the grand jury?

Each grand jury operates under the provisions of a procedures manual and may adopt Robert’s Rules of Order.

If I am physically disabled, but otherwise meet all other requirements, am I still eligible to serve as a grand juror.

Yes. The grand jury suite is ADA compliant.

If I make a complaint against a government agency, can I remain anonymous?

Not really. The Grand Jury may wish to talk to you about your complaint, so your name and telephone number are important. You may request that your name not be used during the investigation of your complaint.

What is the difference between the San Diego County Civil Grand Jury and a criminal grand jury?

A criminal grand jury hears evidence of a criminal activity and returns an indictment if the evidence so dictates. A civil grand jury may investigate complaints against government entities and issues reports based on those investigations. A civil grand jury also performs a watchdog function of government activities to insure they are operating in the most efficient manner.

How many members are there on the grand jury?

There are 19 persons on the grand jury, eighteen members and a foreperson.

Are grand jurors paid for their services?

Yes. $25 per day plus 40.5 cents per mile round trip from your residence to the grand jury suite and free parking at the Hall of Justice.

How often does the grand jury sit?

The average work week is 4 days, 6 to 8 hours per day.

How do I get to be a grand juror?

Fill out an application. The application is available on this web site at all times and at the Office of the Jury Commissioner from December 1 through the second week of January. Return the application to the Office of the Jury Commissioner. The applications are reviewed by the Jury Commissioner’s Office and those that qualify are made available to the Superior Court judges who may each nominate up to three people for grand jury service. An applicant may also contact any Superior Court judge and request a nomination. From the nominated applicants, a pool of 30 is drawn by lot. Then, the names of the 19 who will compose the grand jury are drawn at random and the remaining 11 are drawn to create the list of alternates.