The Civil Grand Jury – the “watchdog” of the City and County of San Francisco – needs a diverse group of informed, intelligent, and interested San Francisco residents/U.S. citizens to serve a one year term beginning on July 1, 2014. If you are passionate about a government that is effective and efficient, acknowledges the citizens’ needs as a priority, and you are willing to devote 20 or more hours a week, please consider volunteering for the San Francisco Civil Grand Jury. You will come away with an in-depth knowledge of how your local government functions, as well as meet a variety of fascinating people while making an significant contribution to your community. For additional information and to apply, visit: http://civilgrandjury.sfgov.org
What’s the Civil Grand Jury?
- California’s constitution mandates that each county annually impanel a “watchdog” grand jury with the duty to investigate the operations of the City and County’s officers, departments, and agencies.
- The Civil grand jury consists of nineteen members randomly drawn for a pool of applicants, who volunteer to serve for one year, from July through June.
How does it work?
- Each jury determines which issues related to the governance of the City & County of San Francisco it wishes to investigate with the goal of making recommendations to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of government services.
- Each jury chooses its own methodology. In recent years, the jury has divided itself into several investigative committees, which then select the City and County offices, departments, or agencies that will be investigated.
- During the investigations, jurors may inspect and audit books, records and financial expenditures; interview civil servants and others who may have pertinent information; inspect government facilities, and issue reports with findings and recommendations.
- After the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court reviews these reports to make certain they meet certain legal requirements, the reports are sent to affected department heads, who are required by law to respond. The reports are issued to the public and the Board of Supervisors is required to hold public hearings on each report.
When?
- The entire jury meets once per week, generally in the early evening. Investigative committees meet as frequently as needed. Most investigative committee work takes place during regular business hours. Members receive a $15 per diem for each meeting attended during the term.
Who is Eligible?
- Grand Jury eligibility includes: US citizenship; at least 18 years of age; continuous residency in the City and County of San Francisco for at least one year; not currently serving on a jury in any jurisdiction; no prior felony convictions; not currently serving as an elected public official; and ordinary intelligence, good character and a working knowledge of English.
- Jurors must by law disclose all investments and business relationships with any entity that has conducted business in the City & County in the two years prior to service, as well as income from employees of the City and County, and all interests in real property. These become matters of public record as required by law.
- Jurors must be able to serve the entire term, from July through June, and must be able to commit a minimum of 20 to 30 hours per week consistently throughout the term. Jurors must be able to do work both during and after regular business hours.
How do I Apply?
- Applications may be downloaded from http://civilgrandjury.sfgov.org/join.html or you may pick one up at San Francisco Superior Court, 400 McAllister Street, Room 007.
- The application deadline is April 30, 2014.