By Rylie Friesen-–
Ever wonder what it’s like to serve on a Grand Jury and help keep local governments and public officials accountable?
Through Jan. 25, applications are being sought from residents interested in volunteering for a one-year term on the Sacramento County Grand Jury.
The Grand Jury is an independent body made of 19 people, who serve as an “arm of the court,” according to a Grand Jury fact sheet published by the Sacramento County Superior Court. Jurors are responsible for investigating and reporting on the accounts, operations, functions, and records of the district, city and county governments, as well as government officials.
The Grand Jury also reviews citizen’s complaints for possible investigation, tours numerous detention facilities, and reviews criminal indictments upon request in coordination with district attorneys offices and the attorney general.
Any citizen over the age of 18 can apply, as long as they have been a United States citizen for one year before selection and are a resident of Sacramento County.
Terms of service begin on July 1, 2020, and ends June 30 of the following year.
Time commitment for grand jurors averages 25 hours per week, including participation in meetings, interviews and tours one to three days per week. according to the court’s fact sheet. Vacation periods are accommodated, and “modest compensation” and mileage reimbursement is paid on a monthly basis.
An application form and additional information can be found online at www.sacgrandjury.org.
