Modoc Superior Court

Press Release..
Modoc County Grand Jury Report 2024-2025

https://www.co.modoc.ca.us/grand_jury/index.php

Modoc residents interested in Modoc County Civil Grand Jury service should visit the Modoc Superior Court at 205 South East Street or telephone 530-233-6516.

To file a Citizen’s Complaint, complete and mail the form available at https://www.co.modoc.ca.us/grand_jury/index.php

Step Up for Justice: Why You Should Serve on Modoc’s Civil Grand Jury

By Scott Swasey 2024-2025 Grand Jury Foreperson for Modoc County In every California county, there exists a powerful yet often underrecognized force for justice and accountability: the civil grand jury. Composed of everyday citizens, this independent body plays a crucial role in ensuring our local governments remain transparent, efficient, and responsive to the needs of the people. Now more than ever, Modoc County needs thoughtful, civic-minded individuals to step forward and serve. Have you ever thought you’d like to serve on the Modoc County Civil Grand Jury? Now is your chance.

What is a Civil Grand Jury? Unlike a trial jury, a civil grand jury does not determine guilt or innocence. Instead, it acts as a watchdog, investigating local government operations, public agencies, and officials. From reviewing city budgets to inspecting detention facilities, grand jurors dig deep to uncover inefficiencies, expose waste, and recommend improvements that directly affect our communities. Each year, the seated jury chooses where and what they will investigate. Modoc County impanels a new civil grand jury every year in July, composed of 11 members who serve for a term of one year. These jurors research, interview, and deliberate on a wide range of civic issues—then issue public reports that can spark real change.

Five Reasons Why You Should Serve
1. Be a Voice for Your Community Serving on a civil grand jury is one of the most direct ways to influence how Modoc County functions. You’ll examine how taxpayer dollars are spent and help ensure public officials are held to high standards of performance and integrity.
2. Promote Government Accountability Many reforms and policy changes across Modoc County have stemmed from grand jury reports. From improved jail conditions to more transparent budgeting practices, Modoc’s Civil Grand Jury is a vital tool for public oversight in our county.
3. Gain a Unique Civic Experience As a grand juror for Modoc County, you’ll gain hands-on experience in law, policy, and investigative research. It’s a rare opportunity to engage with your local government from the inside out—and it looks great on a résumé, too.
4. Work With Like-Minded Citizens You’ll collaborate with a diverse group of fellow citizens, united by a shared commitment to public service. Together, you’ll work toward creating a better, more accountable local government for everyone. Read these quotes from some of this year’s grand jury members:
• “Wow!” What an awesome experience being a part of the Modoc County Civil Grand Jury. To be honest, serving on the grand jury was not on my bucket list. I must thank Judge Wendy Dier for encouraging my grand jury participation as my experience has been a blessing. In addition to my civic duty, I consider in an honor and a privilege to service citizens of Modoc County. It was a positive and educational experience.”
• “I found my experience to be interesting and educational. The time I spent on the grand jury has been rewarding and an enjoyable experience.”
• “This is my second year serving on the Modoc County Civil Grand Jury and I am inspired. When I volunteered two years ago, Judge Dier called me personally, and asked me to serve. It was an honor. This has been an awesome opportunity to meet other civic-minded individuals. Yes, it is a year commitment, but the year goes by fast, and we learn so much about how the services in our community work. I highly recommend this experience to anyone who wants to give back to Alturas and Modoc County.”
• “It’s been an honor for me to have been the Grand Jury Foreperson this year. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with a great group of people who have been quite keen to learn about our local government functions. The interaction I’ve had with several of the County department leaders has really opened my eyes to the challenges we face in Modoc County.”
5. Leave a Lasting Impact The findings and recommendations made by civil grand juries can lead to lasting changes in how local agencies operate. Your work can benefit your neighbors and community members for years to come.

How to Apply Serving on a Modoc’s civil grand jury is open to all Modoc residents aged 18 and over who have lived in the county for at least one year, are of good character, and possess sufficient knowledge of the English language. Applications are typically accepted at the Modoc Superior Courthouse business office.

Answer the Call In an age when trust in government is more important than ever, Modoc’s Civil Grand Jury offers a meaningful way to contribute to the health of our county and our democracy. It’s not just an opportunity to serve — It’s an opportunity to make a difference. The Grand Jury will be holding an Open House at the Court House on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., in the upstairs court room. Join us as we answer questions and share our experience. Are you already ready to volunteer to serve on the 2025-2026 Modoc County Grand Jury? Contact Bekki at the Modoc Superior Courthouse, 530-233-6516, ext. 1208.

Photo by Janice Betian

In response to the COVID-19, the presiding judge has ordered modifications to court operations. Please visit our website for these changes: www.modoc.courts.ca.gov

Please pick up an application at 205 South East Street in Alturas or visit our website.
www.modocsuperiorcourt.ca.gov