LOS ANGELES COUNTY : Finding Volunteers for Grand Jury a Tough Task
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Because of tough economic times, court officials are finding it increasingly difficult to find panelists, especially minorities, for the county grand jury.
The Superior Court has stepped up efforts to recruit volunteers for a one-year term on the panel, which functions as a watchdog of county government and hands down indictments in criminal cases.
“The number of applicants has been steadily decreasing over the years, especially among minorities,” Superior Court Presiding Judge Ricardo Torres said. Grand jurors work five days a week and receive $25 a day plus mileage.
Critics claim that only wealthy or retired people can afford to serve on the grand jury, which therefore does not reflect the county’s ethnic makeup. Torres said that the court will advertise in black and Latino papers. Officials are also going to churches, clubs and businesses in minority communities to recruit applicants for the next panel, which will be seated July 1.
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