Serving on the Civil Grand Jury
Have you wanted to serve your community and wondered how to get involved?
The Civil Grand Jury in California was established to help provide an unbiased, nonpartisan analysis of local government actions as authorized by the California Penal Code. Serving on the Civil Grand Jury is significantly different than being on a trial jury. It is a creative, challenging, informative, and rewarding way to be involved in your community.
Local people. Real impact. Stronger communities.
The Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury consists of 19 community volunteers who work together to help improve how local government serves the public. Jurors come from all backgrounds and bring their unique perspectives to this important civic role. Each juror serves a one-year term, with the option to continue for a second year.
Who Can Serve?
Applicants must:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have lived in Santa Cruz County for at least one year
- Have sound judgment, good character, and be proficient in English
- Not be a current trial juror, recent grand juror, elected official, or someone convicted of a felony or malfeasance
Time Commitment & Reimbursement
The term runs July 1 – June 30. Jurors typically:
- Volunteer 10–20 hours per week
- Receive a $15 per‑day per diem for meeting days (up to $30/week)
- Receive mileage reimbursement for travel related to Grand Jury business
When to Apply
The Civil Grand Jury recruitment period runs annually from January through April. Recruitment for the 2026 - 2027 term is now closed.
The Court accepts expressions of interest year‑round from individuals who would like to be considered for future service. Those who submit their information will be contacted when the next recruitment period begins.
To notify the Court of your interest, please email: hrinfo@santacruzcourt.org
The Civil Grand Jury and Its Function
What the Civil Grand Jury Does
The Civil Grand Jury operates independently within the judicial branch. Its mission is to help make local government more transparent, efficient, and responsive. Jurors:
- Review how local agencies work and look for ways to improve services
- Consider community concerns submitted by residents
- Publish reports with findings and recommendations to strengthen government accountability
How the Civil Grand Jury Works
Jurors work as a team to investigate issues, evaluate programs, and study how local government operates. All meetings and discussions are confidential, and the Jury acts only as a group. At the end of the term, the Jury releases a final report, and agencies must respond in writing.
The Grand Jury Process
The Grand Jury, although a part of the judicial system, is an entirely independent body. The Presiding Judge of the Superior Court, The District Attorney, the County Counsel and the State Attorney General act only as its advisors. They cannot prevent Grand Jury action unless that action violates the law.
The Grand Jury reviews and evaluates procedures, methods and systems used by governmental agencies to determine whether they comply with the stated objectives of the agency and if their operation can be made more efficient and effective. It may inquire into any aspect of county/city government, including special legislative districts and joint power agencies, to ascertain that the best interest of Santa Cruz County residents is being served.
The Grand Jury functions lawfully only as a body. No individual grand juror, acting alone, has any power or authority. Meetings of the Grand Jury are not open to the public. Law requires all matters discussed before the Grand Jury and votes taken, to be kept private and confidential. The end result of inquiries into civil matters are released to the public in the form of a final report which is approved, prior to release, by the Presiding Judge, the Supervising Judge of the Superior Court.
The Penal Code requires the Grand Jury to:
- Inquire into the condition and management of jails with the County.
- Investigate and report on the operations, accounts and records of county officers, departments, and functions.
- 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 respond to the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors within 90 days after the final report is released.
CIVIL GRAND JURY VIDEO
Suggest an Investigation / Submit a Complaint
Please see existing Grand Jury reports to get an idea of the types of investigations we do. We may already have investigated your proposed topic!
Anyone may suggest topics for the Civil Grand Jury to investigate county or city departments or special districts. Suggestions should focus on operational effectiveness and efficiency of these entities. Each suggestion will be carefully considered. The number of investigations is limited. Since Grand Jury investigations are confidential, you will not be informed if the Grand Jury chooses your proposed investigative topic.
The Santa Cruz Civil Grand Jury has jurisdiction to investigate only local county and city governmental entities. We are not able to investigate civil lawsuits or criminal cases, state or federal government agencies, the courts, or matters outside Santa Cruz County.
Online suggestion forms are available in both English and Spanish. You may submit your request via email: grandjury@scgrandjury.org.
Alternatively, paper suggestion forms are available at room 318-I in the County Government Building. Return or mail completed forms to Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury, 701 Ocean Street, Room 318-I, Santa Cruz, CA 95060