• Judicial Branch
• Functions
• Committees
• Selection Process
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The Grand Jury serves as an integral part of the court system, subject to the Court's general supervision. It is a "judicial body" "an instrumentality of the courts of this state."

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The Grand Jury is an investigatory body. The three predominant functions include:

1. Watchdog Responsibilities - The Grand Jury may examine all aspects of local County and City government and over 100 special districts to ensure that the best interests of the Alameda County citizens are being served. The Grand Jury reviews and evaluates procedures, methods and systems to determine whether more efficient and economical programs might be employed. The Grand Jury is authorized to:
   1. Inspect and audit books, records and financial expenditures to ensure that public funds are properly accounted for and legally spent;
   2. Inquire into the conditions of jails, detention centers, and hospitals;
   3. Inquire into charges of willful misconduct in office by public officials or employees.

   Grand Jury "watchdog" findings are contained in reports describing problems encountered and making recommendations for the solutions. These are "interim reports" that are released upon completion of the investigations.

   At the end of its term, the Grand Jury issues a final report on the operations of Alameda County government. The county Board of Supervisors must comment upon the Jury's recommendations within 90 days.

2. Citizen Complaints - As part of its civil function, the Grand Jury receives letters from citizens alleging mistreatment by officials, suspicion of misconduct, or government inefficiencies. Complaints received from citizens are acknowledged and investigated for their validity. Such complaints are confidential. If the situation warrants, and corrective action is under the jurisdiction of the Grand Jury, appropriate action is recommended.

3. Criminal Investigators - Occasionally the Grand Jury holds hearings to determine whether evidence presented by the District Attorney is sufficient to warrant a person(s) standing trial in court. A minimum of 12 Jurors must vote for an indictment in a criminal proceeding. The types of cases presented to the Grand Jury by the District Attorney usually includes:
   1. Cases involving public officials or employees;
   2. Cases involving police officers;
   3. Cases in which the statute of limitations is about to expire;
   4. "White collar" crimes.

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In order to accomplish the county watchdog functions, committees are normally established to address:

Administration
Audit - County, Cities & Special Districts
Education
Emergency Services
Health and Social Services
Public Safety & Detention facilities

One or more Ad Hoc Committees may be established by each Grand Jury on special issues.

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Each of the Superior Court judges in Alameda County may nominate at least one person for Grand Jury service. It is not necessary, however, to know a judge personally in order to apply for such service. Citizens who are interested, qualified, able to provide one-year service and who desire to be nominated for Grand Jury duty, may send a letter with their resume and request an application questionnaire from:

On the basis of proportional population, various parts of the county are assigned a certain number of the 30 nominees. After the list of 30 nominees is completed the selection of the 19 who will actually be impaneled are drawn by lot. This is done in June before the new term begins on July 1.

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Prospective Grand Jurors must possess the following qualifications pursuant to Panel Code Section 893:

1. Be a citizen of the United States at least 18 years of age who has been a resident of Alameda County for one year immediately before being selected;
2. Possess natural faculties of ordinary intelligence, sound judgment, and be of good character;
3. Possess sufficient knowledge of the English language.

A person may not serve if any of the following apply:

1. The person is serving as a trial juror in any court of this state;
2. The person has been discharged as a Grand Juror in any court of this state within one year;
3. The person has been convicted of malfeasance in office or any felony or other high crimes;
4. The person is serving as an elected public officer.

Other desirable qualifications:

1. Good health;
2. Open-minded with concern for others' position and views;
3. The ability to work with others;
4. Have an interest in community affairs;
5. Possess investigative skills and ability to write reports;
6. A general knowledge of the functions, authorities and responsibilities of the county and city government and other civil entities.

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Persons selected for Grand Jury service must make a commitment to serve a minimum of one year (July 1 through June 30). Grand Jurors should be prepared, on the average to devote two days each week to Grand Jury.

Grand Jurors will be required to complete and file a statement of economic interested as defined by the Superior Court.

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Grand jurors are paid $15.00 a day for each day served, a County mileage rate, portal to portal for personal vehicle usage, and parking is provided at a reduced fee.

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Personnel selected to Grand Jury duty will be offered an orientation program on county and city government and other county entities. This program will take place as soon as possible after selection and before impanelment. Those selected are encouraged to attend.

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