What does a county grand jury do?

In California, the county grand jury is a citizen’s oversight body comprised (in most counties) of 19 volunteers selected through an application process that includes a judicial interview.  After being empanelled, the grand jury has the legal charge to investigate and report on all aspects of local government, including police departments, incorporated cities, joint powers agencies, special districts, redevelopment agencies, housing authorities, and with some exceptions, schools.

A well-trained grand jury can have a positive influence on local government agencies when it conducts thorough investigations which result in final reports designed to improve effectiveness and/or efficiency in the subject agency.  Final reports can be positive or critical in nature, but should never be vindictive.  

The grand jury also has the authority to file a formal Accusation against a public official which, if proven, may result in the removal of that official from his or her position.  Both appointed and elected officials are subject to Accusation for misfeasance, nonfeasance, or malfeasance in the conduct of their public duties.

Volunteering for a county grand jury educates jurors about their local government; their reports educate the public at large.