LOS ANGELES COUNTY : Recruiting Stepped Up for Grand Jury

Because of tough economic times, court officials are finding it increasingly difficult to find people, especially minority members, to serve on the County Grand Jury.

The Superior Court has stepped up efforts to recruit volunteers to serve 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. Serving on the jury is a full-time job. Grand jurors work five days a week and receive $25 a day, mileage and free parking. “I don’t know anyone who could live on that,” Torres said.

Critics claim only wealthy or retired people are able to serve on the grand jury, which therefore does not reflect the county’s ethnic makeup. The current 23-member panel has only five minority members.

Torres said the court will advertise in papers that cater to Latinos and African-Americans. 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.