Deadline to apply for O.C. grand jury extended

Orange County Superior Court has extended the deadline to apply to be on the next grand jury to Jan. 29.

The court empanels a new 19-member grand jury each year to serve a one-year term beginning July 1.

Grand jury duties include reviewing and evaluating county, city and other local agencies, including jails, schools and special districts, and writing a final report with findings and recommendations for improvement. The grand jury also may consider evidence for possible indictments in criminal cases and may review complaints submitted by residents.

The stipend for grand jury service is $50 per day for up to five days per week. Panelists receive reimbursement for mileage.

Superior Court judges interview qualified applicants and choose the top candidates. Final selection of the panelists is by a random drawing of 25 to 30 nominees representing a cross-section of the county.

To serve, an applicant must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, a resident of Orange County for at least a year and knowledgeable of English.

For an application form or more information, visit ocgrandjury.org, call (657) 622-6747 or go to the jury commissioner’s office, 700 Civic Center Drive W, Santa Ana.