PUBLIC GETS PEEK AT GRAND JURY'S NEW CHAMBERS; HEADQUARTERS OFFER MORE SPACE.Byline: Don Holland Staff Writer They are sworn to secrecy Sworn To Secrecy: Secrets of War (aka Secrets of War) is the most comprehensive video documentary television series ever produced on the military history and the “secrets of war” of the Twentieth Century. , and their activities are often shrouded shroud n. 1. A cloth used to wrap a body for burial; a winding sheet. 2. Something that conceals, protects, or screens: under a shroud of fog. 3. a. in mystery. But on Tuesday, the Ventura County grand jury threw open the doors to its new chambers and invited the public to look around and learn about one of the county's most enigmatic and powerful bodies. ``It's unfortunate the public doesn't understand oftentimes of·ten·times also oft·times adv. Frequently; repeatedly. Adv. 1. oftentimes - many times at short intervals; "we often met over a cup of coffee" frequently, oft, often, ofttimes what the grand jury does,'' said Foreman Marvin J. Reeber. ``It's not the grand jury's responsibility to effect change. It's our job to highlight what should be changed (in local government).'' Composed of 19 volunteers, the grand jury serves largely as a watchdog and government efficiency panel. Each July, it releases a comprehensive report on its findings. However, the reports are frequently brushed aside by the city and county officials they are intended to help. ``The grand jury can't force anybody to do anything,'' said Reeber, a retired aviation industry executive. ``We're purely an advisory body.'' While its government oversight activities typically take up about 80 percent of the grand jury's time, the body also hears evidence presented by prosecutors seeking criminal indictments. It's a tactic that keeps the lid on sensitive information and protects the identities of prosecution witnesses. The body also evaluates citizen complaints about governmental misconduct. Earlier this summer, the grand jury moved from the Hall of Justice in Ventura to a building across the street to make more room for court officials. The new location includes a half dozen computers, which allow grand jurors a member of a grand jury. See also: Grand to conduct research on the Internet. In the past, grand juries were required to destroy their investigative findings at the end of their one-year terms. However, a new law permits them to pass on some data, allowing for ongoing investigations, Reeber said. Reeber, who was selected by Presiding Judge presiding judge n. 1) in both state and federal appeals court, the judge who chairs the panel of three or more judges during hearings and supervises the business of the court. Charles Campbell Charles Campbell can refer to several people:
``I think it's the ultimate in public service,'' Reeber said. ``It's an opportunity to make a difference. It's an opportunity to learn about the county. And I enjoy the camaraderie ca·ma·ra·der·ie n. Goodwill and lighthearted rapport between or among friends; comradeship. [French, from camarade, comrade, from Old French, roommate; see comrade. . It's a great bunch of people.'' |
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