Applications accepted for 2009 grand jury

Area residents with sound judgment are needed from all areas of the county to serve on the 2009-10 San Diego County Grand Jury.

The grand jury investigates citizen complaints and serves as a watchdog over government agencies. It does not conduct criminal investigations.

Applications are available by telephone at 619-450-7272 or in person at the San Diego Superior Court civil business offices Downtown and in the North, South and East branches of the court. Applications may be downloaded from the San Diego Superior Court’s Web site at www.sdcourts.ca.gov or the grand jury’s Web site at www.sdcounty.ca.gov/grandjury.

The 19-member body will work four days a week, approximately six hours a day, from July 1, 2009, through June 30, 2010, at the Hall of Justice in downtown San Diego. A stipend per day, mileage, and downtown parking are provided.

Applications must be received by Jan. 16, 2009. Qualified candidates will be nominated for a random drawing tentatively scheduled for June 5, 2009. The random drawing gives each supervisorial district an equal representation by population.

Candidates must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old, with sufficient knowledge of the English language and a county resident for one year prior to selection. All candidates will be required to pass a criminal background check.

Individuals meeting the above requirements are encouraged to apply.