Watchdogs Invited To Apply For Special Work Assignment

Riverside County residents interested in serving on the grand jury are welcome to apply between now and March 15, Superior Court officials said today.

The 19-member civil grand jury is in session year-round, investigating citizen complaints about government agencies and conducting inquiries of its own.

Applications are for the grand jury sitting from July 1 of this year to June 30, 2014.

Applicants undergo a background screening and interviews with a selection committee, comprised of judges, one of whom must nominate juror candidates.

To be considered, an applicant must be:

-- an American citizen;

-- 18 years old or older;

-- a county resident for at least a year;

-- have "sound judgment and fair character";

-- speak English;

-- be available for weekly hearings and meetings;

-- not currently serving as a trial juror;

-- not an elected official; and

-- have no felony convictions.

Panelists are not salaried but do receive a small per diem payment to cover expenses and are compensated for mileage.

Applications can be filled out online at http://riverside.courts.ca.gov/. Users need to select the "Divisions" tab on the court homepage and navigate to the application. They may also request a paper application by mail. It must be returned to the court by the March deadline.

More information is available by contacting court officials at (951) 777- 3163.