This court has always been on the cutting edge of technology and new programs.  Consider, for instance, the 35th District Court’s video arraignments and juvenile program. Over the past few years there has been an increased enthusiasm in the use of video technology in the courts throughout the state and country. The 35th District Court has utilized high-speed video connections with local police departments for criminal arraignments for almost fifteen years. This court was the first District Court in the state to handle juvenile matters (criminal cases involving youth under the age of seventeen). Working closely with the Wayne County Probate Court – Juvenile Division we ran the pilot program to explore the possibilities. The program was very successful, so much so that recently we were called upon to help draft the controlling procedures for the handling of juvenile matters by district courts to facilitate other district courts now interested in running similar programs. The program is now called the Juvenile Court in the District Court (JCDC).

The Probation Department continues to use specialized programs to get probationers the help and discipline they need as soon as possible. One such program is Same Day Sentencing, which has been in the 35th District Court for over 10 years. Under the Same Day Sentencing program defendants who have met with the prosecutor, entered a plea of guilty before a judge, and have been screened by a member of the probation staff are sentenced and given their terms of probation the same day. Same Day Sentencing has reduced the time from arraignment to sentencing from the six to eight weeks of the past to the current two to three weeks. Also, while defendants used to need to appear at the 35th District Court three times, now they usually only need to appear twice. More recently we implemented the J.A.M.S. and C.A.T.C.H. programs. Both are intensive programs requiring defendants identified as having serious substance abuse problems to be tested for drugs and/or alcohol through out the week, with focus around key holidays.

We also pride ourselves on improving the way we provide our services. In 2001 nationally recognized instructors conducted several days of in-house staff training. The first seminar, “Dealing with The Public” helped the court staff develop sensitivity to other people’s needs. The second training session was in “Cultural Diversity”, in which staff members compared the American culture that we live and work in with the cultures of those who are relatively new to this country.

 
OVERVIEW

In March the court held a training course for all administrative and security staff members on the use of AED (Automated External Defibrillator). Through the American Heart Association, all Administrative staff members are now trained and certified in the proper technique for treating an individual suspected of having a heart attack. CPR was also a key component of this training, and all court personnel have CPR certification.

The court continues to be a leader in the use of technology. New Director of Information Systems, Paul Vann oversaw the implementation of the court’s Microsoft Exchange Server. By using this server  for circulating inter-office memos and other staff communications, we have drastically reduced our use of paper. We have found this to be an extremely convenient and time efficient method of communication.

In addition frequently used form letters/documents are now available to all employees through an in-house intranet. This has made it possible for us to reduce our office supply printing budget as it is no longer necessary for the court to purchase many pre-printed forms.

Technological advancements appear in every area of the court. Using a digital camera mounted directly on each Probation Officer’s desktop computer, each officer is now able to photograph every individual placed on probation. Officers are also able to take the probationer’s picture and transfer it directly to the probation file.

Although the focus for 2001 was staff training and computer technology, the events of September 11th forced the administration to improve even further the training and procedures of an already exemplary court security program.

The 35th District Court has taken the lead in developing new standards and technologies. Through teamwork and cooperation, judges, administration, probation and clerical staff will continue to provide a level of service in which all of us can be proud.