Rule 455 Protocols for Non Traffic Summary Offenders The Municipal Court will implement protocols to establish Rule 455 in handling non-traffic summary cases when defendants fail to appear in court. The court will work with the District Attorney and Philadelphia Police Department to ensure timely adjudication, with notification on appellate rights to all defendants. Coordination between court staff and external agencies is nearing completion. Implementation of an enhanced program is scheduled for early 2010.
Video Crash Court Municipal Court will expand video technology capabilities with the prison for the conduct of misdemeanor crash court to expedite adjudications for custody defendants. Now, those held in custody must be physically transported to the Criminal Justice Center for plea or stipulated trial. The implementation of this program will expedite release based on agreements of defendants and counsel in conjunction with offers presented by the Commonwealth. Logistical details, including the ability to remotely print documents at the prison locations are being worked out.
Prostitution Initiative The “Project Dawn Court” is for women who are in custody on detainers or multiple open prostitution cases. Municipal Court is working with the Commonwealth and Defender to streamline prostitution cases to centralize treatment, housing, and ancillary services. The project will include a component of therapy for survivors of Commercial Sexual Exploitation (CSE). The court anticipates implementation before a designated judge with attorneys working in a non-adversarial special court to provide needed services to deal with the root causes of this criminal activity. The first group of defendants is scheduled to appear before the Honorable Lydia Y. Kirkland, Supervising Judge of the Criminal Division.
CJAB Subcommittee on Police Overtime Criminal Division Administrators have worked with the Philadelphia Police Department and District Attorney to evaluate changes that will ensure a police officer’s appearance in court with minimal impact to police overtime expenditures. In 2009, the efforts resulted in significant savings of several million dollars. Anticipated expansion will require dedicated CPCMS evaluation of the conflict-checking module and incorporation of police schedules. Discussions were held with AOPC programming staff to request that they dedicate some of their resources toward this worthwhile and cost effective endeavor.
CJAB Committee on Prison Population The President Judge and Criminal DCA will continue to work with the FJD and criminal justice partners to review efforts to ensure timely adjudication of custody cases impacting prison population. The coordinated effort was successful in 2009.
CJAB Committee on Prison Population The President Judge and Criminal DCA will continue to work with the FJD and criminal justice partners to review efforts to ensure timely adjudication of custody cases impacting prison population. The coordinated effort was successful in 2009.
Statistics The court will continue to work diligently with AOPC and FJD programmers to refine statistical reporting capabilities.
First Judicial District 2009 Annual Report ● Page 94