NCJ Number
76206
Date Published
1980
Length
40 pages
Annotation
Technical assistance provided by LEAA's task force to Dakota County, Minn., regarding court facility needs is presented in this final report.
Abstract
Task Force consultants visited each of the facilities currently being used by the judiciary, county offices, and the corrections department. Consultants noted that in addition to the need for a long-term plan, a number of immediate problems with the physical plant at various locations had to be solved. Rapid population growth and development of the county have necessitated several changes. Projections and anticipated caseload activity and manpower and facility requirements for the next 20 years should be one of the major topics addressed in the long-range plan. Recommendations for the short term include introduction of a secure prisoner entry area and holding facility in the government center, investigating the possibility of allowing judges to enter the center from the loading area at the lower level when protection is required, and providing a screened off area for jurors in the center's cafeteria. With regard to the old courthouse, installing sound insulating double glass in courtroom windows, providing screened off areas for witnesses, and improving painting and lighting are recommended. A study of the existing jail is in progress. Other court facilities lack adequate waiting and work areas for witnesses and court personnel. Each facility should be altered to include areas for pretrial conferences, domestic relations conferences, presentence investigation, and juvenile intake. To structure any further study, a basic set of decisions should be made as to the future general location of major facilities. These decisions can be provided as guidelines to the consulting firm undertaking such investigation. Appendixes include a county government organizational chart, court statistics and growth trends, floor plans, and other information.