NCJ Number
77311
Date Published
1980
Length
120 pages
Annotation
The Springfield Municipal Court (Missouri) was evaluated with respect to its caseload, caseflow and records management, space management, personnel, and fiscal management.
Abstract
Time series analysis of population trends and data on traffic cases, minor moving violations, parking violations, and police cases indicate that the total caseload will increase in the next few years. Use of a statistical data collection form and a permanent index card are recommended to improve the collection and presentation of municipal court data. Numerous changes are recommended to improve accountability and procedures related to traffic and police tickets, the initiation of cases, searches of prior records, and other areas related to records management and court caseflow. Modifications of the existing floor plans are recommended to address such problems as the crowding of persons in the hallway, lobby, and courtroom areas; the need for additional work area for court personnel; and the need for security for the judge. Both short-term alterations and an addition to the existing building are proposed. Although present court personnel are competent and work well together, future hirings should involve a probationary period which is long enough to determine a worker's ability to deal with the specific pressures placed on court employees. Current and proposed job descriptions for court employees show how job duties would be affected by adoption of the recommendations concerning caseflow and records management. Among recommendations to improve fiscal management are the purchase of modern locking cash registers with coded access and the use of receipts generated by the cash register. Figures, flow charts, and forms are provided.