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File #: 21-6410    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Position Status: Passed
File created: 11/15/2021 In control: Commissioners Court
On agenda: 11/30/2021 Final action: 11/30/2021
Title: Request for approval to reclassify and update two part-time Hearing Officer positions to full-time effective December 4, 2021 using $70,626 from the department's existing budget.
Attachments: 1. Combined. 3441s Hearing Officer Positions
Department: County Courts
Department Head/Elected Official: Ed Wells

Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA

Type of Request: Position

Project ID (if applicable): N/A
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): N/A
MWDBE Participation (if applicable): N/A

Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
title
Request for approval to reclassify and update two part-time Hearing Officer positions to full-time effective December 4, 2021 using $70,626 from the department's existing budget.
end

Background and Discussion:
All Class B and above arrests in Harris County are processed through the Joint Processing Center (JPC). Detainees are booked and either released or presented to a Criminal Law Hearing Officer for consideration of probable cause and magistration. Dockets run multiple times a day with 24/7 support of operations. Dockets that run long can delay the start of the next docket, can delay review of search warrant requests, and can delay magistration of out of county/state detainees. Converting these two positions to regular employees will provide additional judicial officers to support more timely processing of those arrested and booked through the JPC. In recent years it has become increasingly difficult to find and retain qualified individuals to fill temporary hearing officer positions. OCM will monitor the impacts this change has to the timely start and conclusion of probable cause dockets.

Expected Impact:
These positions will facilitate more timely processing of defendants and cases through the probable cause/magistration and warrant processes at the Joint Processing Center.


Alternative Options:


Alignment with Goal(s):
x_ Justice and Safety
_ Economic Opportunity
_ Housing
_ Public Health
_ Transportation
_ Flooding
_ Environment
_ Governance and Customer Service

Prior Court Action (if any):
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Agenda Item #
Action Taken
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Fiscal and Personnel Summary
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