Title
Presentation of the Mentor Court Award to the City of Olympia by the Center for Court Innovation
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a Committee
City Manager Recommendation:
Recognize Community Court Core Team for receiving the Mentor Court Award by the Center for Court Innovation
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive a presentation of the Mentor Court Award to the City of Olympia by the Center for Court Innovation and receive an update on the Community Court Program.
Staff Contact:
Maryam Olson, Court Administrator, Court 360.709.2783
Diane Whaley, Community Court Executive/Public Defense Coordinator 360.753.8057
Presenter(s):
Diane Whaley, Community Court Executive/Public Defense Coordinator
Scott Ahlf, Municipal Court Judge
Caitlin Flood/Britt Taylor, The Center for Court Innovation
Community Court Graduate
Background and Analysis:
Olympia Community Court has been chosen as one of four mentor courts in the nation. In September 2018, the Center for Court Innovation, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance, chose four community courts to serve as mentor courts for jurisdictions seeking to enhance procedural justice and promote the use of community justice and, where appropriate, alternatives to jail. Mentor community courts were chosen in a competitive application process. Each mentor court hosts site visits, visits other courts, answers questions via phone and email, provides materials and suggestions, participates in conferences and workshops, and conducts webinars. The Center for Court Innovation visits each mentor court to provide insight and present an award. Other mentor courts chosen include: Orange County (Calif.) Community Court, South Dallas (Texas) Community Court, and Downtown Spokane (Wash.) Community Court.
Olympia Community Court "soft launched" on January 6, 2016 and fully launched on January 4, 2017 with a celebratory ribbon cutting, after a year of deve...
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