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is a more modern method that can be used in some cases, but it is <br />an experimental program which will affect only a few prisoners - <br />the Monroe County electronic collar, which can be strapped on a <br />prisoner and connected to a telephone so that if he moves more <br />than 150' from the telephone, it alerts a probation officer. <br />Judge Smith continued to emphasize that the judges will <br />cooperate in any way possible, but there are some things that <br />can't be speeded up. For instance, we have three prisoners <br />waiting for first degree murder trials, and the time before a <br />first degree murder case comes to trial averages about one year. <br />He noted that when he took over half the felonies at the <br />beginning of this year, he instructed the Clerk that all the <br />sentencing paperwork is to be out by the next day; obviously it <br />can't be done the same day they are in court, but probably can be <br />done the next day or the day after. He felt the Board could <br />instruct the Clerk to pay overtime and have her employees work <br />longer hours. In addition, Judge Smith reported that he has told <br />the Public Defender if there is anyone who wants to plead no <br />contest or guilty, the judges will handle this on a daily basis; <br />of course, this will involve additional expense to transport <br />those prisoners. In conclusion, Judge Smith assured the Board <br />that all the judges realize we are facing a crisis; they are <br />willing to cooperate; and they certainly will agree to reactivate <br />the "fast track" committee if that will help. <br />Chairman Lyons expressed his appreciation of the judges' <br />cooperation. <br />Public Defender Bruce Smith believed his office and that of <br />the State's Attorney are the ones most familiar with whom should <br />be released or not released, and he agreed the "fast track" <br />committee may not be a bad idea. He pointed out, however, that <br />often the State's Attorney and Public Defender try to work this <br />out beforehand. As to people sitting in jail awaiting trial, he <br />emphasized that they are doing their best to speed this up, but <br />7 <br />BOOK PA;E 547 <br />APR 11 � <br />� J <br />