MAURA HENNIGAN'S FIVE-POINT PLAN TO IMPROVE THE OFFICE OF SUFFOLK COUNTY CLERK OF COURT FOR CRIMINAL BUSINESS.

As Suffolk County Clerk of Court for Criminal Business, Maura Hennigan will immediately institute changes and reforms to improve public safety and give the public better access to the criminal court system. Her five-point-plan deals with a range of issues that the Clerk Magistrate must address.

Problem: Case evidence is transported on the public elevators within the Suffolk County Courthouse. It is not uncommon for drugs, guns and ammunitions, and other evidence both crucial to a case and potentially dangerous to the public to be on the same elevator as jurors, visitors and persons with interest in a case (e.g. gang members.)

Action: Maura will fight to allow Court Personnel the ability to transport evidence in the secure, non-public elevators currently available to Judges. Result: Evidence would be secured to prevent any possibility of evidence tampering, theft, or of becoming a danger tothe public.

Problem: Cases sometimes go several days without being entered into "Forecourt", the Trial Court Computer system, which limits the ability of the public to get up-to-the-minute information about current cases.

Action: Assign two clerical staff to the task of docketing cases, same day, of current Court sessions.

Result: The public can access information the same day that it happens.

Problem: Hundreds of Court Records currently are sitting unfilled awaiting trials, hearings and other actions. This has the effect of limiting public access to information by causing a "run around" when attorneys, the media or the general public seek information about a case.

Action: All criminal cases, except for those being heard on a given day, would be kept in a Central File Room located in the Main Office.

Result: The general public, Assistant District Attorneys, Defense Attorneys and members of the media could access court documents quickly.

Problem: The Criminal Court System is a mysterious and sometimes frightening experience for citizens who come in contact with it, either as jurors, victims or just interested parties. Public communication with the Court is antiquated and frustrating.

Action: Formalize the Suffolk County Criminal Justice Connection blog (to be located at www.maurahennigan.com) as part of the Suffolk County Court website to facilitate communication between the public and the Clerk's office. Designate clerical staff to maintain and respond to blog posts.

Result: Communication with the Clerk's office enters the 21st century, giving the public functional, interactive and easy-to-use access to the Court system.

Problem: The Community Outreach Division of the Clerk's Office, originally instituted by John Nucci, has languished since his departure. This is an excellent vehicle to engage in pro-active crime prevention and public safety activities, utilizing school programs, community seminars and a weekly television program.

Actions:
1) Reinstate the Superior Court Outreach TV program: a 30-minute weekly television program, carried on BNN's Answer Channel, to discuss issues of crime and public safety.

2) Offer a variety of lectures and seminars on Crime/Public Safety topics to Senior Citizen Organizations, PTA/PTC's and Neighborhood Watch Groups. First two topics to be covered: "Financial Exploitation", and "Protecting our Children from Internet and Sexual Predators."

Result: Pro-active involvement with the community on issues of crime and public safety is instrumental in reducing both the incidences and impact of crime.