Legislative Program Review and Investigations Committee

Keypoints
January 25, 2000

Connecticut Sheriffs System
Keypoints

Ø     Sheriffs Duties

·           provide courthouse security

·           transport prisoners

·           operate cell block areas for prisoners at courthouses

·           serve process

Ø     Current Structure of the Sheriffs System

·           based on out-of-date geographical areas rather than the location of facilities

·           financed by annual General Fund appropriation

·           lacks clear lines of authority

·           employees must meet minimum criteria, but hiring left up to individual high sheriffs

·           training of appointees increasing but still less than correctional and police officers

Ø     Questions to be Resolved

·           Which structure is best for delivering services currently provided by sheriffs?

Answer is based on philosophic approach and depends on importance attributed to specific elements of different alternatives

·           Should one entity continue to provide all of the services, or would it be better to split up the functions among different agencies?

Which agencies would best be able to carry out the required court security functions?

Options:  Sheriffs, Judicial Department, Department of Correction, or Department of Public Safety

Who should be authorized to perform service of process?

Options:  Sheriffs, individuals appointed by a state authority, indifferent persons, state employees, individuals who register with governmental body, or combination of parties

Which functions need to stay together?

 Option 1:  [Courthouse Security + Cell Block + Prisoner Transportation + Process]

 Option 2:  [Courthouse Security + Cell Block + Prisoner Transportation]     [Process]

 Option 3:  [Courthouse Security + Cell Block]    [Prisoner Transportation]   [Process]

 Option 4:  [Courthouse Security]    [Cell Block + Prisoner Transportation]    [Process]

 Option 5:  [Courthouse Security + Process]    [Cell Block + Prisoner Transportation]

Ø     Considerations for Court Security Functions

·           level of court activity

·           desire for consistent policies statewide

·           continuity of custody of prisoners

·           skill requirements of jobs

·           costs

Ø     Considerations for Service of Process Function

·           purpose is to give notice lawsuit is commencing

·           term also used by some to include actions such as post-judgment writs and garnishments, landlord/tenant issues, and tax collections

·           fee-for-service payment system

·           activities involved require flexibility

·           geographic limits

Ø     Qualification Elements for Court Security Workers and Process Servers

·           age and citizenship

·           education and experience

·           health and stamina

·           background and criminal record

·           skills (including driver’s license)

·           bonds and insurance

Ø     Sheriffs System

·           if continued, clarify roles of Sheriffs’ Advisory Board, Office of the County Sheriffs, and Council of High Sheriffs

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