County focused on courthouse solutions

SunriseMayor Mike Ryan accuses the County Commission of tying up in “bureaucratic malaise and a labyrinth of unrelated issues” funding that could be used to improve the domestic violence victim experience in our courts. Here’s howthe County Commission is addressing this important issue. Ryan’s concerns are included in a June 2015 report froma Broward Chiefs of Police Association Committee created to address domestic violence in our courts. What Ryan does not say is that most of the recommendations included in the report have been addressed or are in the process of being addressed.

Accommodations have been made in the existing courthouse to separate domestic violence victims fromtheir accused abusers. The new courthouse— opening soon— has been outfitted with more than $8.5 million in security features, including better accommodation for domestic violence cases. In-custody defendants will be transported through a different corridor than victims, there will be separatewaiting areas and a notification system will allowparties to enter the courtroom at different times.

As part of the county’s proposed security plan, if adopted by the sheriff, a lawenforcement officer and a bailiff will be in attendance at domestic violence hearing and family courtrooms. The county has previously recommended that Broward Sheriff’s Office remove administrative duties frombailiffs so they can concentrate on performing security functions. Per state statutes, the county provides funding for courthouse security.

The County Commission already appropriates more than half of all property tax dollars received to BSO. That amounts to $436 million per year, plus an additional $347 million in contract funds and LawEnforcement Trust Funds, for a total BSO budget of approximately $783 million. The county recently appropriated another $3 million for courthouse security in FY 2016, with $2.6 million earmarked for BSO. An additional $500,000was appropriated in 2015, so BSO could begin staff recruitment.

The only thing standing in theway of BSO’s ability to use these appropriated funds for domestic violence or any other courtroom security purpose is Sheriff Scott Israel’s failure to sign amemorandum of understanding that delineates roles and responsibilities for courthouse security and includes reporting requirements to ensure that taxpayer funds earmarked for courthouse security are being used for that purpose. The countywould be remiss in its fiduciary responsibilities to require anything less.

The county has taken other action to address issues of domestic violence. Modifications are being made at regional courthouses, and the County Commission also funds emergency shelter and mental health services that help domestic violence victims stay safe and get back on their feet.

The County Commission has demonstrated a commitment to action on these important issues. Instead of accusations, let’s look for more solutions together. Henry