A new centralized arraignment part (CAP) court system is now in effect for Monroe County.
Arraignments for city, town and village courts will be held in two sessions a day at the Hall of Justice in Rochester.
Bill Taylor, administrative judge for the 7th Judicial District, says it's all about streamlined efficiency.
"All told, CAP increases court efficiencies, improves access to representation for both the defense and prosecution, better effectuates the rights of the accused, creates consistency and enhances public safety," he said.
“The Centralized Arraignment Part Court is a win-win for our criminal justice system and our community," Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said in a statement. "Under this new model, law enforcement officers are able to return to duty faster, defendants will have quicker access to legal representation, and court operations will run more efficiently."
Officials say the CAP court will aim to take the burden off dozens of town, village and city courts and justices operating separately within Monroe County.
The CAP court will use the Monroe County Jail and professionally trained jail deputies to handle supervision before arraignment. Defendants will also be arraigned promptly with defense counsel present, according to the county, and given screening for available services such as mental health, substance use disorder and housing.
