Court Section

The processing of Criminal and Provincial Offences charges is in the hands of the Court Services Section. This includes the filing of charges, handling of briefs, escort of prisoners and service of legal documents like Subpoenas and Summons’.

These tasks are the responsibility of a staff made up of 4 full time Special Constables, 7 part time Special Constables, two clerical staff, one Constable and one Sergeant who is in charge of the section. This staff also provides security within the Court House during the regular working hours as mandated by the Police Services Act.

Approximately 2500 prisoners were transported to and from the 6 Court Rooms within the building during 1999. Security in the Cell Block is also provided for prisoners in the care of the Ontario Provincial Police, Anishnabek Police and West Nipissing Police Services.

In an attempt to reduce the number of trials and not guilty pleas, a system of pre-screening Crown Briefs and meetings with both the Crown Attorney and Defence Counsel has been instituted. As a result, officers are being cancelled in advance of court dates or scheduled for their day shift in order to reduce overtime. The goal is to provide a more efficient and cost effective system.

Special Constables are rotated through their duties, with service of documents being a major undertaking. Over 600 legal documents are served by the Special Constables each year. This is often a difficult task due to people having moved several times since the initial investigation of the offence.

Related Links:

• Ministry of the Attorney General - Ontario