Online Probable Cause Determinations - Contra Costa Superior Court

Overview/Program Description:

This web-based system allows judicial officers to review probable cause declarations (PCDECs) online. PCDECs are placed in an online queue by date and time of arrest and the queue can be accessed by the judicial officer at any time from any computer with an internet connection. The arresting officer and jail are notified in real time to detain or release the suspect.

The application was developed by a third party vendor. Software support and maintenance is funded through the Automated Regional Information Exchange System (ARIES) coalition in Contra Costa County (comprised of regional justice partners, law enforcement agencies, court, and county departments). Minimal in-house technical support is required.

Program Benefits/Savings:

The program was a resounding success with time savings realized on behalf of the judicial officer and the sheriff, less paper being used and stored, and an accurate record of transactions being created. Judicial workload decreased by eighty percent and the sheriff saw two to three fewer hours of work per shift. In addition, court staff was not required to move and store boxes of paper.

Other Courts Using Similar Programs:

• San Bernardino Superior Court (Electronic On-Call Warrants)