Tribune illustration
Tribune illustration (March 21, 2014)
 

The Illinois Supreme Court issued a critical and unprecedented report Friday into how the Cook County court system handles criminal suspects, pointing to a lack of institutional leadership and basic understanding of certain court services.
The audit, which began late last year, focused on pretrial services — a unit within the court’s probation department that helps judges decide whether defendants should be kept in jail or released into the community while their criminal cases move through the courts.
The 64-page report presents 40 recommended changes, including appointing a specific person to head pretrial services and establishing “clear and appropriate criteria” for release recommendations that are made to judges.
“There has been a gradual erosion of a management and leadership structure dedicated to the Pretrial Services Program,” the audit states. “There is a general lack of understanding of the pretrial services function by stakeholders and Probation Department staff.”
Cook County Circuit Court Chief Judge Timothy Evans could not immediately be reached for comment. In a December news release he acknowledged the Supreme Court’s audit, indicating he would be open to suggestions.
“The Supreme Court is overseeing efforts to improve pretrial services in Illinois, and I applaud those efforts,” the news release stated. “I am open to any meaningful suggestions as to how our judges hearing criminal matters can more efficiently handle their ever growing workload.”
cdizikes@tribune.com
tlighty@tribune.com
@cdizikes
@tlighty