ALEXANDRIA — The town’s court system just got an upgrade.
During an open house at the new location for Alexandria City Court, Judge Brandy Goodman said Wednesday that the new facility and new programs offered by the court are an improvement from the previous system.
In the past, Alexandria was forced to send its probation cases to Elwood because the town did not offer a probation program.
Now, Probation Officer Steve Graves heads the department, handling more than 120 cases. “My job is to help them change their behavior and make better decisions.”
Residents facing minor traffic and ordinance offenses will also be served by the new facility and programs. “It’s more access for them,” Goodman said.
Although the city court has been in its new location at 201 North Washington Street in Alexandria for a full year, Goodman delayed the open house until now because she hoped to debut the new police department upstairs.
The police are still in the process of moving into the upstairs space but anticipate relocating to the space in the coming weeks.
The move has also allowed for an upgraded recording system, Goodman said, and more space for court employees.
Alexandria Police Chief Brian Burnett is pleased with the changes to the city’s court system. “I think Brandy is doing a fantastic job over there. She’s giving people alternatives to just fines and jail. In these trying economic times, these things are a lot better than court fines and costs.”
Now that it’s offering its own court programs, the city is better able to keep track of minor offenses without sentencing offenders to jail or imposing huge fines. “They are viable alternatives that aren’t going to break people,” Burnett said.
Contact Brandi Watters 640-4847, brandi.watters @heraldbulletin.com
Local News
Related Photos
-
John P. Cleary
Discussion
Alexandria gets new city court
- Local News
-
-
In a roundabout way
If all goes well, construction for a new roundabout at the intersection of Indiana 38 and County Road 300 West near Pendleton Heights Middle School could begin by the middle of next year.
-
Police: Woman set house fire, blocked exit
Police arrested a woman late Tuesday night in connection with a Saturday home fire.
-
Pendleton woman healing from brain injuries
Andrea Vellinga, the Pendleton woman critically injured during the Indiana State Fair stage collapse, continues to undergo medical treatment and therapy in Michigan.
-
Ban on Sunday motorcycle sales targeted
While advocates for Sunday carry-out alcohol sales have had a hard time making their case to legislators, opponents of another “blue law” may be on an easier road to success.
-
Measles cases pop up after Super Bowl
On Wednesday, the Indiana State Department of Health alerted public health officials in Massachusetts and New York that some of their residents may have come in contact with the rare but highly contagious measles virus when visiting the crowded Super Bowl Village in downtown Indianapolis.
-
Pleasant day for central Indiana
Expect a pleasant day for central Indiana. Mostly sunny skies with hghs around 40 degrees.
-
Poll question for Thursday, Jan. 9, 2012
Vote daily in The Herald Bulletin poll. Today's poll question can be found at the bottom
-
Anderson bank robbery case turned over to FBI
An investigation into the robbery of an Anderson bank Tuesday was officially turned over to the FBI on Wednesday.
-
Volunteers needed for Daffodil Days benefit
The American Cancer Society is looking for individuals, businesses and organizations to help with its upcoming Daffodil Days program.
-
Arrest log: Feb. 9
Arrests made by Madison County law enforcement on Tuesday and Wednesday, based on Madison County Jail records.
- More Local News Headlines
-
