Hidalgo County Auxiliary Court Program

The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG) allows states, tribes, and local governments to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on their own local needs and conditions. Grant funds can be used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice for any one or more of the following purpose areas: 1) law enforcement programs; 2) prosecution and court programs; 3) prevention and education programs; 4) corrections and community corrections programs; 5) drug treatment programs; 6) planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs; and 7) crime victim and witness programs (other than compensation).

The county of Hildago will use its Fiscal Year 2008 JAG award in the amount of $43,544 to partially fund the positions of the Bailiff and the Court Coordinator for the Auxiliary Courts. The Bailiff is in charge of courtroom security and procedures in auxiliary court B; assures the courtroom is open and prepared for court sessions; oversees the maintenance of juries and witnesses; assists the Judge, Coordinator, and District Clerk's office with courtroom clerical duties; acts as a Spanish translator for the court; maintains order in the courtroom; completes and reviews various court-related forms assuring the documents are complete with all necessary information and signatures; conducts appropriate follow-up activities with defendants, including taking fingerprints, making copies of invoices, agreements, and judgments; and escorting defendants to the jail. The Court Coordinator maintains awareness of new developments in court administration nationally and locally and maintains special materials and files relating to records, rules of procedures, and other items relating to court activity; reviews files and makes sure the cases are set for a hearing or trial; makes daily docket entries on court files; and acts as a liaison between the Judge and counsel. These two positions play an important role both in maintaining the integrity of and in managing the criminal caseload for the Hidalgo County District Court system.

NCA/NCF