Weekly COVID-19 Report for Prosecutors and Courts, April 3, 2020

April 3, 2020

Prosecutors' offices and court systems across the nation are being impacted by COVID-19. Their daily work to maintain constitutional justice is being uprooted, altered, and halted. CNA and NDAA have partnered to actively develop and disseminate useful COVID-19 response resources to prosecutors and courts to support them during this trying time. This weekly bulletin shares helpful information and resources, as well as upcoming virtual networking events.

Useful Resources

Key Steps For Setting Up Technology For Your Agency Personnel To Work From Home

Many prosecutors’ offices expressed concern over being unprepared to move to remote work. To assist in this matter, CNA and NDAA created an infographic to provide basic information on what is needed for employees to work remotely. This document includes the key steps that organizations should take to prepare employees for remote work and covers initial steps to take, equipment and licenses, security concerns, and other pertinent information.

Access the document here .

Upcoming Webinar

While many individuals are moving to remote work, some prosecutors and court staff are still being asked to attend certain court hearings and proceedings. During this time, it is crucial for individuals who must continue to work outside their homes to understand how to properly protect themselves and their families. To assist in this, CNA and NDAA will host a webinar on Health Safety for Prosecutors and Court Staff featuring one of CNA’s public health experts. This webinar will take place on April 13th at 2pm EST and will feature important information including how to implement the CDC’s best practices in a court room setting.

Registration information is forthcoming.

Innovative Responses

California

Courts have modified speedy trial rules as they relate to appearing in court, preliminary hearings, and bringing an action to trial. For more information, click here .

Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Most civil proceedings are suspended. However, emergency hearings, such as those related to domestic violence and restraining orders are allowed to occur. The court has implemented screening checkpoints where individuals entering must answer questions and have their temperature taken . For more information, click here .

Berkshire County, Massachusetts

Courts are monitoring victims of crime and how the extended isolation is affecting them. They are equipped with resources and prepared to share with victims upon request. For more information, click here.

From NDAA

Asked and Answered

Over the past few weeks, one of the NDAA’s most frequently asked questions focused on how prosecutors’ offices should prepare employees for remote work platforms. In response, CNA and NDAA created a document to provide key steps that organizations should take when moving to remote work.

Help Us Help You

Moving forward, CNA and NDAA plan to host a series of podcasts and virtual meetings focused on your areas of concern during this ongoing crisis. Please take a moment to take this quick survey, so we can be sure than we are addressing the topics that matter to you.