March 31st, 2025
Spanish Language Version (PDF)
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello was joined today by 7th Judicial District Administrative Judge William K. Taylor, District Attorney Sandra Doorley, Public Defender Julie Cianca, County Legislators, Undersheriff Korey Brown, and many other local law enforcement and police officials to celebrate the implementation of the Centralized Arraignment Part Court (CAP Court).
“The Centralized Arraignment Part Court is a win-win for our criminal justice system and our community. Under this new model, law enforcement officers are able to return to duty faster, defendants will have quicker access to legal representation, and court operations will run more efficiently,” said County Executive Bello. “Thanks to Judge Bill Taylor, his colleagues, and the court staff, Sheriff Todd Baxter, and all of our municipal police departments for their partnership in developing and implementing this new arraignment model for our community.”
“Opening Monroe County’s Centralized Arraignment Part (CAP) achieves a long sought-after goal for our criminal justice community, and it is gratifying to see it finally come together through the cooperation and collaboration of our many partners and stakeholders. Establishing one central arraignment process for the entire County, instead of the current patchwork system, unquestionably makes our justice system work better for the people we serve. I want to particularly thank County Executive Adam Bello for his strong support and unwavering commitment to this important good government measure. We truly do great things in our courthouses when we all work together,” said Hon. William K. Taylor, Administrative Judge, 7th Judicial District.
The Centralized Arraignment Part Court was established in the 2025 Monroe County budget as a priority initiative of County Executive Bello. There are 20 Town Courts, two Village Courts, and one City Court, with 47 Town and Village Justices, and 10 City Court Justices all within Monroe County – each operated separately and held as needed immediate arraignments. The CAP Court takes that burden off local Court staff and our local law enforcement agencies.
This countywide collaboration will make the criminal justice system more efficient and allow police and law enforcement officers to get back on the road sooner, improving public safety. The CAP Court will also save time and taxpayer resources because it utilizes the Monroe County Jail and professionally trained Jail Deputies to handle supervision before arraignment. Lastly, it will ensure defendants are arraigned in a timely manner with defense counsel present and provide defendants with screening for available services such as mental health, substance use disorder, and housing.
Local stakeholders have praised the CAP Court for its potential to reduce the burden on law enforcement agencies, minimize disruptions caused by late-night or weekend arraignments, and ensure that individuals receive timely legal counsel.
“Centralized arraignments will enhance public safety, by creating fiscal and operational efficiencies within law enforcement agencies,” said Monroe County Sheriff Todd K. Baxter. “Rather than supervising defendants awaiting arraignment, law enforcement officers will transport suspects for arraignment downtown to the Monroe County Jail, where they will be held by professional corrections officers. This allows for the law enforcement officers to immediately return to answering calls for service. This timely court process also offers an opportunity to provide necessary services to the arrestee, facilitated by our partners at RAWNY, FIT, and the Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Program. Resources that may not necessarily be readily available if the arraignment is conducted in a town court. This is especially beneficial for domestic violence survivors awaiting an order of protection, allowing them to get a safety plan in place faster.”
“The Centralized Arraignment Part Court is the most recent example of how the Monroe County legal community, government, and law enforcement collaborate to streamline our criminal justice system while ensuring it is fair and equitable for everyone involved. The CAP guarantees that an Assistant District Attorney is present at every arraignment in Monroe County, reducing the complications associated with late-night calls and court appearances,” said Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley. “I would like to express my gratitude to Monroe County Executive Adam Bello for allocating funds for these additional hours staffed by Assistant District Attorneys for this vital work. The CAP represents a significant step toward our shared pursuit of justice for all.”
The CAP Court began operations today, March 31, 2025 and will hold daily arraignments at 9:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. weeknights and 7:00pm holidays and weekends at the City Public Safety Building.
