|
|
Monday, March 08, 2004
Atlantic County's New Criminal Court Complex To Open May 3
|
On Monday, May 3, Atlantic County's new $40 million state-of-the-art Criminal Court Complex will open its doors for operation. The complex contains the county's law enforcement and criminal court operations and is located on a 20-acre site on Unami Boulevard in the Hamilton Township Industrial Park, adjacent to the Gerard L. Gormley Justice Facility.
Construction of the new facility was recommended by the Criminal Court Complex Planning Committee. The committee found that the existing court complex in Mays Landing was totally inadequate. Pursuant to this recommendation, the Atlantic County Board of Freeholders passed a $40 million bond ordinance for construction. The county broke ground on the 175,763 square-foot facility in December 2001.
The complex consists of two buildings: a two-story building that houses the offices of the county prosecutor, and a three-story building that houses the offices of the sheriff and the criminal court operations. The prosecutor's staff moved into their new offices in August, 2003.
According to County Executive Dennis Levinson the project will be completed under budget. "I am extremely proud to present this beautiful state-of-the-art facility that was built within budget and provides all the necessary technology to ensure its safe, secure and efficient operation."
Levinson added that the building was also designed to take into account the potential expansion of staff. "Too often the space afforded by new construction has become insufficient by the time a project is completed. I can assure you that this facility was built to provide sufficient accommodations for many years to come," he said.
The complex was determined to be "substantially complete" as of February 27, 2004 which means that all punch list items will be completed by the end of March. Staff will begin moving in April and receiving orientation and training on operational issues and new equipment prior to the May 3 opening.
"Our primary goal was to optimize function and efficiency for staff as well as visitors to the building. I think you will find we have accomplished our goal," said Levinson. "The public facility is as aesthetically pleasing as it is secure."
One hundred twenty-five surveillance cameras are strategically located to ensure the safety of all whom enter the building. In addition, everyone who enters must pass through metal detectors and x-ray machines. The Sheriff's Office is responsible for manning the facility's control center and providing a round-the-clock security presence.
The complex includes eight court rooms, each with an adjoining jury deliberation room and two interview rooms for use by prosecutors and defense attorneys. The court rooms are equipped with technology that provides the ability to audio record all court proceedings, hold video arraignment hearings and view court proceeding transcripts in real-time. Acoustically sealed doors ensure that the court rooms are sound secure. Assistive listening devices have been installed for use by the hearing impaired.
Separate, secure elevators ensure safe access to the court rooms by the judges. Access by criminal defendants is restricted to a secure elevator in another location. Prisoners are transferred from the jail to the court complex via a specially designed transfer station that provides transportation down a secure road through a series of dual-controlled gates and multiple surveillance cameras.
"Safety and security were considered at each step along the way," added Levinson. "In the aftermath of September 11th, we take nothing for granted."
The complex is a fully-accessible, noncombustible building equipped with an extensive sprinkler system and more than 150 smoke detectors.
Citizens called to serve jury duty in the complex will find added convenience in the spacious jury assembly room, designed with their comfort and safety in mind. A vendeteria is also provided for use by the visiting public and staff.
A special press room for news reporters has also been included. It features monitors that provide direct access to court proceedings.
County officials anticipate holding a special grand opening event at which time the public will be invited to take a closer look at the newest county facility.
For more information, please contact Howard Kyle, Chief of Staff, at (609) 343-2368. |
| |
|
|
|
|
