Announcement, Press Release |
In the month since he was sworn in to lead the Circuit Court of Cook County, Chief Judge Charles S. Beach II has moved quickly to establish clearer lines of accountability, improve communication and transparency, and strengthen court operations.
- Electronic Monitoring: Launched a committee to ensure effective and timely communication to improve reporting.
- Court Restructuring: Created three new deputy chief judge positions and appointed new presiding judges and supervising judges.
- Juvenile Justice: Began systemic changes to juvenile detention and probation structures, identifying needed improvements.
- Judicial Engagement: Engaged judges in committees and cross-department collaboration to improve court operations.
“These changes are intended to improve safety and make our courts more transparent, efficient and fair,” said Chief Judge Beach. “I am grateful for the opportunity to work with our judges and court staff on making these improvements and appreciate their commitment going forward.”
Updates on further progress in all initiatives will be announced in the coming months.
Electronic Monitoring
On Dec. 2, Judge Beach established a committee to review and improve communication procedures related to alleged violations within the court’s EM program. The committee is composed of judges and representatives of the Adult Probation Department, but will be expanded to include the State's Attorney's Office, the Public Defender's Office, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County and the Office of Statewide Pretrial Services.
Initial recommendations and proposed changes are expected near the end of January.
Court Restructuring
On Dec. 5, Judge Beach appointed three judges as deputy chief judge: Hon. Erica L. Reddick as Deputy Chief of Criminal Operations; Hon. Michael B. Barrett as Deputy Chief of Civil Operations; and Hon. Mary C. Marubio as Deputy Chief of First Appearance Court Operations. The deputy chief judges provide guidance on important court matters and serve as a resource for judges across the Circuit.
Starting today, Jan. 5, four judges assume new presiding judge appointments:
Hon. Michael T. Mullen, Chancery Division; Hon. Tom S. Sianis, First Municipal District; Judge Marubio, Second Municipal District; and Hon. Susana L. Ortiz, Pretrial Division.
Biographies are provided in the attached appendix.
Juvenile Justice
On Dec. 15, Judge Beach announced that he has created a new leadership role to ensure safety, fairness, respect and better outcomes for youth.
The new director of juvenile services will oversee the superintendent of the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center (JTDC) and the chief probation officer. The director also will work directly with juvenile court judges to improve coordination, accountability and policy implementation across the system.
An executive search committee will be charged with identifying high-quality candidates for the new position.
Judicial Engagement
Judge Beach said he intends to end the “siloing” of judicial divisions and districts and engage judges in helping to improve communications and efficiency. He has asked judges to participate in committees, work with non-judicial staff and talk to other stakeholders, including public and private attorneys, advocates and other county and city departments.
“We have so much talent in our judiciary and we want to use their experience to improve the court,” Judge Beach said. “We are engaging judges across all districts and divisions to discuss problems and come up with the best solutions for the citizens of Cook County.”
Media Contact: ocj.press@cookcountyil.gov
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