Enhanced Data Integration with Sheriff DCR enhanced its data exchange module to accommodate additional filings and e-notifications for sheriff service. This benefited DCR, Sheriff's Office and filers. This initiative was completed with in-house staff, which provided substantial cost savings to the county. Federal Probation Project The DCR Criminal Division partnered with the Federal Probation Office (FPO) to streamline information retrieval for caseload processing. Previously, FPO staff had to physically visit DCR offices to gather documents, which was time- consuming and sometimes required ordering records from storage. The new process involves FPO sending a list of cases to the Criminal Records Division, which can quickly access the information through the OnBase content management system, removing the need for a physical visit to the DCR offices. This has successfully streamlined both Federal Probation caseload processing and DCR internal business operations. Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) Case Processing Since the easing of the pandemic restrictions, the courts have reinstated ARD court case hearings every other Friday at 6:30 AM. Offenders must make their initial payments before their court appearance on that day. The Fiscal Section of Court Records opens at 6:00 AM to accept these payments and requires offenders to have the necessary documentation to present to the courts so they can be placed on ARD. The Financial Section adjusted its normal business hours to accommodate both the courts and offenders,
facilitating the potential placement of offenders into the rehabilitation program and eventual case expungement upon successful ARD Program completion. Veterans Court After Plea Pre- Sentence Program The DCR Criminal Division, in collaboration with Court Administration and Pre-Trial Services, introduced the Veterans Court After Plea Pre- Sentence Program (VC APPS). This program aims to provide justice for veterans and connect them to services, treatment, and support while promoting sobriety, recovery, and stability through the coordinated efforts of the Veterans Court partners. Defendants enter the program after a guilty plea before the assigned Veteran Court Judge, who explains the program’s requirements without imposing a sentence. These requirements may include participating in mental health treatment, complying with bail conditions, attending battery intervention or anger management programs, completing drug and alcohol evaluations, paying restitution, and gaining employment. Successful completion of the VC APPS Program may lead to a reduction or dismissal of charges, agreed upon by the defendant, their attorney, and the District Attorney prior to entering the program. The DCR Criminal Division is responsible for record maintenance and the collection of any restitution or costs associated with the program. This implementation is similar in design to the Accelerated Rehabilitation Disposition Program, with successful completion resulting in reduced or dismissed charges. DCR, in collaboration with the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Court, made necessary changes to the Court of Common Pleas Case Management System to track and record these events.
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