ONLINE QUALIFICATION TOOL For the first time in office history, the Office of the Public Defender created an online mechanism for clients to qualify to be represented by the office. The online qualification tool will go live in early 2023. Clients will be able to qualify by scanning a QR code at various locations within the county’s criminal justice system or by visiting the website. The qualification tool will speed up the intake process and increase overall efficiency of our operations. Public Defender Spotlights INTERACTIVE BUSINESS CARDS OPD now has interactive business cards that allows a client to scan a QR code and look up their case online. By scanning the QR code, clients are taken to the Unified Judicial System website, where they can keep up to date on their case. This will reduce missed court appearances and bond forfeitures, saving the county money by preventing unnecessary stays in jail and court postponements. DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION A group of attorneys and social workers formed an internal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion team that has worked diligently to address areas for improvement within OPD. Their efforts have led to locating and hiring a provider to conduct an extensive DEI training at the office. The department’s recent hiring classes have been more diverse than ever before, strengthening both dynamics within the office and relationships with all Allegheny County community members.
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