ODDS AND ENDS - 9/01/07

WCPD is in the process of hiring a new dispatcher. Dsp. Kim Seal is leaving the department after 18 years to work in the private sector. Dsp. Seal's primary assignment had been Monday-Friday days (roughly 07:00-15:00). Dsp. Seal's 18 years of experience will be missed by the citizens of West Chester, though her undying devotion to the New York Football Giants won't...

On campus, returning WCU students may notice a new four-legged member of the WCU Police Department. Piper, a black labrador handled by Sgt. Matthew Paris, is primarily used for tracking and drug investigations. So far, Piper's nose for narcotics has resulted in two criminal cases being filed - one in Judge Bruno's court and one in Judge Arnold's court (South Campus housing is located in East Bradford, which puts it in Downingtown District Court)...

A couple of minor adjustments within the DA's office as far as Criminal Term assignments goes. ADA's Carlos Barazza and Charles Gaza have swapped assignments, with ADA Barazza now assigned to Judge Gavin's court and ADA Gaza now arguing cases in Judge MacElree's court. At the Public Defender's office, Edward Fabick is reportedly leaving the office; Assistant Public Defender Stuart Crichton, who had been assigned to Judge Sarcione (Rotation I), is now filling Fabick's spot in Judge Riley (Rotation II). It's not clear at present who will fill Crichton's position in Courtroom #7...

And finally, after a summer of brutal traffic patterns in the west side of Uptown, the 200 block of Market Street (between New and Darlington) is scheduled to re-open this week. The street reconstruction project now features a brick walkway between the new Justice Center and the parking deck across the street. Traffic has also been reduced to two lanes and there appear to be wider sidewalks in front of both the parking garage/transportation center and the Justice Center. The new Justice Center is still set to open sometime next year, though I have yet to know a firm date.

Which led me to thinking. The one thing that seems to sink in once the new Criminal Justice Center opens is that unlike the current courthouse, one has to wonder whether or not the courtrooms at the new building will have it's own personality as it does at the existing courthouse. That particular posting will come in a few days...