Public Defense Commission outlines 2022 goals for attorney workloads and training

The Utah County Commission convened on March 2, 2022, to discuss key goals and operational updates for the year, focusing on public defense and service agreements.

The meeting began with a presentation on the public defense department's objectives for 2022. The department aims to manage attorney workloads effectively, targeting an increase from 46.7 to 50 hours per week per attorney for controllable tasks. This adjustment reflects the department's growth and the need for improved efficiency.

Additionally, the department is enhancing training initiatives by incorporating law students into their summer program, which has seen an increase in participation. Seven law students have signed up, providing them with valuable court experience and serving as a potential recruitment pipeline. The department is also emphasizing specialization among attorneys in various courts, such as mental health and drug courts, to improve service quality.

A significant achievement highlighted was the reduction of case backlog from 110 to 60 cases without additional funding. The department expressed confidence in managing the current workload but indicated that they may request further funding if case processing speeds increase significantly.

The discussion transitioned to tracking performance metrics over time, with a focus on historical data to ensure continued service provision amid county growth. The department is developing a tracking system to monitor specific charges handled, which will aid in assessing resource allocation and service effectiveness.

Following the work session, the commission moved to regular session items, including a discussion led by Commissioner Lee regarding an agreement with R and B Services for disinfecting services in the Administration Building. Clarification was provided that the amendment was necessary to formalize services that continued beyond the original contract expiration, ensuring proper documentation of the service period.

The meeting concluded with no further questions, and the commission expressed appreciation for the public defense department's efforts and the importance of their services to the community.