Broome County is changing the way it handles weekend and overnight arraignments. An arraignment is a routine court proceeding that marks the initial stage of a criminal case. Now, those found under arrest will be brought directly to the Broome County Jail for processing AND arraignment. The new procedure streamline’s the process, reduces travelling, and increases officer safety keeping all of the legal steps within the confines of the Broome County Jail. The New York State pilot program is also aimed at ensuring the availability of legal counsel for defendants and reducing the burden on local courts.By bringing weekend and late-night offenders to the jail, officers say it saves time for them and gets officers back out on patrol more quickly. It also lowers overtime.
