(WWJ) Even during a pandemic, law and order must go on: People in Wayne County will be getting jury summons this week as the courts prepare to resume in-person trials in mid-September.
Officials say there will be changes for jurors because of the coronavirus and they will be provided with personal protection equipment like masks, gloves, sanitizer and wipes.
There will also be social distancing in the courtroom and in the jury assembly room with jurors seated at least six feet apart.
The Court's chief judge Tim Kenny says the health and safety of the jurors, judges, witnesses, attorneys, and court staff is a top priority.
In addition to the customary language requiring jurors' appearance, the summons contains a section entitled "Public Health and Safety."
"It is critical that citizens know the Court has taken extra precautions and measures to provide a safe environment," the court said in a press release. "This section advises jurors of the some of the precautions the Court has taken to protect their health such as temperature screenings at the entry of the courthouse and the requirement that everyone entering the Court wears a face covering."
In the summons, the Court shares a link for a video juror experience which highlights additional precautions, including.
Clear plexi-shield partitions have been installed at check-in counters and in courtrooms. There are hand-sanitizing stations throughout the jury assembly room.
Frequent cleaning of touch-points is happening.
Judges, judicial partners, and communities groups and organizations offered input on the various precautionary measures. Representatives from Focus-Hope, the National Association of the Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs-Detroit, Logical Choice, Team Wellness, and recent graduating alumni from Cristo Rey and Cass Tech were among the many individuals and organizations to serve on focus groups for the Juror Health and Safety video.
Jurors and other citizens may view the video at https://www.3rdcc.org/jury-services/juror-health-and-safety-video.
The court says it does recognize that some citizens will be unable to appear for jury service because of their age, underlying medical conditions, and other hardships caused by the pandemic.
And to that end, the Jury Services Department will grant excusals and postponements as necessary.
"While jury trials will resume, Chief Judge Kenny along with the entire bench and staff at the Court are committed to ensuring that they do so safely," the court said. "The health and safety of all parties, participants, and staff are top priority."
