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TEMPORARY ORDER IN RESPONSE TO THE CITY OF AKRON STATE OF EMERGENCY

The Judges of the Akron Municipal Court make the following Findings of Fact:

1. On July 3, 2022, Akron, Ohio Mayor Dan Horrigan issued Executive Order 6-2022 “State of Emergency-Order of Curfew in the City of Akron, Ohio.”

2. Since July 3, 2022, there has been a State of Emergency in Akron, Ohio.

Based on these Findings of Fact, the Akron Municipal Court has developed a continuum of flexible responses in case the State of Emergency escalates. The continuum of responses is intended to keep the public safe, to maintain essential court functions, and to continue to protect the rights of all individuals subject to the authority of the Court.

THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED:

1. The Akron Municipal Court Local Rules of Court may be temporarily adapted to allow Court flexibility, within Constitutional limits, in response to the public safety emergency.

2. The Akron Municipal Court’s security policies may be temporarily amended or supplemented to protect public safety while maintaining essential court functions.

3. The Employee Handbook provisions may be temporarily adjusted to maintain essential court operations and functions.

4. The Akron Municipal Court authorizes the use of audiovisual devices and technologies for all actions and proceedings.

5. The public safety emergency may be considered to be a finding of good cause for continuance deemed necessary by assigned Judges on a case-by-case basis for up to twenty-one (21) days pending further order of this Court, except the following:

a. Criminal arraignments for incarcerated defendants.

b. Proceedings involving incarcerated defendants at the assigned judge’s discretion.

c. Search Warrants.

6. With regard to criminal matters, due to the effects of the above public safety recommendations on the availability of counsel and court staff to be present in the

courtroom and the court’s reduced ability to obtain the adequate spectrum of jurors, the continuances implemented by this Order are subject to R.C. 2945.72(H), “Extension for Time for Hearing or Trial.” The Court specifically finds the public safety interests are paramount and the ends of justice are best served by this Order.

7. The Court will have the lawful authority, within Constitutional limits, to do and direct to be done all things necessary to ensure the orderly and efficient administration of justice for the duration of the declared public safety emergency.

IT IS SO ORDERED.