Centralizing Court-Ordered Competency Evaluations

About the Program

Category: County Administration and Management (Best in Category)

Year: 2020

The Superior Court of Arizona in Maricopa County orders Mental Health Experts to perform competency to stand trial evaluations with in-custody defendants. Previously, Mental Health Experts traveled to five different jails to perform these court-ordered evaluations, which was an inefficient use of time. Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) was already providing transportation to court proceedings for approximately 25% of the in-custody population from all five jails each week. The MCSO Competency Transport program added transportation for in-custody defendants for the purpose of completing competency evaluations to the existing morning and afternoon court runs. The program utilizes a centralized office suite located within the secure confines of the downtown court complex. The program initially transported defendants for Maricopa County Rule 11 competency evaluations. Following significant efficiencies, the program was expanded to include Restoration to Competency and City Municipal Rule 11 competency evaluations. The MCSO Competency Transport program has completed over 2,000 defendant transports with a low refusal rate of approximately 15%. Due to the implementation of this program, Mental Health Experts complete their scheduled appointments sooner, thereby reducing the time to complete reports, which ultimately reduces the length of stay for in-custody defendants.