Windham County court to launch Rapid Accountability Docket

Officials say the Rapid Accountability Docket will speed up case resolution while connecting defendants to services sooner.

A new fast-track criminal court process is set to begin next week in Windham County, with officials saying the Rapid Accountability Docket will speed up case resolution while connecting defendants to services sooner.

The Windham County State’s Attorney’s Office said Tuesday that the effort is being carried out with support from the Governor’s Office, Vermont Judiciary, Agency of Human Services, Department of Corrections, the Department of State's Attorneys and Sheriffs, local and statewide law enforcement including the Windham County Sheriff’s Department, and social service providers. The program is being described as a focused 90-day push that dedicates court time and space to selected cases.

Steve Brown, Windham County State's Attorney, said the approach is designed to shorten the gap between an arrest and the first meaningful court action, which he believes can help reduce repeat offenses. He said his office will make early plea offers and coordinate from the start with human services, corrections, and community agencies.

Brown said roughly 30 defendants have been identified for possible inclusion, with the eight highest-priority cases accounting for 96 pending court dockets. Eligible matters may involve people with five or more open cases, as well as cases tied to mental health conditions or probation violations.

The office said the court will keep a daily schedule during the 90-day period so cases can move quickly. After that, officials expect to review the results and determine what needs remain based on the data collected.

Local service organizations in Brattleboro are also part of the effort. Brown said the list includes Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, Brattleboro Housing Partnerships, Brattleboro Police Department Community Support Liaisons/Brattleboro Resource Assistance Team Unit, Brattleboro Retreat, Groundworks Collaborative, Health Care & Rehabilitation Services, Healthworks ACT, Interaction, Pathways Vermont, Savida Health and Senior Solutions. He said the work builds on earlier collaboration connected to the Situation Table and One Brattleboro.

Sen. Nader Hashim, D-Windham County, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said the plan should help people who choose to take part resolve their matters more quickly and in better fashion. He said the state has made some progress on the backlog, but delayed cases remain a major problem for public safety, victims, defendants and communities.

Hashim said the idea gained traction during the legislative session, after lawmakers looked at how the docket had worked in Chittenden County. He said Windham County’s heavy caseload made it a logical place to try the model.

Rep. Ian Goodnow, D-Windham-9, who came up with the name for the initiative, said the docket is intended for cases involving multiple unresolved charges, including misdemeanors and felonies. He said people who struggle with court appearances can wind up with warrants and more charges as old cases keep sitting unresolved.

Goodnow said many of the people caught in the system face major obstacles such as mental illness, substance use problems or homelessness. In his view, the new docket can connect them with help sooner while also improving accountability and addressing public safety concerns in Brattleboro and across Windham County.

Brown said the local delegation played a key role in moving the plan forward, and he also pointed to support from the Department of State's Attorneys and Sheriffs and the governor’s office. He said the project is the result of many partners working together to help reduce the backlog.