By ALLIE VUGRINCIC

Staff writer

NILES — A new electronic check-in system and screen listing upcoming court cases have been installed outside the Niles Municipal Court, according to court judge Judge Christopher Shaker.

Shaker said the new system will get people in and out of the building faster.

“The whole idea here is they come in, they see their name, and they sign in,” Shaker said.

He said the information immediately goes to the Clerk of Court or Probation Officer’s computer.

The $15,000 system was paid for out of probation funds, Shaker said.

Mounted outside the court are two touch-screen computer terminals for checking in to the court — one for court hearings and one for probation. Shaker said they are low to the ground to comply with regulations and make them accessible to those who are disabled.

A large screen listing the upcoming court cases — not unlike airport screens listing flights — will update with new information every afternoon after 4:30 p.m.

The system moves the court toward being paperless.

The probation check-in screen, in addition to asking for a name and date of birth, also has an option to list employment or to ask for assistance finding employment.

Shaker said someone is always nearby at the court window and will be able to assist anyone who needs help with the system.

Last year, the court received a $172,000 grant that allowed court workers to purchase a security scanner, camera equipment and a metal detector, as well as upgrade their computers and improve their website.

Shaker said the court is planning to apply for another technology grant next year.

“The mayor and city council were very supportive of what I’m trying to do here,” Shaker said.

The system came online Tuesday morning after the holiday weekend and was already in use that day.

avugrincic@tribtoday.com