« Ind. Courts - Still more on: "Allen courts to ban cell phones, all electronics" | Main | Ind. Courts - "Judge halts public access to Shine divorce papers" »

Wednesday, January 03, 2007

Ind. Courts - Even more on: "Allen courts to ban cell phones, all electronics"

Dionne Waugh of the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette reports today in a story headlined "Cell phones are hot potatoes in court: 1st day of ban catches some people by surprise." I love the way the story begins:

Jacqui Dowdell thought it would be a good idea Tuesday to be what she described as a “public servant.”

That’s why she stood outside the Bud Meeks Justice Center, where misdemeanor and traffic court is conducted, and offered to hold people’s cell phones for $5 while they were in court.

“I think it’s totally outrageous. I think there are other alternatives than a complete ban on cell phones,” she said as she watched many people walk into the building only to step out moments later, look around grimacing and wonder what to do with their phones.

The ILB has had several entries on this topic, including this one yesterday quoting WANE's suggestions as to "the story behind the ban." More from today's story:
While dozens of people cursed or groused about the ban before running back to parked cars, some people were seen calling someone to return to the court building and pick up their phone.

Others took a chance and hid their cell phones somewhere outside.

“I knew about the ban in the Courthouse, but not here,” said one man, who declined to give his name, but said he hid his cell phone inside a partly crushed cup under the nearby train trestle a short distance away from misdemeanor and traffic court.

“I was a little nervous about leaving it. I turned it off so no one would hear it.”

The phone was still there when he went to retrieve it.

About 10 feet away, another person had stashed a cell phone under a rumpled brown bag. * * *

County judges made the decision in late November, saying cell phones they were disruptive and a safety concern when people used them to take pictures and video of jurors, witnesses, victims and attorneys. * * *

Outside traffic court, Dowdell started her public service efforts by offering to hold phones for $1, but then upped it to $5 after calculating the value of her time.

In the nearly two hours she waited, she had only one taker – Chris Thomas, 36.

“I had to trust. Sometimes you have to do what you have to do and not be late for court,” said Thomas, who didn’t give Dowdell any money for holding his phone and got it back a short time later.

“I think (the ban) is not right because they’re a way of life nowadays. We need them to communicate.”

Posted by Marcia Oddi on January 3, 2007 08:11 AM
Posted to Indiana Courts