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NDPC News 2015 Summer edition is here.
NDPC News 2015 Summer edition
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Author Archives: rusnivek
Day-5 with an alternate juror, puppies, and ongoing deliberations! #JuryDuty
Day-5 of my Jury Duty! Bueller? Bueller? Hello?
Jury Assembly Room
As you can see, almost all the jurors were excused for the week. Many have served and are done with their assigned cases. Some potential jurors didn’t even get called. It’s all random. So there is a strong possibility that you will get sent home if there are no cases to be had.
Aside from the typical 12 jurors needed to serve, judges will normally have two alternate jurors. This is done just in case one of the 12 jurors are unable to fulfill their duty to the courts/case.
Jury box action shot
This is exactly what happened to us this morning. Juror #3 was out so Alternate juror #1 dropped right in the slot. Alternate jurors listen to the entire case and can easily slide into a main juror slot at anytime assigned by the judge.
Also, I couldn’t pass up a grand view of Tower City Center looking so stately in the sunny Cleveland daylight.
Tower City Center – 2015
If you get assigned to Jury Duty, bring your camera. Chances are, you’ll see some spectacular views of downtown #CLE.
BTW-Yesterday, the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Courts’ Cleveland APL Mobile Unit Program to bring puppies every other week so that jurors can play with them during their lunch break on Thursdays. Superb idea! Sadly, I had to catch up on a few emails so I didn’t have time to play with the puppies.
For our specific criminal case? Deliberations are still ongoing so it’s not over yet!
Shhhhh! Trying to deliberate!
Main question in the deliberation rooms are guilty vs not guilty. That’s it. In these courts, the jury does not decide punishment – that’s only grand jury cases.
The judge explained in detail, the laws pertaining to the case. He reviewed all four counts in detail, gave definitions, and reminded us again that for our criminal case, we only decide guilty or not guilty on each of the charges.
So yes, if you can register to vote, you do possess the skills to be a juror!
Gotta get back to deliberating. I’m definitely earning my keep this week doing my civic duty!
Reporting live from the deliberation room…
Spin the wheel for #JuryDuty!
On entering the Justice Center from Lakeside Avenue, look to your immediate left.
Back in the day, this all wood contraption was how the courts choose you for jury duty. Yep – a simple spin of the wheel gets you assigned. C’mon Vanna! Heck, I’m even more impressed that someone hasn’t smashed this thing out of frustration.
In all honesty, it’s really amazing how the judicial system has progressed over the years…esp the random population of the pool. From our initial court briefing, they pull potential jurors from voter registration stats because they feel that those who are responsible to vote truly care about the community.
Since we are stuck indoors all day, the view out from the justice center is quite nice.
I wish Amtrak made more daytime stops in Cleveland.
For those that work downtown, Cuyahoga County has done a ton of work with increasing green space.
And since I know all of you want to know, our courtroom is relatively quiet.
Well, it is almost lunch time.
Reporting live on day four in the Jury box!
Stay safe my media peeps!
In the aftermath of today’s senseless shooting WDBJ7 Reporter Alison Parker and WDBJ7 Videographer Adam Ward, I wanted to share with you how hard many news peeps work in sometimes dangerous environments.
While the majority of them work in the safety of their news stations, many of the reporters and videographers are out in adverse and dangerous conditions. People don’t know it, but tons of work goes into just 30 seconds of TV. So many hands handling just one story for the broadcast.
I’ve worked with media locally and nationally – each station has their own flair and panache. Yes, at times relationships between public safety and the media can be strained however, I have great admiration for the media in their ever changing profession and assignments. I honestly respect your dedication to reporting the news and seeking the line of truth every day.
I encourage all media to be safe while onscene and be attentive to your surrondings (situational awareness). If your local emergency services can help during an emergency, do not hesitate to call 911. You are a crucial part of every community in providing the news. Most importantly, you are a part of our community.
Stay safe media peeps!
Day-3 of #JuryDuty includes badges and juror deets
Starting Day-3 of #JuryDuty
Seems like Key Tower is getting bigger every day huh?
And yes of course I’m wearing my court identification badge.
These badges are specific to all assigned and possible jurors to alert others to NOT discuss cases. As you may know, part of this judicial process is to keep cases confined to the courtroom – basically until the jury can meet and deliberate.
And no, I can’t tell you what case I’ve been assigned to or details about it. A few judges answered questions about jury duty, but Judge Brendan J. Sheehan took the time to explain in detail, about specific actions as jurors.
Judge Patrick J. Sheehan
Not going to lie, I do enjoy hearing the phrase “All rise for the jury!”
However, the color of the chairs are a bit…dated.
Green and wood – the perfect combo!
Yikes.
Also, the place is covered in wall-to-wall…wood. #SoMuchWood
No smoking indeed.
During lunch today, I walked around the old courthouse. There is some serious architecture action going on here! Years of yellowing (mostly tobacco) has been cleaned/removed and now the freshly refurbished bright white stone architecture shines beautifully for all to see. Darren Toms told me that they filmed a whole bunch of hit movies here including the latest Avengers movie.
They definitely don’t make them like they used to. Heck-just walking up the stairs, you get a chance to see some amazing stained glass work.
Loki’s been here too!
So much history in just in downtown Cleveland and Cuyahoga County. This jury duty assignment has given me the chance to see some great stuff. Best part – all free!
So if you haven’t been down to the old County Courthouse, you should spend a few hours wandering the halls. Jury duty lunch is the perfect time to wander. Also, bring a camera because it is truly a spectacular building.
We are being called back into court so shhhhhhhhhhh!
#JuryDuty has some spectacular views of downtown Cleveland
Downtown Cleveland has some pretty spectacular views of downtown.
Perfect day to be….inside.
Special thanks to Darren Toms on the historical tour at lunch. So much associated with the court system here in NE Ohio.
Ladies and gents….here’s PIO Pro Darren Toms!
Related to my adventures here on #JuryDuty – apparently, I must have said the right things as I was chosen to serve on a criminal case.
Great to see our appointed judge explain the process in detail. This really helps everyone understand the judicial process and the importance of voir dire or Frenchly-translated to say what is true. Lots of questions by potential jurors today.
Appeals court (I wish I was working in this courtroom)
Shhhhh – I gotta pay attention!
Doing my civic duty and reporting live from green chairs in the Justice Center jury booth…
Trial by jury
Here doing my civic duty this week.
Check out the snazzy new jury video from the Cuyahoga County Courts:
Trial by jury!
Reporting live from the Justice Center…
Teaching again this weekend
The weekend!
Taking the time this weekend to teach my Daughter:
1. The best flag in the world.
2. Repeat after me, “We the People of the United States…”
3. #Merica
Hope you are enjoying your weekend!
Friday talks with Ohio EMA leadership
It was great to spend some time with Ohio EMA leadership yesterday.
Discussion on community resilience, task force deployments, Presidential Declarations, key initiatives, outreach, training, EMAC deployments, stakeholder engagement, public information officer, Emergency Management visibility, social media, Public Assistance, SBA loans, documentation and reimbursements, FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate, Public and Private partnerships…heck-we even touched on the buzz words for 2015: Climate change and Cyber.
For sure, lots of notes!
It is so great to hear OEMA Executive Director Sima Merick passionate about all facets of Emergency Management.
Also got a chance to hang with my Ohio EMA Training and Education peeps Lisa and Susan too. Solid discussion about the upcoming Mass Fatalities course (G-386), PIO Courses (G-290), JIC/JIS Courses (G-291), Intermediate Incident Command courses (ICS-300), and the Recovery from Disasters Course (G-270.4).
Lots of good free stuff upcoming from Ohio EMA!
BTW-If you did a double take on that first picture, yes sir Sur, #AlohaFridays are made for an Aloha shirt. Period. Also a historical note, Hawaii became the 50th state on August 21, 1959.
Don’t worry peeps, look closely as I had my Ohio pin on.
Have a great weekend!
Just a day trip to Columbus
Headed to Columbus today for a few administrative details.
Just proud to serve Ohio and this great country.
Not to worry peeps – just a day trip.
And yes, it’s Friday so you know what I’m wearing…Happy Aloha Friday peeps!
Where is @rusnivek? 