Court Liaison

The Court Liaison Officer, Patrolman Martha Eyman, is responsible for providing security for the Mentor Municipal Court. Additional duties include transporting prisoners to and from Court and the County Jail. The officer also ensures timely delivery of official documents to and from the Court including warrants and subpoenas. This officer appears at all arraignments in the Mentor Municipal Court in lieu of the arresting officers. The officer advises the Judge of basic facts of each case when defendants plead guilty or no contest at the arraignment. Security checks of the courtroom and surrounding offices are performed daily. The officer also checks the security alarm system weekly to ensure its effectiveness.

Prisoner transportation is accomplished through the use of a GMC Savana prisoner transport van. The van has two separate units, holding five prisoners each. This allows separation of male and female prisoners.

In 2004, the Mentor Municipal Court instituted a Mental Health Court. This court convenes weekly in the Mentor courtroom and handles cases of defendants with mental health problems that have contributed to their legal difficulties. These cases are referred from local court systems when defendants meet certain eligibility requirements. The Court Liaison Officer and a Lake County Deputy provide security for this county endeavor.

Court Security

In 2009, the Mentor Municipal Court completed a building expansion and remodeling program. Upon opening the new facility, the need for heightened security became evident. A court security officer position was created to screen visitors to the Mentor Municipal Court and the Police Department.

The court security position is shared by two part-time employees, Pat Reilly and Jay Murtaugh. Both are retired police officers and have extensive experience in dealing with the public in all types of situations. This position is staffed during court business hours at the main entrance to the facility. Packages and purses being carried are examined for weapons and visitors then pass through a metal detector. Visitors are then directed to their destination within the facility. These employees strive to make this necessary experience a pleasant one for all visitors.

We appreciate the patience, cooperation, and understanding of our citizens as we work to insure the safety of all persons at the court and police department.