June 3, 2020 Citizens of Orange County Step Up and Answer the Call to Serve as Jurors Santa Ana, CA – Jury trials began once again as Orange County Superior Court initiated the process of reopening last week and a large number of prospective jurors heeded the call of duty and came to the Court to serve our community. Due to the pandemic, the Court modified juror waiting areas to assure strict enforcement of safety precautions. Prospective jurors expressed their appreciation for the Court’s efforts to establish social distancing and keep everyone safe.

Judge Thomas Delaney greeted the prospective jurors, expressed the gratitude of the Court and provided information about the Court’s Safe Access to Justice Initiative, which is designed to keep all those who enter Court facilities be healthy and safe. “We are now ready to resume jury trials and resume them safely” Judge Delaney announced to the audience of prospective jurors. “And you are a critical part of that work.” For his part, Orange County Superior Court Presiding Judge Kirk Nakamura, said, “Today is the day that we recognize jurors for their contribution, as they step up to serve our community.” As part of the soft reopening, the Court kicked off the “Safe Access to Justice Initiative,” a program designed to assure strict enforcement of safety precautions in order to protect jurors and all members of the public who enter Court facilities.

The use of facemasks or face coverings is mandatory for anyone entering a courthouse. Physical distancing rules will also be strictly enforced in all facilities, thus the number of individuals entering public courtrooms and elevators will be subject to space limitations.

Superior Court of California County of Orange News Release Public Information Office Contact: Kostas Kalaitzidis, PIO@occourts.org Persons displaying possible coronavirus symptoms will not be allowed in court facilities. “Jurors will continue to be called as needed over the next weeks as we work to normalize our operations,” said Jury Services Manager Pete Hernandez.

To alleviate concerns regarding physical distancing, the Court recently implemented a mobile device- based check-in process for jurors. “Our jurors may now skip the check-in line altogether and take a seat directly in the jury assembly room,” said Jury Services Manager Pete Hernandez, adding “by accessing a dedicated Court network for jurors on their mobile device, they can check-in for jury service and obtain access to the free Wifi. All they need to use is their 9-digit juror ID number that is printed on their summons.

It’s as simple as that.” The Juror Mobile-Check-in is currently available at the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana, but will be available at the Harbor, North and West Justice Centers later this year. Jurors are encouraged to follow step one of their summons and complete their online questionnaire before they come to the Court. For more information on jury service, visit www.occourts.org and click on “Jury Service,” or call the Office of the Jury Commissioner at (657) 622-7000. ###