Ascension Parish Court reported that the judge implemented a procedure to allow indigent defendants to work off their fines and court costs by participating in a Litter Abatement Program. The program has been developed in conjunction with the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office.

Baker City Court reported that it used short video presentations almost weekly to train and develop court personnel.

Bastrop City Court reported it worked with the public school system, inviting students to observe civil and criminal proceedings.

Baton Rouge City Court reported it obtained and implemented a new payment system which streamlined how credit card and phone payments are processed. This system has simplified the processing of payments and increased productivity of the court. Additionally, this system has a bevy of reports that assist the court with tracking and reporting data. The court also purchased electronic ticket writers, which automatically uploads tickets into the court case management system. These ticket writers also reduce officer error when filling out ticket information and lessens the overall time it takes to write a ticket. This is especially critical because officer safety is increased by reducing the overall time an officer has to interact with an offender during a traffic stop. The court began planning for a new case management system, which will greatly increase the productivity and processing of legal documents and streamline the efficiency of the court as a whole. This new system will simplify court operations and allow the court to repurpose employees to provide for a more productive and efficient work environment.

Bossier City Court reported it created a website in conjunction with the City of Bossier. This website is constantly being updated and additional information is added as the need arises. The public can check records, service, and court dates through this website, which has reduced the number of phone calls to the court. Criminal and traffic inquiry is available to the public through the website and minutes can be printed at no cost to the public. Civil forms continued to be available to the public to assist in their filing online and in the clerk's office. Also, the court also added the ability to pay by credit card at the Clerk's office and online. The ability to pay traffic tickets online has been a huge hit with the public.

Breaux Bridge City Court reported it continued to develop policies and procedures to ensure the safety of all individuals who utilize the court

Crowley City Court reported it is especially proud that it was able to have installed new wiring for the entire computer network, which will enable the clerk to operate faster with greater security advantages.

Denham Springs City Court reported it was totally destroyed by flood water in August of 2016. A new facility had to be acquired for the court to proceed. All records had to be restored and all new equipment and furniture had to be installed. Revenue flow was severely impacted because the court was unable to function for several months. However, this obstacle was overcome and within a few months the court was back in operation.

Eunice City Court reported that the judge and court staff have seen the lives of some of the people who come through the court changed for the positive because of the individual attention the court provides and guidance, particularly through faith-based rehabilitation centers when a defendant chooses to participate.

Franklin City Court completed a review of the court costs schedule and implemented increased costs.

The City Court of Hammond reported it implemented an electronic paperless system for the Criminal/Traffic Division, utilizing a grant from the Louisiana Supreme Court.

Jeanerette City Court reported it implemented a pre-adjudication juvenile tracking program to reduce or eliminate pre-adjudication placement of delinquent juveniles.

Jefferson Parish 1st Parish Court reported it improved its IT security posture by refreshing the perimeter firewall with the latest technology. The new Cisco Meraki firewall is a next generation firewall with advanced malware protection, content filtering, and intrusion prevention. The new firewall has already blocked several malicious attempts that would have been successful with the older firewall. In addition to improving perimeter network security, email security was also strengthened by applying tighter controls and higher scrutinizing of emails. Multiple malicious attacks on a weekly basis come in via email. These emails are blocked before they reach the end users and have reduced the number of security incidents that occur. Stronger IT security has provided a more consistent and responsive system, improving end user experience.

Jefferson Parish 2nd Parish Court reported that in order to provide the most efficient customer service, it periodically evaluated its existing technology and equipment. From years of use, several systems in the building required updates. This year, the telephone system, computer network, and video surveillance system were updated. Second Parish Court replaced its former telephone system with a voice-over IP system. The installation of these phones was part of a larger project that encompassed the parish government offices and courts. The transition to voice-over IP phones will provide a substantial cost savings to Jefferson Parish. Also, Second Parish Court has recently completed the installation of a new email server, a faster network between First and Second Parish Courts, and a faster internet connection. This upgrade increased the ability of the courts to provide service to the public in a more expeditious manner. Finally, Second Parish Court identified the need to replace an obsolete surveillance system. Cameras that were no longer able to provide clear images have been replaced with updated technology. Further, several additional camera locations were added where additional surveillance was necessary. New monitors will be installed to complete the transition to the system. With the completion of these projects, Second Parish Court looks forward to providing improved customer service to the public.

Kaplan City Court reported it published outstanding warrants in the newspaper, which has assisted in fine and cost collection.

Lafayette City Court reported that its major strategy was the continued improvement and implementation of the court website, which is in the final stages of testing. It is coordinated with the case management software and is designed to allow interaction with members of the bar, the public and other government agencies as appropriate. The online payment system is also in the final stages of testing. The court continually maintains and upgrades court facilities. The court undertook a multi-year update of the climate control system, which is now much more energy-efficient. The court also installed new state-of-the-art cameras to improve security.

Lake Charles City Court reported it is currently working directly with Microsoft to develop a comprehensive case management system for both criminal and civil matters. This work has only been possible through a grant made available by the Louisiana Supreme Court.

Leesville City Court reported it implemented video conferencing.

Marksville City Court reported that the court completed all annual audits without any issues.

Minden City Court reported it established the CC-Ready program for at-risk juveniles. CC-Ready is an acronym that stands for city court resiliency elevation ambition direction for youth and the program teaches the kids invaluable life skills. The juveniles who go through this program have great things to say about the program and are glad they went through it.

Monroe City Court reported it is especially proud of the implementation of the new civil software program purchased for the civil division. The criminal division was awarded a grant from the Louisiana Supreme Court to purchase a case management system, which is being used in our traffic and criminal department. This system allows us to forward DWI and other traffic information electronically on a routine basis. The court continues to recognize the needs of persons with disabilities and continues to address physical barriers for its patrons. In addition to advanced customer service training, the staff will receive sensitivity training in rendition of court services.

Morgan City Court reported it upgraded the probation program to keep better track of people on probation.

Natchitoches City Court reported it implemented new software to allow it to electronically provide records to the Supreme Court.

New Orleans Second City Court reported it is proud that the court continued to sponsor a summer intern program and offer evening court every month. The court also participated in community events such as CPR and self defense, and discussed the jurisdiction and caseload of the court.

New Orleans Traffic and Municipal Courts reported that they were consolidated during 2017. The consolidation was a major initiative that required re-engineering almost all aspects of court operations (financial, case management, technology, docketing, etc.). During that process a new case management system was also implemented (for the former Municipal Court).

Oakdale City Court reported that with the help of the police department, the court was able to develop a standardized bail bond schedule. This has assisted the court in that the court does not have to conduct bail bond hearings.

Opelousas City Court reported that it completed full implementation of a new paperless criminal database installed in May 2016, resulting in more efficient case management, court proceedings and processes, and electronic filing of case dispositions to the Supreme Court and the Department of Motor Vehicles. Through the use of audio-visual equipment the court began digitally posting criminal, traffic, and civil dockets and educating the public on access to justice issues.

Pineville City Court reported that it completed its records retention plan.

Port Allen City Court reported that while the court has never had an incident, it updated the security camera system and began the installation of a secure sally port and modifications to the courtroom. These improvement ensure that there is no contact with the public when prisoners are brought to court.

Rayne City Court reported it is the first in the nation to use Citation Express, which allows defendants to pay fines via their cellphone when the automated system sends a text message and provides the link for payment.

Ruston City Court reported it vastly expanded record storage capability and improved software management systems.

Shreveport City Court reported it issued an en banc bond order granting ROR (release on own recognizance) bonds for all defendants except those listed exceptions which must have bonds set by a judge.

Slidell City Court reported that due in large part to a grant award through the Louisiana Supreme Court, Slidell City Court was finally able to install and implement a new electronic case management system. The purchase of hardware and on-site setup took place during the 1st quarter; and after intense programming and customization, this court was able to Go-Live with the new system on 07/01/2017. This new case management system, although still not 100% optimal, has made a tremendous difference in the management and entry of data. The ease and capabilities of the system have already increased productivity and work flow. To date, the court continues to work with the software programmers and are anxious to have the system operate at maximum functionality. Overall, the court is extremely encouraged with the knowledge and growth gained this past year.

Sulphur City Court reported it continued to work with city and parish officials to improve facilities and look for ways to fund same.

Thibodaux City Court reported it installed new computer equipment and programs in the clerk's office and courtroom.

Vidalia City Court reported that this was the judge's first year with the court, which he used to gauge the effectiveness of the current system. The court cut costs on some duplicated items which are available elsewhere, in order to make room for saving for upgraded systems for the court. The judge also reviewed online payment processing for ease of collection and consumer-friendly payment platforms; however, but the review was not completed at the time of this survey.

Winnsboro City Court reported it increased its focus on individuals previously sentenced, working with them in successfully completing the terms of their sentence without incarceration.