New Chief Judicial Commissioner Yolanda Mitchell said there will be broadened coverage for setting bonds under the new judicial commissioner setup.
Ms. Mitchell and three other judicial commissioners had their first day on the job today.
The judicial commissioners set bonds and sign warrants at the County Jail on nights and weekends.
However, Ms. Mitchell told the County Commission she will begin going to the County Jail during the day to help cutdown on arrestees having to wait for hours to get a bond set.
"We will be providing coverage in the daytime as well," Ms. Mitchell said.
She said when the judicial commissioner goes on duty at 6 p.m. there are usually a number of cases waiting to be heard.
"Some have been waiting there all day," she said.
Allen Branum, chief deputy sheriff, said officials are working to give the judicial commissioners all the information they can get on the criminal backgrounds of those coming before them.
Currently, the judicial commissioners only have access to the Hamilton County criminal records.
Chief Branum said officials are trying to get access to the NCIC national crime records for the judicial commissioners. He said approval must be given by the FBI.
Also, officials said the room where the judicial commissioners preside at the jail is getting a fresh coat of paint.
The other judicial commissioners are Larry Ables, Marty Lasley and Bob Meeks.
Commission Chairman Bill Hullander said he believes a number of positive moves are taking place in the often-controversial program.
"We want it where other cities will be coming to study us as a model," he said.