UPDATE: Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeff Getting has issued an urgent warning regarding a proposed plan that could relocate his office from its current location in the downtown courthouse. During a meeting on January 20, 2024, Getting described the potential move as a “terrible idea” that would significantly hinder the efficiency of legal proceedings.
The prosecutor’s office operates within a $94 million facility that opened just two years ago, handling over 30,000 scheduled court events last year alone. Moving the office off-site, potentially to the new administration building, would complicate the process for victims and witnesses who need to testify in court. “This would be a disservice to everyone involved in the judicial process,” Getting stated, emphasizing the critical need for proximity to courtrooms.
County officials are considering this change due to the possibility of adding another judge in the future. With limited space at the Gull Road facility and downtown courthouse, the county must explore options. However, Getting warned that relocating his office would add unnecessary steps for the next 75 years for thousands of court events. “We don’t need to be across the street,” he asserted.
The prosecutor’s office includes a separate waiting area for police officers and crime victims, designed with input from staff to ensure secure and comfortable access before testimony. Getting plans to communicate directly with each county commissioner to advocate for keeping the office in its current location.
At a recent board meeting, some commissioners indicated a desire to streamline costs related to proposed facility projects. Chair Jen Strebs highlighted the need for fiscal responsibility while remaining adaptable to future growth. Discussions are ongoing about potentially reallocating court functions to minimize disruption.
Getting believes alternatives exist that would be less disruptive, such as moving civil court functions instead. He is urging the county to take the time to consider the long-term implications of these changes. “Being on the fourth floor of this building is where you need to be,” he concluded, stressing the importance of maintaining accessibility for those involved in the justice system.
As this situation unfolds, community members and legal professionals are watching closely, knowing that the outcome could reshape how justice is administered in Kalamazoo County. Stay tuned for more updates as this developing story progresses.
