"We want the kids to have an idea of what the courts actually do," said Dalton. "Some of the adults don't even know. We also let them see what happens if they don't follow the rules." Detective Support Officer Kim Symes led fifth-grade students from Rebecca Boone Elementary School through secure hallways and elevators which followed the same path an accused criminal suspect would take. The annual tour began at the sally port, an enclosed and secure area where Warren County law enforcement personnel bring their prisoners to begin the booking process. After the garage door closes, the prisoner is released from the patrol car into the hands of corrections officers. Symes led the students to the fingerprinting area and let them experience the jail's holding room. Volunteers were handcuffed and shackled. "Before they get their orange suits they are strip-searched and are required to shower," said Symes. Several students scrunched up their noses and commented on the smell of the jail area. It wasn't quite like home. "There is no phone, no TV, no video games, no fun," said Cpl. Pamela Woodrow. "You don't want to end up in here." Woodrow showed students the digital fingerprinting system, where ink is no longer required. Students were able to check out the jail control room, getting a glimpse of some of the 89 prisoners currently serving time by watching video screens monitored by jail personnel. Judge Dalton later answered questions about the entire judicial system as students sat in his courtroom. "You never, ever, ever get to go outside," said Dalton regarding serving time in the Warren County Jail. "Prisoners have a tiny little window. Sometimes I have to lock them up for up to one year." Dalton told the students he tries "thousands and thousands of criminal cases," including DWI, marijuana, misdemeanor assaults and domestic cases. He also handles civil cases, including divorce, issuance of restraining orders and probate cases. "I do all the Judge Judy cases," he said. "I'm just a lot nicer than Judge Judy." Students were curious about juvenile crimes. He predicted some of the students in the room will take up smoking before they are 18 years old, trying to look cool or imitating their parents. "You are going to get a ticket and come in here with your parents and face me," said Dalton. "You also may lose the right to get a drivers license if you drink anytime before you turn 21. You could get kicked out of school permanently for fighting." Citing the "abuse and lose" law, he told students they may ruin one of the privileges they all wait excitedly for - the right to drive. Dalton told students his job as judge is a full-time responsibility. "If you come in here on a Monday or Tuesday, the whole courtroom is full. We might see 300 people in a day. It's a busy, busy place." In spite of his full schedule, Dalton said the tour is a great educational tool for the kids and plans to welcome area students to his "classroom" in the future.

Students Get Glimpse Inside Judicial System

Students Get Glimpse Inside Judicial System