URGENT UPDATE: Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeff Getting has voiced strong opposition to a controversial proposal that could relocate his office from its current location in the newly built courthouse. The move, discussed in a meeting on January 20, 2023, has been labeled a “terrible idea” by Getting, who emphasizes the potential negative impact on the legal process.
The $94 million courthouse, which opened just two years ago, serves as a hub for over 30,000 scheduled court events annually. Moving the prosecutor’s office off-site would significantly disrupt the workflow for attorneys, victim advocates, and police, all of whom rely on immediate access to the courtrooms. “This would be a disservice to everyone involved,” Getting stated emphatically during the meeting.
Authorities are considering this reconfiguration due to the possibility of adding another judge in the future. Currently, there is no extra space at the Gull Road facility or the downtown courthouse. If the office relocates across the street to the new administration building, it would complicate access for those involved in court proceedings, potentially adding significant delays for the next 75 years.
Getting expressed concerns about the logistical implications, stating, “I can’t even tell you what that number is,” referring to the increased steps required for thousands of court events each year. The prosecutor’s office includes designated waiting areas for crime victims and police, designed with security and comfort in mind, a consideration that would be lost if the office were to move.
During earlier discussions, Kalamazoo County commissioners have shown interest in revising the proposed facilities plan, with some advocating for budget reductions. Chair Jen Strebs remarked on the need for the board to be “fiscally sound” while remaining “strategically nimble enough to grow.” The proposal is still under review, and Getting plans to reach out to each commissioner to advocate for the needs of his office.
As the situation develops, there are alternative options on the table. Getting suggested that moving civil court functions out of the downtown courthouse might be a less disruptive solution, keeping the prosecutor’s office in its current location. “Being on the fourth floor of this building is where you need to be,” he insisted, underscoring the importance of proximity to the courtrooms.
As this story unfolds, the implications for the legal community and residents of Kalamazoo County remain significant. Local officials are urged to consider the long-term impacts of their decisions on the efficiency of the justice system.
Stay tuned for updates as this developing situation progresses.
