Cumberland County Public Defender Adopts AI to Boost Caseload Efficiency

Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, is set to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into its Public Defender’s Office to help manage a growing caseload. County commissioners recently approved a one-year, $17,300 contract with JusticeText, a company specializing in discovery review software.

Discovery is a crucial phase in criminal cases where the prosecution and defense exchange information and evidence before trial. This process ensures both sides have access to relevant materials, allowing for fair preparation of arguments.

Chief Public Defender Michael Halkias highlighted the software's potential efficiency gains to the commissioners. "The software allows us to view hours and hours of video discovery in a matter of minutes," Halkias explained. "It helps to break down and identify areas that attorneys should be looking at, hopefully saving time for them to process cases faster."

Commissioner Chairperson Kelly Neiderer praised the adoption, noting that the AI will guide investigators toward productive insights. "This is fantastic," Neiderer said, expressing hope that the new system would streamline the office's operations, acknowledging the significant increase in cases the Public Defender's Office has experienced in recent years.

The funding for this software comes from an indigent defense grant provided through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. This marks a notable development, as last year was the first time the state began funding defense services for criminal defendants facing extreme poverty. This initiative complements the county's existing efforts, such as the Cumberland County Pre-Trial Services program, launched in May 2023, which has already shown success in reducing recidivism and improving court appearance rates for defendants.

In other county business, the commissioners addressed several other initiatives:

• Mechanicsburg Borough Plan Update: An additional $14,000 in Cumberland County Plans Grant funding was approved for Mechanicsburg Borough to complete an update of its comprehensive plan. This adds to an initial $20,000 grant awarded in 2023. The need for additional funds arose after the original consultant encountered health issues, leading to a change in scope and vendor. The program requires a dollar-for-dollar match, bringing Mechanicsburg's total commitment to $34,000.
• Rain Garden Repair: Commissioners approved a $3,713 contract with Silver Spring Township to repair a recently installed rain garden. The garden has faced issues with standing water persisting for more than 72 hours after storms, raising concerns about plant survival. The solution involves installing pipes and a valve to better control water volume. This repair is funded by the Countywide Action Plan, which aims to reduce stormwater runoff and sedimentation flowing into the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
• Election Integrity Grant: Staff were authorized to seek $930,792 in Election Integrity Grant Program funding through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.
• Sheriff's Office Vehicle: A request from the Sheriff’s Office was granted for the purchase of a new $75,556 pickup truck, replacing a vehicle that experienced a mechanical failure in 2024.