Helping resolve non-violent arrest warrants in Franklin County
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A new program in Franklin County aims to help people with low-level, non-violent arrest warrants resolve their cases.
Called the Tap In Center, the first official session was held Tuesday at the Whitehall branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library.
There are currently around 57,000 outstanding warrants for minor misdemeanors and the Tap In Center is trying to put a dent in that number by helping Franklin County residents get the warrants taken care of at a neutral location.
Franklin County Municipal Court Judge Gina Russo said the process is quicker and easier than going to the courthouse.
“Of course, if you have an outstanding warrant, you’re going to be reluctant to go into a courthouse for fear of being arrested or having to go through the typical court process,” Russo said. “Coming here, we try to meet people where they are.”
The Tap In Center is only for non-violent arrest warrants, not for cases like domestic violence or felonies.
Melissa Pierson, who is leading the Tap In Center program, said many participants have outstanding warrants because of traffic violations.
“People just kind of forget that they had this traffic case that they were supposed to show up for a hearing, they didn’t show up, a bench warrant gets issued and then it just snowballs from there and people get really scared,” Pierson said.
That’s what happened to one local woman, who wished to remain anonymous but told her story to NBC4.
“I just missed my court date to show proof that my license was valid,” she said. “I came here, and the attorney took care of it, no problem.”
She had this arrest warrant for about a year and was able to get it taken care of at the library in less than 20 minutes.
“It’s dismissed and I don’t have to go to court, I don’t have to go downtown at all,” the woman said. “They just took care of my problems and I’m happy with that.”
After getting a case resolved, program participants can also get help from the BMV, Jobs and Family Services, child support and other resources.
“We have a lot of providers that really believe in this concept,” Pierson said. “They want to see people move forward and kind of resolve these issues.”
The next Tap In Center session is happening Dec. 17 at the Whitehall branch of the library and it is by appointment only.
To find out if you are eligible for assistance you are asked to call the Tap In Center hotline at 614-525-4488. Staff will figure out if they can help you and then schedule you for an appointment time.