Court services committee approves part-time discovery specialist to manage evidence review

The Court Services Committee approved hiring a part-time discovery and disclosure compliance specialist to support the state's attorney’s office. The committee voted to authorize a retired law-enforcement detective to review case evidence and assist with disclosures.

The state's attorney sought the hire to address an “enormous amount of evidence” in felony cases, citing items such as surveillance video, body-worn-camera footage and photographs. “In a major case, 1,500 pieces of evidence” can arise, and “if evidence doesn't get disclosed, convictions can be overturned,” the state's attorney said, arguing the county needs specialized help to avoid disclosure failures that can lead to new trials.

Under the approved arrangement, the proposal identified retired Detective Lieutenant Brian Polish as a candidate to work part time at $25 per hour, roughly 20 hours per week; proponents estimated that rate would cost approximately $25,800 annually if sustained at full weeks, but noted exact budget treatment and any long-term need would be revisited. Committee members asked whether the hire would be a separate line item or paid from the assistant state's attorney budget; the state's attorney said the position would be funded from existing ASA line items and that the position could cease if two additional assistant state's attorney positions were eventually filled.

Supporters emphasized the hire is intended as an interim measure to reduce workload on existing attorneys while the office remains understaffed. The committee approved the motion by voice vote.

The committee did not provide a formal start date in the meeting materials; the state's attorney said the retiree was available for part-time work. Follow-up on budget coding and whether the position will be continued if additional attorney hires occur was deferred to future budget discussions.