HAMILTON — A four-month inquiry into Butler County's system for recording and transcribing court proceedings found “no legal, ethical or constitutional problem,” but recommended that the courts provide live court reporters for all criminal hearings and trials.

        A committee of the county bar association, formed at the request of Common Pleas Administrative Judge Matthew J. Crehan, has issued a seven-page report. The committee has been meeting since November, after Jane A. Fitch, a professional court reporter based in Hamilton, raised concerns about inaccurate transcripts and an “appearance of impropriety” under the current system, in which judges' secretaries or other court employees listen to recordings and type transcripts.

        Ms. Fitch, who gave input to the committee, couldn't be reached for comment Tuesday.
       

Commissioners will get say

        Judge Crehan called the report fair and thorough. He said he will present it to the county commissioners for possible action, but he didn't know when.

        “They're going to have to digest it first and see if and how we want to implement the recommendations,” the judge said.

        Headed by longtime Hamilton lawyer George Jonson, the committee said the current compact-disc recording system used in Common Pleas Court should be retained because it records testimony “reliably,” but equipment changes and different microphone placements should be considered to prevent “inaudibles”' from occurring.
       

Shorthand need cited

        The committee's biggest recommendation was that the Common Pleas Court hire an “official shorthand reporter,” who would oversee the recording system, train other court personnel to record and transcribe proceedings, and provide live court reporting services “as needed.”

        The committee recommended that “at a minimum, the court should endeavor to provide live court reporters for all criminal trials (and) hearings,” as well as for major juvenile court action in custody, abuse and delinquency matters.

        The report also said the Juvenile Court uses “antiquated” recording equipment that should be replaced.

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