Traffic Attitude Program (TAP)
The court's Traffic Attitude Program was designed for offenders of driving violations and is under the supervision of the Judges and direction of Probation Director Gerald Tarchala. The program is one of only several education programs in the State which is operated by a District Court. The program consists of approximately 10 hours of instruction including Michigan's drinking and driving laws: driving techniques taught by professionals, and a breathalyzer presentation by a Royal Oak police officer. The program ensures that the information offenders receive is consistent with the needs of rehabilitation and the priorities of the Court.
Community Service Program
This sentencing alternative to jail time provides Judges with the opportunity to order non-violent offenders to perform community volunteer work as part of their sentence or in lieu of payment of fines and costs if they are indigent. Placements are found in governmental , Church or community non-profit agencies and are supervised by the Probation Department.
Volunteer Probabion Officer Program
The Court provides an important link to the community through its Volunteers-in-Probation Program which has been in existence since the early 1960's. After completing a training course provided by the probation staff, citizens handle a caseload geared to their own time and availability. (for more information, call (248) 246-3670).
Educational Group Visits / Tours
The court encourages the community to learn more about its operation and jurisdiction through special arrangements. Local schools annually bring groups of students for tours of the facility, observing courtroom proceedings, and meeting with the Judges. (for more information, call Court Officer at (248) 246-3648.
The Volunteers-in-Probation Program
In 1967 Look magazine designated Royal Oak as one of 7 cities in the United States to be called an All-American City. The reason for this singular honor was the work of a young Judge (Keith Leenhouts), the 44th District Court, and the court's Probation Department.
Like many Judges, Keith Leenhouts was discouraged by what was happening in the system; a defendant is brought in, tried, convicted, pays his/her fine and/or goes to jail, is put on probation, and then proceeds to go out and commit another crime within 3 years.
In 1960 Judge Leenhouts decided to begin a Volunteers-in-Probation program utilizing hundreds of community volunteers (he called them sponsors) to meet one-on-one with probationers for about 12 hours each month. Judge Leenhouts described this technique, one where volunteers introduce their inspirational personality into the life of the offender, to befriend him/her, listen to him/her, and guide him/her through his/her critical first brush with the law.
The results were astounding. The Royal Oak Court utilizing the volunteers-in-probation program, over a 5 year period, had only 14.9% repeat offenders while a comparable court of our size, not using this program, had 48.9% repeaters.
Because of this success, the Royal Oak Court gained National attention and eventually, in 1967, was given the title, All-American City.
Today, thousands of courts throughout the United States are using this program. When Judge Leenhouts retired from the Royal Oak Court, he became National Director of the Volunteers-in-Probation program and to this day, is still active and speaking throughout the country on the
merits of volunteers.
Citizens like yourself may volunteer to help in this program at the court by simply calling the 44th District Court Probation Director Gerald Tarchala at (248) 246-3670. By doing this, you will continue to make Royal Oak a better and safe place to live.