Ferris’ new warrant program explained

FERRIS – The city of Ferris rolled out a new warrant program during the pandemic.

It allows police warrant officers and bailiffs to service and clear outstanding warrants while also providing security in the courtroom during court proceedings.

The program was initiated due to COVID-19 because city officials wanted to maintain safety for the public and office personnel while still giving the public an opportunity to take care of current or past due warrants.

Numerous outstanding warrants had accumulated throughout the years with limited clearings and the new program will help alleviate the accumulation, according to police.

The program began March 2020 and gives the public ways in which to expedite warrants, whether it is a payment plan or community service. 

Police officials said the program is working.

The number of warrants being cleared has increased since people are no longer apprehensive about communicating with the court in order to make arrangements to clear their warrants or speak with the judge.

The warrant officer can also communicate with the judge using Zoom, a video conference program, to arraign an individual who has outstanding warrants.

The paperwork is processed within the court and emailed directly to the defendant or warrant officer to have the document signed and filed with the court while the warrant officer is with the defendant and then released.

“Ferris is in very limited company as far as having a warrant officer dedicated full time to handle the warrant load,” said Ferris Police Lt. Jesus Mancillas.