Online Training and Resources
This edition of Updates is relatively light on content, but we wanted to make sure to share a few online training resources this week.
It has been a delight seeing judges and court staff as we kicked off the new academic year, and we are all looking forward to seeing more of you and the constables and deputies as we hold more conferences over the next few months.
As always, we hope you have a great week and stay warm out there!
Constable Corner
Law Enforcement Policy Trends
As policies change with the times, it is important for agencies to stay up-to-date. Lexipol recently posted their 5 Policy Trends for Law Enforcement Leaders in 2025 tip sheet to their blog, highlighting critical areas where agencies must adapt to remain effective and resilient.
Read the blog post: https://www.lexipol.com/resources/blog/law-enforcement-policy-trends-to-watch-in-2025/
NCSC Webinar – Tech for All: Applications of AI to Increase Access to Justice – Wednesday, January 29 at noon
Join NCSC staff and guest presenters to explore the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing access to justice for underserved communities.
Wednesday, January 29, 2025, from noon – 1 pm
Presenters will discuss how they are safely and effectively leveraging new technologies to make the legal system more accessible. Participants will learn about practical applications of AI and discover the potential for democratizing access to legal information for increased participation in court cases and proceedings. The presenters will also share compelling case studies that demonstrate how AI can directly assist individuals seeking justice.
By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:
- Assess the potential benefits of implementing self-help AI solutions
- Understand the complexity and cost of developing and implementing a self-help AI tool, including the skillsets and resources necessary
- Describe the building blocks for a self-help chatbot
NCSC Online Course in Support of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month
New online course connects courts with CDL drivers in the fight against human trafficking.
A new NCSC course gives courts an opportunity to connect with Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holders to raise awareness about human trafficking.
CDL Drivers and Courts: On the Road to End Human Trafficking is a free, 45-minute, interactive, self-paced online course developed by NCSC Creative Learning Services (CLS).
Courts are encouraged to share messaging about the course in notices or public information geared toward CDL drivers. Course completion may also be court ordered as an appropriate sentence requirement or condition of probation, parole, or community service.
“With about 8.7 million commercial motor vehicle drivers in the U.S., this initiative provides an opportunity to reach a significant number of commercial drivers with information to help them detect and report human trafficking,” said Derek Felton, NCSC CLS director. “State courts and judges can actively participate by promoting the course and reinforcing certain messaging at various CDL holder touchpoints.”
The course covers essential signs of trafficking, discusses how to report suspicious activity, and provides insights into potential victims, perpetrators, and common trafficking locations.
How courts can help
Additional resources available to courts and justice system partners to help raise awareness include a judicial bench card, a reference card for prosecutors, digital signage content, social media graphics, and flyers and rack cards.
Felton encourages courts to begin supporting the CDL Drivers and Courts initiative this month, which has been designated National Human Trafficking Prevention Month.
To learn more about the course and access the implementation guide and resources, visit ncsc.org/cdlhtainfo.
Video Series from Austin Young Lawyers Association – Did you miss it last year?
Austin Young Lawyers Association has launched “How to Pick Jurors for Your Trial in Justice Courts and Municipal Courts” video series. AYLA received a Texas Bar Foundation grant to produce these educational series for pro se litigants. The video project made possible with the support and efforts of the Travis County District Clerk.
This is a great resource to share with self-represented litigants who have questions about the trial process, especially jury selection.
You may also notice a special appearance by your colleague, Judge Sylvia Holmes.
Here is the link to the series: https://lnkd.in/eEpgdFdu
Do you have questions about this update or have something we should share? Please email Amber Myers at a_m1814@txstate.edu with any questions or content to share.
