Midtown Community Court

About

The Midtown Community Court is a project of the Center for Court Innovation.

Story

Launched in 1993 as the nation's first community justice court, the Midtown Community Court focuses on quality-of-life offenses such as prostitution, illegal vending, graffiti, shoplifting, farebeating and vandalism. Midtown Community Court's judge has an array of sanctions and services at her disposal geared at reducing recidivism and promoting the improvement of community conditions. These sanctions include community restitution projects as well as social and clinical services. Midtown Community Court's on-site clinic is staffed by social service professionals who use trauma-focused, strengths-based, and evidence-informed clinical approaches to assess and connect adults, adolescents, LGBT identifying individuals, and those impacted by human trafficking to appropriate services. The court also boasts a fatherhood program, UPNEXT, which is an evidence-based job training and family engagement program for unemployed men and/or non-custodial fathers. The program provides tools, training, and resources for participants to successfully compete in today’s job market and connect with their families.

Mission

The Midtown Community Court handles misdemeanor arrests made in Times Square, Lincoln Square, Chelsea, Upper West Side, and the Clinton neighborhoods of New York City. Its mission is to respond constructively to quality of life offenses, prevent further crime before it occurs, all while providing support to offenders so that they may exit the criminal justice system and improve their lives.