Goodin: I’d keep video arraignments

RELATED: New system will be up, runnig next week in Youngstown court

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Poland Township Police Chief Brian Goodin said if he’s elected Mahoning County sheriff, he would take administrators and have them patrol streets in high-crime areas and take care of video arraignments.

Goodin, one of three Democrats seeking to replace Sheriff Randall Wellington, said Wednesday that elimination of video arraignments at the jail, starting Monday, poses a danger to police officers and citizens.

Wellington said his office no longer can afford to have deputies handle video arraignments at the county jail for Youngstown Municipal Court.

Jerry Greene, a sheriff candidate serving as the department’s director of jail services, backs Wellington’s decision to end video arraignments.

Former Youngstown Police Chief Jimmy Hughes, also a candidate, said the sheriff shouldn’t be eliminating video arraignments.

There are no Republicans seeking the sheriff’s office. Independents have until March 5, the day before the primary, to file for the post.