Court-issued cards will summarize civil protection orders

Court-issued cards will summarize civil protection orders

YOUNGSTOWN

Wallet-sized cards summarizing civil protection orders provide police with a practical way to verify and enforce those orders, Mahoning County’s domestic relations court judge said.

“It’s a convenient method for domestic violence victims to provide evidence that they have a protection order,” said Judge Beth A. Smith of that court, who conducted a news conference this morning to announce the launch of the card issuance program.

The cards, which can be carried by a victim at all times, contain information from the protection order, including identifying characteristics of the person ordered to stay away and dates of issuance and expiration. There is no fee for the CPO or the card issued by that court.

The card, which resembles a credit card or driver’s license, is more durable and convenient to carry than the 8 1/2 by 11-inch court order itself, the judge said.

“It’s a good example of where government has to help the people that really can’t help themselves,” Tony Vivo, clerk of courts, said of the card issuance. “She’s taking a proactive approach to make things a lot easier for these victims of domestic violence,” he said of Judge Smith.