The City of Delphi released a statement regarding the pre-planning that the city underwent in preparation for the trial of the State of Indiana vs. Richard Allen, the logistics for the city and more as the trial continues this week after moving back into the Carroll County Courthouse late last week.
“While we are saddened by the reason for the sudden interest and activity in the City, we wish to make everyone’s visit to Delphi outside of the Courthouse as safe and enjoyable as possible under the circumstances,” the city released. “We also wish to minimize any disruption to normal activities of our residents and businesses.”
The City stated that the Mayor, Police Chief and City Department Supervisors worked for months in preparation of the trial, stating that safety for citizens and visitors remains as the primary priority for the leaders while they strive to minimize disruption to normal activities.
The City stated that cell phone boosters will be utilized to augment signal in the City building and downtown Delphi area, media parking will be resolved with negotiations between local businesses as they arrange for reserved parking for media to provide a location close to the courthouse without disruption for local downtown businesses and overflow parking will be resolved through work with local businesses to arrange overflow parking as a result of an influx of vehicles and people for the trial.
The City further stated that the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce is arranging remote and co-working spaces for visitors with high speed internet access less than a block from the courthouse. A hospitality center will be set up for law enforcement involved in the trial where drinks, snacks and haircuts for officers involved will be provided as they enforce numerous traffic, safety and policy procedures.
“We met several times with law enforcement and court officials to coordinate traffic, street closures and parking enforcement with the goal facilitating the safe and effective transfer of people associated with the trial and minimizing the impact on downtown business,” the City released.
The Mayor, Chief of Police and Department heads will reportedly meet every day to discuss emerging issues, logistics and enforcement during the month-long trial, and officers will be available throughout the downtown area to answer questions for pedestrians.
“City officers will be on the streets and patrolling in marked vehicles,” the City released. “We ask that you cooperate with all police directions since the officers may be managing a situation that is not readily apparent to you. Please keep the sidewalks clear for pedestrians and obey all parking and street direction signs.”
The City stated that clearly-marked towaway zones are in effect, and officers will be enforcing 2-hour parking in the downtown areas. Media parking will be allowed street parking only in designated and pre-approved locations, and all other media trucks will be required to obtain a permit from the City office to park in the designated parking lot on a fire-come, first-served basis.
Market Street will be closed west of the Courthouse for vehicles and pedestrians for the duration of trial and will be available only for court, prosecutor and law enforcement personnel.
The Delphi Police Department will also be patrolling the High-Bridge Trail and may be available to shuttle media to and from the Trail upon request.
