The Tap In Center (TIC) is a response to St. Louis County Court closures. All court proceedings have migrated online, leaving low-income defendants without internet access vulnerable to “failure to appear” warrants, which means risking pretrial detention. At a time when COVID-19 is severely affecting jail and prison populations, preventing people from being unnecessarily incarcerated is even more important. People awaiting trial who are still legally innocent account for three-quarters of the national jail population.

TIC is an expedited legal service focused on resolving warrants. The Library provides a safe, neutral environment for clients to get assistance. When clients check in to TIC, a court liaison passes their case information to the defense attorneys from The Bail Project (TBP) and Public Defender’s Office. While defense attorneys confer with the prosecutor, TBP connects the client with supports, such as transportation and a cell phone. Outstanding warrants often get resolved by the next day, an incredible turnaround time.

TIC has quashed 250+ warrants & saved ~$542,000. TIC saves taxpayer money and reduces recidivism (MacArthur Foundation). Visitors express huge relief: “I felt better when I saw that people were putting in the extra steps to help me get my situation handled. It's honestly unheard of. I was connected with resources like temporary housing, where to get some clothes, where to get help with food, and the biggest thing, I got my warrant recalled for free.” TIC now serves surrounding areas & other areas are replicating TIC.

Learn more from this NPR article, "County Library’s ‘Tap In Center’ Helps Residents Resolve Warrants, Get Legal Assistance."