Washington County Attorney’s Office—2017 Annual Report 4 Administrative Division Overview Administrative Division The administrative division is responsible for planning and executing a comprehensive range of administrative services that support the mission of the Washington County Attorney and the work of all divisions within the office. Under the direction of the County Attorney, it develops and implements operating policies and procedures to protect public safety while being fiscally prudent. Thanks to the County Attorney's fiscal restraint, the operating cost of the office is well below other metropolitan area offices. The division is overseen by the First Assistant, Brent Wartner, who is the principal advisor to the County Attorney on administrative matters. The administrative division provides guidance on the management and use of the office’s financial, human and physical resources, systems and information management; automated litigation support; case management; records management; and media relations. The administrative staff must work closely with all divisions to ensure compliance with and implementation of all policies, standards and mandates of the office. Systems and Information Management Administrative Services Manager Jennifer Baltaian is responsible for the effective management of our 5.8 million dollar annual budget, support services matters, and technological resources and initiatives. During the past decade, progress in automation has tremendously increased the efficiency and cost- effectiveness of the office. For example the implementation of our case management system (LENS 9.0) permits the sharing of information with other law enforcement agencies, such as the Sheriff's Office, District Court, local police departments, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and outside governmental agencies, greatly increasing the overall efficiency of the office. Jennifer Baltaian with the assistance of a supervisor is responsible for management of division legal support services staff consisting of 12 legal assistants, 5 paralegals and an office support position. Public Relations and Media A primary focus of the administrative division is serving the information needs of the public. Cathy Rochel serves as the coordinator between the County Attorney and the media, other governmental agencies and the public. She coordinates the office responses to a multitude of requests: press conferences, media requests for statements and interviews with the County Attorney, community events and published materials. While information regarding pending cases must be safeguarded in order to ensure effective prosecution, this need must be balanced with the public’s right to know. First Assistant County Attorney Brent Wartner Administrative Services Manager Jenn Baltaian Executive Assistant Cathy Rochel In 2017 over 7,440 people attended over 154 presentations sponsored by County Attorney’s office staff.