Since the Hamilton County-Chattanooga Courts Building opened in the early 1990s, visitors could find an information desk after the security check at the Cherry Street entrance.
Often there just wasn’t anyone sitting at it until a little more than a year ago.
Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Hammond said Tuesday that when he took office two years ago he learned that his deputies working security often were distracted from their duties while trying to direct visitors to the correct clerk office, court or restroom.
“Many are confused when they come in. They don’t understand the language of the courts, what courtroom, what division, what docket numbers, things like that,” Hammond said.
So the department recruited Donald Klasing, a local retired health care executive, to coordinate unpaid volunteers for the desk during busy court hours.
He started by compiling a manual explaining the basics of the courts building and which offices and courts cover what areas. Over the last year he’s added a “frequently asked questions” list that he and the two other volunteers use often.
Klasing set up a similar information booth at Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport. He said Hammond noticed that booth and asked him if he could do the same for the courts.
“Volunteers need to be comfortable asking questions and doing the docket searches on the computer to provide them with accurate information,” he said.
Karin Van Hoorn began volunteering in mid-August. The native of Germany and wife of Volkswagen plant body shop manager Ewald Van Hoorn said the position helps her meet people and learn more about the United States.
“The people are all friendly, and I can improve my English,” she said.
Contact staff writer Todd South at tsouth@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6347.
TO VOLUNTEER
Information desk hours are Monday-Thursday from 7:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. The department seeks more volunteers, and those interested can call Donald Klasing at 209-6468 or Director G.A. Bennett at 209-7000.