By Joy Bergmann
Before January 28 the 11 AM narcotics bond call at 26th and California began with people who’d recently been arrested for drug possession and delivery lining up along a corridor outside the large, stately room 101, where Judge Ford would emerge from his chambers ready for the daily onslaught of around 80 men and 20 women.
On the first day of the new system, disoriented family members, grumbling and confused, wander into room 111, which is around the corner from room 101. As latecomers arrive, the newly wise fill them in. “They ain’t bringing nobody down. You got to watch them on TV.”
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Judge Ford walks through the single door. The bailiff cries “All rise!” to the standing-room-only crowd. For the first two days of TV bond court it’s female defendants only.
Gallagher finally rushes in and begins excitedly stating his office’s objections to the closed-circuit system. Judge Ford tersely reminds him of the Illinois statute that authorizes it. The state’s attorney busies herself arranging files.
When court adjourns one deputy tells another, “They need an X on the floor down there, like on Johnny Carson, so they know where to stand.”
