Lehigh County TRIAD kicked off their first meeting of the new season Sept. 11 with an update on local crime by Judge Douglas G. Reichley.

"The level of crime within the county over the last five years has stayed the same," Reichley said, which may be a surprising fact to some.

Reichley reviewed the Criminal Justice Advisory Board Data Committee Report to the TRIAD group, explaining the information about crime and the judicial system within the county. He served in the Lehigh County District Attorney's Office from 1989 to 2000, eventually becoming Deputy District Attorney for violent crime prosecutions. Reichley also served in the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office from 2000 to 2001 in the Special Investigations Unit and served in the Pennsylvania State House from 2003 to 2011.

There are 10 judges in Lehigh County, five of whom deal with civil cases such as slip and fall, or family law, and five of whom deal with criminal cases such as adult, juvenile and support contempt cases. Reichley is one of the judges who focuses on criminal cases.

"They are the most interesting and fulfilling cases," Reichley said about his work with juveniles. "That is where we can really make an impact."

The number of cases and dispositions filed under criminal court was 4,821 in 2007, shot to a high of 4,847 in 2010, but has decreased to 4,656 for 2011.

The number of commitments within the adult system of the Department of Corrections has also decreased. There were 6,022 commitments in 2007 and 5,829 commitments in 2011.

The number of juvenile detention admissions has also decreased. In 2007, there were 708 admissions into the juvenile detention system, 435 in 2011.

The juvenile probation staff has increased the emphasis on alternatives to the detention system. Numbers in population have also slightly decreased within the county. Reichley said he sees at least 75 percent of the juveniles show up without a father. It is also not uncommon for neither parent to be present during juvenile court cases. "It's a challenge for us as judges to find an appropriate way of handling it."

The judge shared some perspective into his ruling process, as he always aims to make the best decision to help the juvenile better their life and their future.

State Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-134th was also present at the meeting.

TRIAD meetings are conducted at Emeritus of Allentown, located at 1545 Greenleaf St. in Allentown and are held the second Tuesday of each month. There is a free continental breakfast at 8 a.m., with the meeting beginning at 8:30 a.m.

The next speaker will be Frank Whelan of the Lehigh County Historical Society Oct. 9. The public is always invited to attend.