AKRON (OH) - EVALUATION OF THE AUDIO RECORDING AND TRANSCRIPTION SYSTEM IN THE MUNICIPAL COURT - CRIMINAL COURTS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROJECT

• NCJ Number: 39679
• Author(s): J M GREENWOOD; T F FILLEBROWN
• Date Published: 1976
• Length: 44 pages
• Contract Number(s): J-LEAA-013-76
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Justice
• Corporate Author: American University
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

THIS REPORT, DATED SEPTEMBER 1976, EXAMINES AND EVALUATES THE QUALITY AND CAPABILITIES OF THE SINGLE-TRACK AUDIO RECORDING SYSTEM USED, AS WELL AS THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES ASSOCIATED WITH TRANSCRIPT PREPARATION.

Abstract

THE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CONSULTATION WAS PROMPTED BY EXPRESSED DISSATISFACTION WITH THE SYSTEM AND WITH THE TRANSCRIPTS PREPARED USING THE SYSTEM. A TWO-DAY ON-SITE VISIT, WHICH INVOLVED INTERVIEWS WITH COURT PERSONNEL, A REVIEW OF THE SYSTEM, AND A COST SURVEY OF OTHER COURT REPORTING SERVICES USED IN MAJOR OHIO MUNICIPAL COURTS, LED TO THE CONCLUSION THAT THE EXISTING AUDIO RECORDING SYSTEM DID NOT PROVIDE AN ADEQUATE AND RELIABLE RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT IN EACH COURTROOM, THE COURT INSTALL NEW MULTITRACK AUDIO RECORDING EQUIPMENT CONTAINING APPROPRIATE FAIL-SAFE FEATURES, AND PREPARE EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATIONS FOR AUDIO RECORDING OF COURT PROCEEDINGS. THE ESTABLISHMENT OF OPERATIONAL STANDARDS, JOB DESCRIPTIONS FOR COURT BAILIFFS, SECRETARIES, AND TRANSCRIBERS, AND QUALITY CONTROL PROCEDURES IS ALSO SUGGESTED...ELW