NCJ Number
152647
Journal
American Jails Dated: (July-August 1992) Pages: 12-18
Date Published
1992
Length
7 pages
Annotation
The Denver, Colorado, court system instituted the use of interactive television for inmate court appearances in order to reduce the cost and logistical problems of transporting prisoners to and from court.
Abstract
The city examined four different means of transmission, including microwave, fiberoptics, hardwire cable, and satellite, in terms of their advantages, drawbacks, and cost. In Denver, the intake and initial processing center contains a courtroom which is used for arraignments, after which prisoners are transferred to the county jail. The video system is used for second advisements, bond hearings, appearances in county courts on misdemeanor matters, and appearances in district courts for first appearances and simple motions. The system was set up using the hardwired institutional cable system, which allows for six channels of interactive audio- visual transmission. In the permanently wired courtrooms, a fixed camera is mounted and focused to show the judge at the bench, the witness stand, and the prosecution and defense tables. The camera has a remote focus, zoom, tilt, and pan control. During the first year of operation, 1990, the video system was used for 2,783 appearances in county court and 189 in district court. The system has been expanded to include probation interviews of prisoners. The use of video court appearances saves the county time and money, decreases escape attempts and incidents of contraband, and helps prisoners avoid the discomforts of being transported to and from court. However, in addition to technical problems, the use of interactive video raises issues regarding due process rights, right to confront witnesses, and effective representation of counsel. 6 notes