NCJ Number
170233
Date Published
1996
Length
23 pages
Annotation
Benefits of judicial videoconferencing can be significant in the context of an overburdened and understaffed judicial system.
Abstract
Such benefits include faster processing of inmates to be released, reduction of escape risk and enhanced courtroom safety, reduction in courtroom holding facility populations, increased jail personnel productivity due to the elimination of certain security procedures before and after court proceedings, and reduction in custodial transport personnel. Judicial videoconferencing expands closed circuit television, with video cameras located in remote locations to transmit images and audio to a central computer. A dedicated videoconferencing system with the ability to serve up to 10 persons costs about $63,000, while a complete customized system with enhanced features costs about $117,000. These costs, however, can be offset by potential savings in transportation and manpower costs associated with commuting to and from jail facilities. The impact of videoconferencing on county judicial systems in California was assessed by analyzing significant future trends and events. Particular attention was paid to congested court systems, anti-crime legislation, increasing prisoner transport costs, commuting costs and air quality, courtroom security, and videoconferencing technology. The analysis revealed videoconferencing technology will become the communication tool of the next century and resulted in the development of a strategic plan for using videoconferencing to communicate between diverse government agencies. The author suggests every California county should form a criminal justice steering group committed to evaluate the role of technology in enhancing courtroom and jail operations. 32 endnotes