Laptops, Cameras Speed Justice In Utah Courts
Utah’s court system is using cameras and computers to provide both cost and time savings, plus enhance safety. The state has outfitted all but two of its jails with the equipment. The state’s largest jail in Salt Lake County is scheduled to begin using the technology this week.
The cameras and computers are an improvement compared to the older video equipment used in jails because they are both cheaper and easier to maintain.
Judge Dan Gibbons expects the newer technology to reduce the number of times inmates are required to attend courtroom proceedings in person by 90 percent.
The software used as part of the system enables instant messaging between judges and lawyers, in addition to providing access to documents via the Web. Judge John Sanberg projects that the technology will cut annual costs by $400,000 to $500,000.
Abstracted by the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center(NLECTC) from the Associated Press (08/24/06); White, Ed .
