Costs related to video technology will vary depending upon the number of locations used, distances between those locations, communications technology used and picture quality desired. However, implementation of video technology consists of potentially large one-time costs for equipment, followed by limited annual maintenance costs, and annual savings as described below. Video technology would also reduce staff costs pertaining to travel time to and from jail facilities, and reduce the number of civilians on jail property during weekend visitations. Working with the Office of the County Executive staff to determine the costs, savings and cost avoidance of the current proposed video conferencing pilot project.
Judges are better able to manage court calendars.
Video allows the court to arraign custody defendants instantly, without having to wait for bailiffs to transport defendants to the courtroom. Unnecessary transportation of defendants is greatly reduced. As most defendants elect to be arraigned by video, and these appearances generally require little time, it is not necessary to transport defendants from holding facilities to a courtroom. Security risks are greatly reduced both in the courtroom and in transporting and handling custody defendants. Defendants ordered released from custody by the court at arraignment are generally released earlier in the day, without waiting until the end of the calendar call or waiting to be transported back to the main detention facility.