Creating a Protocol to Guide Videoconferencing at Post-Arraignment Release Hearings

• In Event: Court Efficiency and Innovative Strategies

Abstract

The use of videoconferencing technology in criminal justice proceedings has become increasingly common over the past decade. Particularly with pretrial release hearings, videoconferencing removes the need to transport defendants to a courtroom, which can reduce costs, increase security, reduce jail overcrowding, and increase efficiency among jail and court staff. The National Institute of Justice tasked ICF International with developing an implementation protocol for jurisdictions interested in adding this technology to post-arraignment release hearings. ICF convened meetings with a workgroup of experts with videoconferencing technology experience, including court administrators, judges, attorneys, and law enforcement officials. Data from the workgroup meetings informed ICF’s site visits, observations, and interviews of court-room actors in jurisdictions implementing videoconferencing during pretrial hearings. This presentation discusses the process undertaken to develop the protocol for videoconferencing technology used during post-arraignment proceedings.

Author

• Alexandra Barton, ICF International