Tech saves courts $21m

A survey released this week shows that the Pennsylvania court system has saved taxpayers an estimated $21 million annually in transportation costs following the state-wide installation of a video conferencing system, reports 021 News.

The system allows for many of Pennsylvania's judges and district justices to conduct routine court hearings through video conferencing technology instead of forcing defendants to be transferred from prison to the courtroom.

“The use of video conferencing enhances security by reducing the risk of defendant escape or assault on transport officers, judges and anyone in the courtroom; improves court efficiency; and saves tax dollars by reducing court costs associated with defendant transportation,” says Pennsylvania chief justice Ronald D Castille.

According to Biz Journals, 56 of the state's 60 judicial districts responded to a survey issued by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts' Office of Judicial Security.

On average, more than 15 700 proceedings are held via video conferencing each month, saving the state's magisterial district and Common Pleas courts an estimated $1.7 million monthly, or a cumulative cost savings of more than $21 million annually.

The cost to transport defendants to and from Pennsylvania's court is paid for by counties. Philadelphia and Delaware counties reported the highest monthly savings of $550 000 and $271 000, respectively. Allegheny County was third at $158 000.

The survey found it costs about $73 to transport defendants being held locally and an average of $588 to transport prisoners housed state correctional institutions, states The Republic.

The state's rules of criminal procedure were amended in 2003 to allow video to be used for some proceedings.

Castille says taxpayers will realise further savings as use of video conferencing increases across the state.