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HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93011_0845 (2)REQUEST FROM THE CLERK OF COURT FOR A DISCUSSIONIDECISION REGARDING VIDEO ARRAIGNMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE IREDELL COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER - SOUTH: Clerk of Court Rena Turner, along with Chief District Court Judge Wayne Michael, explained the need for video arraignment equipment at the court facility in Mooresville. Mrs. Turner provided the following cost estimates: Equipment: S 60,000 Installation: S 1,578 (one-time cost) Bell South T-1 Iine: S 573 (monthly) Judge Michael said the court system would be more efficient by holding court only in Statesville, but this would not be convenient and time productive for many law enforcement officials and others. He said there were some disruptions when incarcerated individuals in Statesville had "first appearances" and criminal court was being conducted in Mooresville (two days a week). Michael said the hearings were assigned and sometimes judges had to be "called in." He said the Mooresville court facility was used 12 out of 20 days a month for some type of judicial proceeding (administrative, civil and criminal). Judge Michael said the new equipment would have a cost, but arraignments could be done much more efficiently with the use of a video system. He said the detained individuals could have their arraignment hearings with technology linking the detention center and the Mooresville building, and this would reduce the risk of escape. He said it would also eliminate the costs associated with inmate transports to Mooresville. Michael said there would still be a need for "holding cells" at the government center -south, even if the equipment were purchased. Turner said the mileage to Mooresville was 32 miles (round-trip) and either a van or a patrol car was used for the inmate transfers. She added that sometimes three officers had to be involved, especially if meals were provided. Turner said the state would not monetarily assist in the purchase of the equipment. Commissioner Robertson asked Judge Michael what had specifically led or driven the court officials to ask for the equipment at this particular time. Michael said the increasing number of court cases was a factor, and the docket at present was almost to the point of adding another session of court. He said everyone wanted to limit court to five days a week, but another day might be necessary. Judge Michael said the arraignment equipment would make the court process more efficient. Commissioner Williams asked if the courthouse was at total capacity Michael said yes for criminal court. He said the staff tried not to put criminal court in the Hall of Justice Annex, but inmates sometimes had to be transported when there was juvenile or civil court. Commissioner Robertson asked Tracy Jackson, the county official over emergency management, if there might be federal funds available for the equipment. Jackson said the county could try to obtain homeland security funds, but he was doubtful the request would be successful. County Manager Mashburn said the video arraignment system had proven to be an effective way to conduct court proceedings, and this was the way to go if a monetary source could be identified. Commissioner Johnson said he would be inclined to approve the request if the county's costs could be recovered over a period of time. Commissioner Williams asked how long it would take to install the equipment.