Judge Plans Smart Technology

— Some inmates in the Benton County Jail will soon make a few court appearances without ever leaving jail.

Circuit Judge Brad Karren plans to hold some proceedings via video from his courtroom.

At A Glance

The Rules

According to Arkansas Rules of Criminal Procedure, Rule 8.7, use of video conferences in pretrial proceedings:

-If the defendant is confined in a jail, prison or other detention facility, a first appearance as provided in Rules 8.1 and 8.3 or a pretrial release inquiry as provided in Rule 8.4 may be conducted by video conference as provided in this rule.

Source: Arkansas Rules of Criminal Procedure

Karren said the smart board system may help reduce numbers in his sometimes overcrowded courtroom. It also can act as an added security measure, he said.

Karren used a video system to conduct hearings from the jail when he was Rogers district judge.

The Benton County Quorum Court recently approved spending $4,950 to purchase and install the smart board in Karrens courtroom. The court already had paid $2,000 toward the equipment.

The jury box and one side of Karrens courtroom are filled with inmates on busy arraignment days. That leaves four pews on the other side of the court for the public. The lobby on busy court days fills with people.

Danny Monjure, Karrens bailiff, attended a training session in Gonzales, La., where the speakers pushed technology to help bolster courtroom security measures.

The security issue is greatly reduced without the big crowds in the courtroom, Monjure said.

At A Glance

Conferencing Criteria

Any video conferencing system used under Arkansas’ Rule 8.7 must meet all the following:

-All participants must be able to see, hear and communicate with each other simultaneously during the proceeding.

-All participants in the proceeding must be able to see and hear any witnesses who may testify.

-All participants must be able to see, hear and otherwise observe any physical evidence or exhibits presented, either by video, facsimile or other method.

Source: Arkansas Rules of Criminal Procedure

Karren wants to use the smart board to hold some non-testimonial proceedings with inmates located in the courtroom at the Benton County Jail. Karren said he will not use the smart board in hearings that require testimony.

Jim Crews with Commercial Audio Systems met with Karren and staff members Friday to go over the smart board.

Crews said attorneys will be able to play dashcam recordings and other video clips using the system. Attorneys and witnesses can write on the smart board and be able to point out an item to a judge or jurors, Crews said.

The 88-inch screen will be mounted on a wall in Karrens courtroom. The courtroom at the jail already is video ready.

Crews said he can place hookups near the two tables set aside for attorneys in Karrens courtroom. They then will be able to bring their own laptops and hook up to the courtroom system.

Crews expects the system to be installed by March 1 and Karren will be able to begin holding the proceedings from the jail.

Prosecutor Van Stone said using the smart board for some inmates in certain instances is a good approach.

It will not be used in hearings where there is testimony, Stone said. The person needs to be in the courtroom with his or her attorney.

Jay Saxton, chief public defender, has agreed to have public defenders at the jail during video proceedings.

It will cut down on the number of people being transported and it more than likely will help speed up the process, Saxton said.

Saxton said the video system will be used in cases where an inmates case is rescheduled or waived.

At A Glance

Video Quality

The video quality of the conferencing system must be adequate to allow the participants to observe each other’s demeanor and nonverbal expressions as well as the demeanor and nonverbal expressions of any witnesses in the proceeding.

Source: Arkansas Rules of Criminal Procedure

Those type of proceedings we can do out at the jail, Saxton said.

Sheriff Kelley Cradduck said hes excited about the potential of the program and believes it will assist with security.

When they (inmates) are not out of this building it reduces the chances of anyone fleeing, disrupting court or picking up contraband and bringing it into the jail, Cradduck said.

Cradduck said he hopes the smart board will serve as a pilot program and help convince other judges to use the technology in their courtrooms.

I hope other judges move in that direction, Cradduck said. I will be looking at ways to help them with the funding if they do.

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