Lucas County Courthouse Updates Courtroom Technology
Lucas County Common Pleas Court recently installed new technology in its courtrooms. The system features upgraded monitors, digital audio and video controls, enhanced sound reinforcement, and a multi-channel recording system.
Lucas County Common Pleas Court Administrator, Tim Lubbe says the new system was designed and Installed in all courtrooms, by BIS Digital Inc. – a Florida-based vendor and integrator.
“The previous courtroom technology was outdated,” says Lucas County Court Deputy Administrator Kevin Delminski. “It also used proprietary equipment. We wanted the new installation to utilize industry-proven components that we could repair or replace as necessary.”
BIS Digital created the DCR (Digital Courtroom) software to integrate and control the system components. DCR is used in thousands of courts throughout the U.S. It can record and play back recordings on multiple audio and video channels. making it an ideal solution for every environment from small hearings to large courtroom proceedings.”
BIS Digital President and Founder, Steve Coldren, says “BIS Digital provides comprehensive high-quality technology systems incorporating the key elements your courtrooms require for sound, video, presentation, and communication.”
While the Lucas County courtrooms are not uniform in size, they all feature the same core components, which include DCR (Digital Courtroom) presentation software, multiple cameras, audio & video recording capabilities, and monitors for the judge, jury, and attorneys.
The courtrooms also feature WolfVision document cameras, which are utilized by courtrooms nationwide, for the viewing and management of judicial evidence.
Attorneys can connect their laptops, tablets, or other devices to the presentation system, to share and highlight evidence. However, Apple OS, PCs, and Android tablets connect differently. The Lucas County Common Pleas Court employs three AV Techs to operate the system. They can also assist attorneys and paralegals with connecting to the new technology.
Lucas County AV Tech, Ray Brown, says they have a wide selection of adapters to integrate most technology into the new presentation system. However, he suggests that you contact the court ahead of time to schedule a walkthrough with their personnel to ensure that everything works as it should.
In some courtrooms, a bailiff may operate the system, or the Judge may also elect to control the system personally.
Each courtroom will have the ability to record six sources of video. These include the five digital courtroom cameras, positioned at the witness stand, the Judge’s bench, each attorney’s table and an overall courtroom shot. The system also records a presentation feed which can include the prosecution or defense attorney’s laptop or tablet.
Opposing Council can present and highlight documents, photos, or video evidence. They can position, enlarge, or even highlight sections of the evidence presented in the color of their choice. Their devices can connect wirelessly or by HDMI cable or other wired connection at the document camera stand.
Judges retain the ability to preview digital evidence from the bench before allowing it to be shared with the jury and entered into the record. Individual Judges will dictate how they want the technology integrated into the court proceedings. The system can record audio from a multitude of sources and locations. It is also possible to include microphones at the bench or even in the Judge’s chambers.
Ultimately, each Judge will dictate how they want the technology integrated into the court proceedings. With ten judges serving on the bench at the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas, you may get ten different opinions on how the technology will be implemented. Be prepared to adapt to each courtroom.
