St. Louis, MO (KSDK) - Faster, less distracting, more efficient; three main reasons why judges in St. Louis are starting to use close circuit cameras in court.
For the first time, St. Louis judges overseeing criminal proceedings at the circuit court are hearing from defendants via video cameras.
Circuit Court began adopting the technology in 2008. The equipment, or Polycom Unit, began in the Probate Division so court officials could communicate with mentally ill patients at the BJC Hospital.
This year, Polycom is being adopted in other divisions.
Associate Circuit Court Judge Michael Stezler overseas criminal misdemeanors in Division 26. He uses the tech often for first court appearances which have steadily expiated the process of seeing defendants.
"I think it's great. I think it's a great step forward and I'm all for it," Stezler said. "We don't have as much of a disruption, they're still appearing in court, they're just appearing by video."
Defendants pop up in a small monitor next to the judge. The feed is transmitted from either the downtown Justice Center or St. Louis Workhouse. There, Stezler handles defendants from bothe locations via the Polycom.
"We're probably shaving a good 15 minutes off that docket, maybe more," said Circuit Attorney Philippa Barrett. "It does become more efficient, more focused and actually the dockets run a whole lot smoother... more quickly."
Before the new installation, defendants were brought in to Setzler's court in chains. Court officials say new system cuts down on distraction and adds an extra layer of protection for deputes.
Beyond that, they believe Polycom will save money on the manpower and recources neccesary to transport inmates.
The court's pricetag for Polycom was $28,000, but court officials say they believe it will pay for itself in the long run.
So far, two divisions at circuit court have started using the cameras with a third looking into the technology.
KSDK