9
Implementing
video-conferencing in
the resort of Justice
Project promoter
Ministry of Justice
The primary objective of the project was a successful introduction of
videoconferences into the judiciary. This modern way of multimedia
communication allows audio, video and data to be transmitted between two
or more entities in real time.
Within the project, the videoconference sets, central hardware elements and
recording devices were bought. This technology allows recording and saving
videoconference calls. An important activity of the project was also the training
of future users, who sometimes accept new technologies negatively.
Cooperation between the Police of the Czech Republic and selected psychiatric
hospitals, which also use videoconference sets in their activities, was established
during the implementation of the project. On the basis of this cooperation,
the possibility of interconnection with videoconferencing sets of other entities
was ensured, unlike to the original project intent which only focused on
interconnection within the justice sector.
The key benefits using the videoconference sets include saved time and money
and, in particular, higher security. The use of this way of communication can
significantly reduce the financial costs of transporting the persons who are serving
their prison sentences or are placed in remand centres, and it also reduces the
costs of witnesses and experts. Reducing the number of escorts causes not only
financial savings, but also reduces the security risks connected with each escort.
At the closing conference regarding the project, Supreme Public Prosecutor
Pavel Zeman cited the following in his presentation about historical milestones in
the information technology development:
“Since 2003, when a videoconference
was used in a Czech courtroom for the first time, we have made significant
progress. The way of such communication is flexible and efficient, because it
requires proper guidance; as a result, participants speak more concisely and
more accurately.”
Project website:
http://www.justice.cz/Justice2/ms/ms.aspx?o=23&j=33&k=5893&d=340661