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AAC tests video phones in 4 counties
T
Governmental
he Association of Arkansas Counties (AAC) Montgomery said, “The use of the Affairs developed the AAC Risk Management Fund video phones is proving to be not (AACRMF) in 1986. Fifty-one counties currently only a time and money saving use participate in the program, which is completely of technology, [but] it also is providself-funded and self-administered. The AACRMF is not insur- ing greater safety to our officers and ance but rather a fund through which counties acting coopera- courtroom personnel. Reducing cost tively through their association can: Manage their risk through and reducing liabilities to the coungood loss control practices and obtain the protection needed ties — it’s a win-win for everyone.” without paying for protection actually not needed. Attorney Randall Rudisill with the The AAC is constantly looking for ways to limit the coun- public defender’s office in Jackson ties’ liability and save them money. An issue the AACRMF County also praises the technology. Josh Curtis has recently addressed is the inefficiency involved in transport“With the completion of our new Governmental Affairs ing prisoners from the county jail to prisons and courtrooms. jail here in Jackson County, the Director There is no need for a sheriff’s deputy to, for example, drive VAB has allowed me to eliminate an four hours across the state so an inmate can spend 15 minutes approximately 15-mile round trip in a courtroom for arraignment. Likewise, there is no need for each jail visit. I simply utilize my for the Arkansas Department of Corrections (ADC) or the video phone from the comfort of my office,” he said. “This Arkansas Department of Community Corrections (ADCC) to allows me to spend more time dealing with case files and less prepare an inmate for transport. The liability for counties and time traveling to and from jail and waiting on jailers to secure the state increases every time an inmate is transferred out of a inmates for visitation. Simply, the VAB allows me to perform prison to a courtroom — and public safety decreases. my duties much more efficiently. This efficiency allows me to Some counties have a video arraignment system that con- make contact with clients more frequently.” nects the jail and the courtroom. The AACRMF, in partnerAmy Fecher, Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s chief transformation ship with Keystone Solutions, built upon this concept and de- officer, said, “One of the main goals of the Office of Transveloped an encrypted Video Arraignment Bridge (VAB) that formation is to find ways through technology to simplify state now connects the jail, the courtroom and state correctional processes and save money. The Video Arraignment Bridge facilities. The Arraignment Bridge is one of the most secure seems to be accomplishing this in the … pilot program, and I networks on the market. applaud the AACRMF for trying new innovative approaches.” Our high-tech jail phone is the cornerstone for the pilot The AACRMF looks forward to expanding this program to program. The jail phone enclosure is an 18-by-18-by-8 van- all member counties across the state. We are in the process dal-proof enclosure equipped with a 15-inch color screen that of developing ways to roll out a strategic plan for statewide is shatterproof. A small computer located inside the enclosure implementation. Stay tuned for further details. powers the phone, which can be either wall mounted or attached to a cart for mobility. Data and power sources are enclosed in conduit to prevent tampering. Finally, a high-resolution camera protected by Plexiglass prevents unauthorized entry to the enclosure. AAC and the ADC identified seven prisons where jail phones have been installed at no cost to the state. Four counties — Baxter, Cross, Jackson and Sebastian — are participating in the pilot program. We have equipped each of these counties with one jail phone each, as well as video phones for the judges and attorneys in the courtroom. ADCC also is participating in the pilot, using the video phones for parole hearings. The program is receiving rave reviews from Above: Jackson County Sheriff David Lucas speaks to an inmate via video all parties, and we already have several requests phone, which is installed on the desk in his office. Jackson County is one of four counties to participate in the AACRMF Arraignment Bridge pilot program. for expansion. Baxter County Sheriff John 22
COUNTY LINES, SUMMER 2017
