Danish Court introduces videoconferencing

Many miles travelling on the Danish road network is now a thing of the past for the Police and the Prison and Probation Service. With videoconferencing equipment in the courtroom, it is now possible to interview detainees in South Jutland who may not need to be physically present at the hearing. On January 18th 2010 the new technology was inaugurated by the city Court in Esbjerg

The Court Administration has, in cooperation with the Prison and Probation Service, the National Police and the Prosecutor General, led a project that equipped the Court in Esbjerg and Sønderborg, the police station in Esbjerg and four detention centers in South Jutland with both videoconferencing and Indico Audio recording equipment. The equipment makes it possible to hold certain hearings via video conference with participants from up to four locations.

• Previously the police have had to transport the prisoner to the court when the prisoner needed to have their case heard and journeys of 100 km are not uncommon for the police in these situations. Using the new equipment this hearing can take place via video conference between the court, the remand centre and the police.

• A prisoner that no longer has to be transported to court for a hearing is far less likely to attempt an escape.

• Equipment used for videoconferencing can also be used as ordinary AV equipment during the hearings, for example to show Police surveillance videos as evidence. Additionally, the equipment is used for secure audio recordings in the courtroom to securely record the trial.