York County now holds the judicial model for the new millennium. While the building plans for the York County Judicial Center were being developed, all involved knew exactly what was required. York needed to maximize courtroom efficiency, saving both time and money, and to minimize downtime associated with legal teams' case-by-case, temporary equipment. The challenge facing the court was how to best accomplish this, especially in times of decreasing budgets and increasing caseloads.

The Judicial Center administrators decided to automate the processes of scheduling and conducting cases, support courtroom evidence delivery with technology, find new ways to capture necessary information from each case as it is heard, and to streamline information distribution to all legal proceedings participants. The York Judicial Center worked with a team of consultants to determine the latest technological developments. Once the bids came, administrators chose SAGE Technology Solutions, Incorporated.

SAGE Delivers:

George Meshew, Director of Facilities Management, oversaw the installation of the new technologies in the courtrooms. During the design and implementation stages of the project, Meshew was instrumental in ensuring setting relevance and practicality. At first, the new technologies overwhelmed the judges, who had presided over traditional courtrooms at the old facilities. Since they would be responsible for all of their courtroom operations, their systems would always need to be effortlessly manageable. The experts at SAGE were called upon to support the judges in assimilating these new technologies into daily courtroom operation. SAGE worked closely with members of the bench, developing a customized graphical user interface to seamlessly integrate new A/V technology into the court's daily flow. Each judge mastered the new technologies rapidly and incorporated them into the court's routine.

SAGE also installed AMX MeetingManager software. This allows administrators to check systems status, monitor projector bulb life, and switch systems on and off remotely. Password-controlled, browser-based login protects the system from unauthorized users. When needed, it can even be accessed remotely via virtual private network.

Cutting Edge Audio/Visual Technology:

At the October 2004 grand opening, the York County Judicial Center highlighted the seamless technology integration and power brought to the courtrooms. Most impressive to the attendees was that the judges themselves were demonstrating the new courtrooms' capabilities: they were the individuals most comfortable with the new systems' operations. SAGE used judges' input to make the technology more than just another tool: it complements the already efficient operation of the courtrooms. 

"[...] This new courtroom technology made our courts more efficient and capable," Meshew said. "SAGE's recommendations increased our capabilities and saved us thousands of dollars in the process."

Solutions Provided by SAGE:

Twelve new courtrooms with audio/visual capabilities and video teleconferencing to speed testimony Linked videoconferencing from courtrooms to holding cells to inform and protect citizens and staff Plasma screen directional and informational signage in lobbies to alert and inform New voice/data structured cabling throughout the courthouse and offices Installed audio systems in jury assembly room for juror selection and interviewing Installed television distribution system throughout courthouse Equipped four hearing rooms with new audio systems

Equipment Highlights:

AMX Touch Panel control with custom user interface Polycom and Architectural Acoustic multi-zone audio Sidebar sound masking Sanyo drop-down video projectors and screens KSI video evidence podiums Elmo DVD/VCR-compatible document camera TeamBoard digital whiteboard input Polycom videoconferencing with echo cancellation Sennheiser ADA assisted listening systems On-Site training session and CD-ROM for court personnel