4. KANWALJIT SINGH BAKSHI (National) Link to this
to the Minister of Corrections
What progress has been made in using technology to improve public safety and reduce costs in the criminal justice system?
Hon JUDITH COLLINS (Minister of Corrections) Link to this
I am very pleased to report that a 6-month pilot programme to test audiovisual links between Auckland District Court and Mt Eden Corrections Facility has been a resounding success. The audiovisual pilot was a joint project between the Ministry of Justice and the Department of Corrections, which followed the passing of the Courts (Remote Participation) Act by this Government. An audiovisual link means that prisoners do not have to leave prison to appear in court on administrative matters, such as suppression hearings and bail applications. It improves public safety and reduces cost to the taxpayer. This pilot resulted in 695 cases being heard by an audiovisual link, and a further 362 cases have subsequently been heard. It is another success for the department.
Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi Link to this
What are the next steps towards the wider implementation of audiovisual technology?
Hon JUDITH COLLINS Link to this
A review of the pilot programme found that it has improved safety for the public, judges, and court and corrections staff who may be at risk from violent prisoners. During the pilot, 24 percent of the audiovisual link appearances were for prisoners with escape alerts. The audiovisual link technology is now being expanded to include Waikeria Prison, with corresponding links to the Hamilton and Manukau district courts. It is estimated that by 2014 some of New Zealand’s biggest courts could each have up to 2,000 audiovisual link appearances by remand prisoners every year. This represents a big contribution to community safety and significant savings to the criminal justice sector.