Technology from Sony is playing a major role in cutting waiting time for remand prisoners in the UK, with the introduction of video conferencing by HM Prison Service for its hearings procedures.
The Videolinks project provides the prison service with significant cost savings by reducing the use of high security prisoner transport, and also reduces the time that prisoners spend on remand by making it possible to increase the number of hearings taking place.
The largest customised application of video communication using an IP Virtual Private Network (IP VPN) of its kind worldwide, the Sony videoconference network will comprise more than 1000 systems installed in 57 prisons and linked to around 156 magistrates' courts throughout the UK. From the prison, remand prisoners will see and hear everything that takes place in the courtroom and answer any questions posed to them by the presiding magistrates.
In addition, the system will provide briefing rooms to allow confidential communication between lawyers and their clients prior to the hearings taking place. Vulnerable witness rooms will also be linked in, allowing children and other witnesses to give evidence without fear of intimidation in the courtroom.
Martin Dawes Office Automation was awarded the main contract to design and implement the network by HM Prison Service. Sony will supply its Sony Contact videoconference systems, connected across a dedicated quality of service (QoS) IP network provided by Cable & Wireless.
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