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Knox County Courthouse to streamline proceedings with new video screens in main courtroom

Video screens will soon be mounted in the Knox County Courthouse’s main courtroom as soon as next week, following approval last night by the County Board. 

Sheriff David Clague tells WGIL this will allow inmates at the Knox County Jail to appear via video for first appearances, minimizing the risks and costs of transferring individuals.

He says the technology can also be used to show video during a full trial but a defendant will not appear via video from jail unless a judge decides they are being unruly in court.

The purchase was prompted by an upcoming day in June in which 34 inmates, including four murder suspects, are scheduled to appear in court.

“Security risk? Absolutely. Safety risk? Absolutely,” says Clague.

Permanently mounted screens will allow the judge and spectators to see the defendant, their attorney and hear what’s being said.

A screen will also face the jury stand in case video is needed in a trial.

The Sheriff believes that the $16,000 price tag for the equipment will pay for itself in a matter of months.

He says besides increasing safety for inmates, officers and court officials, it will save in the form of extra personnel needed to transfer inmates.

“I think it’s a win-win not only for the inmates but a safety issue for the deputies of Knox County,” Clague says.

Clague also sees this speeding up the judicial process in Knox County.

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