Videoconferencing is used, whenever appropriate, to reduce or avoid movement of prisoners, witnesses and judges, and to expedite the timely progress of cases.

Through the use of cameras, televisions and other equipment, videoconferencing allows parties, who are not in the same room/community, to engage in simultaneous visual and oral communications.

There are more than 70 sets of videoconference equipment at various courthouses and correctional centres throughout B.C.

Benefits

1. Increased safety in courthouses and during escorts. Eliminating unnecessary prisoner movements can reduce crowding and tensions in escort vehicles and cellblocks. This can improve safety inside correctional institutions and reduce the chances for contraband entering.
   
   
2. Improved cost effectiveness of services. Videoconferencing can help reduce or avoid some 'keep of prisoner' expenditures. Correctional centres can reduce time spent logging prisoners and their personal effects in and out. Virtual appearances can reduce the frequency of, and costs associated with, high security escorts, which can involve additional deputy sheriffs and police emergency response teams. Regular videoconferencing links for inmate appearances should lessen the need to expand cellblocks or vehicle fleet. Witness appearances can occur at reduced cost and with greater certainty.
   
   
3. Improved access to justice services. Avoiding travel for witnesses, the party, co-counsel or judges can reduce the costs of proceedings. Conducting a scheduled videoconference can eliminate or reduce obstacles to case completion and provide better access for protected and vulnerable witnesses.

How to Book a Court Videoconference

Contact the Trial Coordinator or Judicial Case Manager at your participating local court registry. Requesting parties will be required to fill out a Videoconference Request Form (ADM 509); [192kb] they must also agree to pay the charges associated with using the equipment. These charges are outlined in the form. Judicial approval is required to use this technology in each specific court proceeding.

Costs

Videoconferencing is a user-pay system. The general rule is that counsel and parties will pay charges for videoconferencing when they would have paid the costs for an in-person appearance. The requesting party is also responsible for paying any charges associated with booking a private facility outside the B.C. Courts' Network. [196 kb] These charges are in addition to charges for the use of Court Services' equipment.

Can the Public Access Courts' Videoconferencing Network?

Unless the videoconference is for a B.C. court matter, the public does not have access to a videoconferencing site in a courthouse or correctional facility.

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