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Courtroom Audio/Visual System Upgrade Overview Submitted By Jessica Swanson, Court Administrator Request Owner Jessica Swanson, Court Administrator Department Court Type Capital Equipment Project Number 62329 Description The Court is in need of an updated audio/visual system in the courtroom. The equipment can be moved and re-utilized in a different location if needed. The A/V system is crucial to providing proper court proceedings for several reasons. Most court proceedings are recorded and the recordings retained in accordance with the Arizona Code for Judicial Administration (ACJA). For issues related to ADA compliance, the courtroom should be equipped with hearing devices for people who are hard of hearing. Specialized equipment for simultaneous interpretation is needed to assist the court interpreter and will also assist with social distancing while providing interpreter services. The current wireless microphones are heavy and pose a security risk. Additionally, they are lacking specialized features that allow off-the-record conversation with the Judge and the replacement parts, including batteries, are no longer available. The current system does not have the option for white noise when holding off-the-record discussions in the courtroom. The projector display for displaying evidence is not ideal as it offers a washed-out image that is difficult for all parties in the courtroom to view. Additionally, the Bailiff has no oversight as to what is projected on the screen for evidence; having equipment to better manage displayed evidence would be beneficial. Also, currently the A/V system is not capable of allowing parties to present video evidence from a phone, computer or tablet. In-custody defendants are not transported to the Court for proceedings. They are heard via video from the Video Appearance Center (VAC). The equipment used for this purpose is located in the conference room of the Court. When the proceedings are underway in the conference room via video the recording system is not available to be used for additional proceedings to be held simultaneously in the courtroom. This is an issue on occasion due to conflict cases requiring a different Judge to hear those conflicted cases. Currently, the Court is unable to utilize video conferencing in the courtroom. Video proceedings are beneficial as they mitigate the need for parties to appear in person for proceedings. The current rack for the recording system is bulky, taking up unnecessary space. A wall mounted rack for the recording system will allow for additional space in the courtroom. Adding speakers in the Victim Assistance (VA) Office within the courtroom will allow Victims to listen to court proceedings while in the VA Office. An earbud for court security will allow the security guard to have audio awareness of what is happening inside the courtroom. Details Division City Court Project Amount $60,000 New Purchase or Replacement Replacement Strategic Priority Effective Government Grant Funding None Bond Eligible None Project Status New Supplemental Attachments Troxell Communications(/resource/cleargov-prod/projects/documents/a7329a7754513b6b8f47.pdf) Quote City of El Mirage | Budget Book 2023 Page 501 Capital Cost Breakdown Capital Cost FY2023 Equipment $43,000 Installation $17,000 Total $60,000 Capital Cost FY2023 Budget $60,000 Total Budget (all years) $60K Capital Cost by Year Equipment Installation 2023 $60,000.00 $0 $15K $30K $45K $60K Capital Cost for Budgeted Years TOTAL $60,000.00 Equipment (72%) $43,000.00 Installation (28%) $17,000.00 City of El Mirage | Budget Book 2023 Page 502 Funding Sources Breakdown Funding Sources FY2023 121 - Court Enhancement $60,000 Total $60,000 Funding Sources FY2023 Budget $60,000 Total Budget (all years) $60K Funding Sources by Year 121 - Court Enhancement 2023 $60,000.00 $0 $15K $30K $45K $60K Funding Sources for Budgeted Years TOTAL $60,000.00 121 - Court Enhancement (100%) $60,000.00 City of El Mirage | Budget Book 2023 Page 503