York Judicial Center

Our Client

The York Judicial Center, located in Biddeford, Maine, is one of the largest judicial complexes in the region. Handling a diverse range of cases, from criminal trials to civil proceedings, the courthouse serves as a cornerstone of the local legal system. Courthouses are pillars of justice, where every detail matters in ensuring fair proceedings. Recognizing the importance of seamless communication and presentation of evidence, the York Judicial Center embarked on a mission to upgrade its audio-visual infrastructure. This case study explores how the implementation of cutting-edge AV technology transformed the courthouse’s operations, enhancing efficiency and ensuring justice is served effectively.

Challenges 

Prior to the new building and the consolidation of the local courthouses in the area, the local Courthouses faced several challenges:

1. Basic system: The existing AV equipment was a simpler system that was piecemealed together as the needs for the system increased over time.
2. In-Person Only: Without the proper equipment, courtroom participants had to be there in person for court proceedings to occur. There were a few displays on carts that could be wheeled in for video evidence, but they did not integrate with the installed system. This added challenges to both the scheduling of people who were not local to the courthouse and hindered the courts’ ability to conduct court effectively during Covid.
3. Inefficient Setup: Due to the increased need for audio visual equipment over the years, the control systems were installed wherever there was space, including inside court rooms. Therefore, when equipment went down, the court room where the control system was located had to be shut down until the issue could be resolved. This caused court rooms to be reassigned and would impede the day’s schedule.

Project Overview 

To address these challenges, the Maine Judicial Branch partnered with Pro AV Systems, a leading provider of audio-visual solutions in New England. Together, they devised a comprehensive plan to modernize the courthouse’s AV infrastructure:

Three goals were set by the York Judicial Center for Pro AV to fully update the system:

1. Design the AV system from the ground up
   • Pro AV Systems has a full team of design engineers to make your vision come to life. They worked closely with York and their contractors to make sure the design not only matched their needs but would also function properly.
2. Define the new standards for the Maine court system
   • New high-definition video system w/ new displays and current video connections
   • New conferencing hardware (cameras, content, and dedicated PC hardware) to support the addition of Zoom Rooms in all spaces.
   • New audio system that supports in-room audio reinforcement; assisted listening; interpretation; and connections to Zoom video conferencing, and For-the-Record court recording.
   • New control system w / touch panel control.
   • Centralized head end. AV racks were located in dedicated spaces outside of the courtrooms.
   • Virtual Hearings: Through Zoom, remote participants could join courtroom proceedings in real-time, enabling attorneys to present their cases and witnesses to testify from any location with internet access.
3. Design and define the standards for the non-court systems
   • Conference Rooms
     • Poly sound bar & camera to assist with video conferencing or the showing of evidence.
     • LG displays within AVTEQ security enclosures to ensure the safety of both the attendees and equipment.

• • Huddle spaces
    • This space doubles as a 2-way direct connected video conference space to a holding area for criminals in the basement, allowing them to meet with their lawyer via videoconferencing

• • Digital Signage
    • Installed outside court rooms to display the day’s proceedings and in common areas to provide directions.
  • Automated Setup: Implementation of automated setup features streamlined the process of configuring audio visual equipment, reducing setup time, and minimizing disruptions during court proceedings.

Solution 

 The implementation of the audio-visual installation followed a meticulous process:

1. Assessment: Pro AV Systems conducted a comprehensive assessment of the York Judicial Center Courthouse AV requirements, taking into account the unique needs of different courtrooms and legal proceedings.
2. Customization: Tailored audio-visual solutions were designed and customized to meet the specific requirements of the York Judicial Center, ensuring optimal performance and user experience.
3. Installation: A team of experienced technicians from Pro AV Systems meticulously installed the audio-visual equipment across multiple courtrooms, adhering to strict quality standards and timelines.
4. Training: In-depth training sessions were conducted for courthouse staff and legal professionals to familiarize them with the operation and maintenance of the new AV systems, empowering them to leverage the technology effectively.

Results 

The implementation of the audio-visual installation yielded significant benefits for the York Judicial Center:

1. Enhanced Efficiency: This new AV infrastructure facilitated smooth and efficient court proceedings, minimizing technical disruptions and delays.
2. Improved Communication: Seamless connectivity and advanced collaboration features like Zoom empowered legal teams to present evidence more effectively, fostering clearer communication between stakeholders.
3. Streamlined Operations: Automated setup features reduced setup time, allowing courtrooms to transition between proceedings swiftly and efficiently.
4. Enhanced User Experience: Judges, attorneys, and other courtroom participants reported a positive user experience, citing the superior audiovisual quality and intuitive interface of the new AV systems.

The audio-visual installation at the York Judicial Center represents a paradigm shift in the delivery of justice, leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance efficiency, communication, and user experience. By investing in state-of-the-art AV solutions, the Maine Judicial Branch has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the principles of fairness and transparency in the legal system, setting a new standard for judicial excellence.

By partnering with Pro AV Systems on your next audio-visual project, you can rest assured that the expertise you need to discover the AV solutions you are looking for is always there.