CT Cover J-J 2016_CT Cover 11/04 6/28/16 6:36 PM Page 1
June/July 2016
Vol. 14 No. 3
Mobile Apps in the Courtroom
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
Courts Today 69 Lyme Road, Hanover, NH 03755
High-tech Offender Monitoring
CT Cover J-J 2016_CT Cover 11/04 6/28/16 1:37 PM Page 2
J-J 2016 p03 TOC_CT 2/05 p004 TOC 6/28/16 1:40 PM Page 3
with alternative & diversion programs
Publisher & Executive Editor Thomas S. Kapinos Assistant Publisher Jennifer Kapinos
J U N E / J U LY 2 016
Editor Donna Rogers
VOLU M E 14 N U M B E R 3
Contributing Editors Michael Grohs, Bill Schiffner G.F. Guercio, Kelly Mason
F EATU R E S
Art Director Jamie Stroud
8 NACM Show Offers a Full Docket Of Software Solutions
12 NADCP Conference
Trends & Technologies
Marketing Representatives Bonnie Dodson (828) 479-7472 Art Sylvie (480) 816-3448 Peggy Virgadamo (718) 456-7329
18 Courtroom Technologies: There’s an App for That
22 Notification Alert Systems 26 Bringing Drug Testing Inhouse 30 Hi-tech Offender Monitoring
DE PARTM E NTS
4 Courts in the Media 33 Ad Index
with alternative & diversion programs
is published bi-monthly by: Criminal Justice Media, Inc PO Box 213 Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 310.374.2700 Send address changes to: COURTS TODAY 69 Lyme Road Hanover, NH 03755 or fax (603) 643-6551 To receive a FREE subscription to COURTS TODAY submit, on court letterhead, your request with qualifying title; date, sign and mail to COURTS TODAY 69 Lyme Road Hanover, NH 03755 or you may fax your subscription request to (603) 643-6551 Subscriptions: Annual subscriptions for non-qualified personnel, United States only, is $60.00. Single copy or back issues-$10.00 All Canada and Foreign subscriptions are $90.00 per year. Printed in the United States of America, Copyright © 2016 Criminal Justice Media, Inc.
J-J 16 p04-06 news_CT 2/05 p006-13 NEWS 6/28/16 1:44 PM Page 4
CO U RT S I N T H E M E D I A FDA APPROVES DRUG IMPLANT TO HELP OVERCOME ADDICTIONS According to CNN Health, on May 27 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a drug-emitting implant to combat addiction to heroin and other opioids. The approval mirrors an Obama administration priority to make anti-addiction drugs more available. The device is implanted in the arm and releases a steady dose of the medication buprenorphine, which before had only been available as a pill, to curtail opioid cravings and prevent withdrawal symptoms over six months. The approval of the device, named Probuphine, "provides the first-ever implantable option" to help patients maintain treatment addiction, Dr. Robert M. Califf, commissioner of the FDA said. Advocates noted because it is implanted it will ensure patients do not miss their daily dose nor sell their supply to recreational users or other addicts. The treatment still may fuel controversy from those who favor abstinence treatment and consider antiaddiction drugs substituting one drug for another. But the FDA views expanding medication-assisted treatment, currently, methadone, buprenorphine or naltrexone, as a cornerstone of its plan to decrease opioid over-
dose, death and dependance from heroin and opioids such as hydrocodone and oxycodone. Two million Americans were dependent on prescription opioids in 2014, federal statistics show. Overdoses linked to opioids killed more than 28,000 people nationwide two years ago, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The deaths include those involving heroin and prescription drugs such as oxycodone and hydrocodone. "Overdose deaths involving prescription opioids have quadrupled since 1999, and so have sales of these prescription drugs," the CDC says. Much of the talk about opioid addiction of late has been centered on the difficulty in getting treatment. Critics say one of the hamstrings in treatment is limited access to buprenorphine—brand name Suboxone. Prescriptions are limited by the federal law because of concern of it ending up in nonpatient hands through trafficking on the black market. Because it delivers a steady dose, Probuphine is expected to better deal with diversion issues. As with other anti-addiction drugs, it is to be used in conjunction with behavioral treatment to help manage an addict’s recovery and ease withdrawal from opioid drugs.
June/July 2015 4
WWW.COURTSTODAY.COM
J-J 16 p04-06 news_CT 2/05 p006-13 NEWS 6/28/16 1:44 PM Page 5
J-J 16 p04-06 news_CT 2/05 p006-13 NEWS 6/28/16 1:44 PM Page 6
CO U RT S I N T H E M E D I A COURT REFORMS IN BIRMINGHAM FOR POOR DEFENDANTS
The Circuit Court, 10th Judicial Circuit of Alabama, on May 10 released a historic administrative order that will drastically change the courts’ treatment of defendants who can’t afford bail or an attorney, according to the American Civil Liberties Union. As of June 6, defendants who are unable to pay the bail amounts assigned to their offenses will receive a bail hearing within 48 to 72 hours of their arrest, in contrast to the weeks and sometimes months that defendants now spend in jail awaiting a bail hearing. The judges’ order also will ensure that indigent defendants have legal representation at bail hearings, a first in Alabama. “For decades, Birmingham’s courts have condemned people to extra jail time just because they’re poor,” said Brandon Buskey, staff attorney with the ACLU’s Criminal Law Reform Project. “Defendants charged with the same exact crime can either buy their freedom immediately or sit in jail for weeks on end if don’t have enough money. The judges’ reforms will bring a welcome end to this injustice.” The judges’ order resulted from negotiations with the American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Alabama, which had threatened to sue over the court’s unconstitutional bail practices. “In Birmingham’s courts, defendants must go through bail hearings without legal representation, and as a result, they don’t get the reductions that they deserve,” said Susan Watson, executive director of the ACLU of Alabama. “This extra punishment for the poor will end when the 10th Circuit’s reforms go into effect. We urge Alabama’s other courts to make the same necessary changes in their bail systems so that they’re no longer rigged against the poor.”
SUPREME COURT STRIKES DOWN TEXAS ABORTION LAW The Supreme Court on June 27 struck down parts of a restrictive Texas law that could have reduced the number of abortion clinics in the state to about 10 from what was once a high of roughly 40. The 5-to-3 decision was the court’s most sweeping statement on abortion rights since Planned Parenthood v. Casey in 1992, said The New York Times. It applied a skeptical and exacting version of that decision’s “undue burden” standard to find that the restrictions in Texas went too far. The decision means that similar restrictions in other states are most likely also unconstitutional, and it imperils many other kinds of restrictions on abortion.
There was no evidence that the admitting-privileges requirement “would have helped even one woman obtain better treatment.” —Justice Breyer Justice Stephen G. Breyer wrote the majority opinion, joined by Justices Anthony M. Kennedy, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel A. Alito Jr. dissented. The decision concerned two parts of a Texas law that imposed strict requirements on abortion providers. It was passed by the Republicandominated Texas Legislature and signed into law in July 2013 by Rick Perry, the governor at the time. One part of the law requires all clinics in the state to meet the standards for ambulatory surgical centers, including regulations concerning buildings, equipment and staffing. The other requires doctors performing abortions to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital. “We conclude,” Justice Breyer wrote, “that neither of these provi-
sions offers medical benefits sufficient to justify the burdens upon access that each imposes. Each places a substantial obstacle in the path of women seeking a previability abortion, each constitutes an undue burden on abortion access, and each violates the federal Constitution. Last June, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, in New Orleans, largely upheld the contested provisions of the Texas law, saying it had to accept lawmakers’ assertions about the health benefits of abortion restrictions. The appeals court ruled that the law, with minor exceptions, did not place an undue burden on the right to abortion. Justice Breyer said the appeals court’s approach was at odds with the proper application of the undueburden standard. The Casey decision, he said, “requires that courts consider the burdens a law imposes on abortion access together with the benefits those laws confer.” In dissent, Justice Thomas said the majority opinion “reimagines the undue-burden standard,” creating a “benefits-and-burdens balancing test.” He said courts should resolve conflicting positions by deferring to legislatures. “Today’s opinion,” Justice Thomas wrote, “does resemble Casey in one respect: After disregarding significant aspects of the court’s prior jurisprudence, the majority applies the undue-burden standard in a way that will surely mystify lower courts for years to come.” The majority opinion considered whether the claimed benefits of the restrictions outweighed the burdens they placed on a constitutional right. Justice Breyer wrote that there was no evidence that the admitting-privileges requirement “would have helped even one woman obtain better treatment.” He also wrote that the requirement that abortion clinics meet the demanding and elaborate standards for ambulatory surgical centers did more harm than good.
June/July 2015 6
WWW.COURTSTODAY.COM
J-J 16 p04-06 news_CT 2/05 p006-13 NEWS 6/28/16 1:44 PM Page 7
J-J 16 P08-11, 34-36 nacm_ct 2/05 p020-21 best build 6/28/16 2:04 Pm Page 8
B Y B I L L S C H I F F N E R , C O N T R I B U T I N G E D I T OR
NACM 2016 OFFERS A SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS I
Image courtesy of DavID L. Lawrence conventIon center, PIttsburgh, Pa
The National Association of Court Management (NACM) recently held the 2016 Annual Conference, July 10-14 in Pittsburgh, Pa.
“The theme for NACM’s 2016 annual conference in Pittsburgh was “Making Connections: Integrative Leadership and Court Performance,” said Scott Griffith, Conference Development Committee chairman. The conference focused on Individual and Organizational Relevance and Productivity, Developing and Maintaining Partnerships, and the Purpose and Promise of Court Administration.
“Conference sessions explored issues of high importance to the court community and the public at large, including bail reform, public defense, court fees and fines, civil justice reform and the role of technology in court improvement,” Griffith said. “Conference attendees also enjoyed numerous thought-provoking educational sessions, organized social and networking events. Several dozen exhibitors from all over the country were also on location to show their latest software solutions and discuss their services,” he added. Here are some of those technologies and services.
Color Case Management Software
eCourt is a web-based case management software solution for all case types for courts of all jurisdictions. eCourt is database agnostic, automates repetitive tasks, brings judge’s tools to the bench, and fully supports real-time in-court processing. Users need only a web browser to access full eCourt functionality so it is available via smartphone or mobile device. www.journaltech.com, 1.877.587.8927
June/July 2016 8
WWW.COURTSTODAY.COM
J-J 16 P08-11, 34-36 nacm_ct 2/05 p020-21 best build 6/28/16 2:04 Pm Page 9
S A FULL DOCKET OF S IN THE STEEL CITY Information at Your Fingertips
Infax Inc.’s SmartScreen information display system provides courthouse patrons with information at the touch of a finger, such as interactive maps, directories, FAQs and the docket. This application enables the user to interact with all of the Infax Judicial Solutions. In addition to assisting patrons, SmartScreen benefits courthouse staff members as well. Court staff will no longer
need to spend extra time directing patrons to their proper destinations or answering questions, as the software streamlines this process to allow staff to more fully devote their time to their respective jobs. SmartScreen is an unparalleled solution to courthouse traffic, as processes that often hold up the court are brought into one efficient, interactive application that keep patrons and staff moving. www.infax.com, 770.209.9925
June/July 2016x WWW.COURTSTODAY.COM
9
J-J 16 P08-11, 34-36 nacm_ct 2/05 p020-21 best build 6/28/16 2:04 Pm Page 10
Judicial Tools
Mentis Technology Solutions delivers judicial tools designed by judges for judges. They include: aiSMARTBENCH, a judicial dashboard and eBench, which empowers the judicial user to work more efficiently and effectively by leveraging the electronic case file.
aiWorkSpaces, a case analytic and workflow tool, enables the user to manage their court caseload through automated watch-lists, analytics, and tasks executed across multiple cases. With anywhere access, judicial users can securely: manage calendars, case dockets, and annotations; create and sign orders; perform analytics; respond to new filings; and research and collaborate. www.aiSmartBench.com 303.756.4564
Jury Management Systems
Jury Systems Incorporated offers one of the most user-friendly JMS on the market called JURY+ Web Generation (WebGen). This browser-based JMS system has all the necessities courts need for Jury
Management. WebGen has the ability to process juror source lists, send questionnaires and summonses, form jury panels, record juror services, produce jury management reports; provide automatic payroll, and much more. WebGen is scalable
for large and small courts and it can adapt to any user environment. www.jurysystems.com, 805.285.5800
E-Filing Solution
Tyler’s Odyssey File & Serve solution enables the electronic filing of documents with the court via a secure, Web-based portal, including online filing for self-represented litigants. The system’s open interface
connects to all EFSPs and case management vendors and is IJIS Institute Springboard Certified for ECF 4 standards. As the most widely adopted e-filing platform in the country, Odyssey serves 19 states, 300,000+ users and 33 million documents annually. www.tylertech.com, 1.800.431.5776
Jury Management Software
Portable Digital Recording
Looking for a portable digital recording solution without the bulk? Perhaps you are looking to obtain clearer and more accurate recordings to assist with depositions, small hearings, or meetings in judges’
chambers. The Nimble was designed by JAVS with court users in mind. This portable USB audio interface connects to a controlling computer, handles up to six NimbleMics, and can be used with Notewise logging and recording solution. www.javs.com 1.800.354.5287
Courthouse Technologies premiered their re-developed JMS at the NACM Conference. They had utilized their ever-growing experience in jury management in connection with customer feedback to re-
Machine Learning Software
develop Courthouse JMS with even more technology and services. The newest version offers faster navigation, more configurability, and the latest design have been added to give courts the most streamlined jury management operation possible. http://courthouse-technologies.com or www.betterjurymanagement.com, 1.877.685.2199
bility, consistency, and speed. Humans also are an expensive resource; however, the complexity of unstructured data on court documents has made humans a required part of processing. That is until now. Intellidact LBX is machine learning software which replaces human labor, performing with greater accuracy, consistency, and at
Document review and data entry—the heart of any workflow system—relies upon human labor to provide indexes and document routing. Humans have limits as to relia-
June/July 2016 10
WWW.COURTSTODAY.COM
J-J 16 P08-11, 34-36 nacm_ct 2/05 p020-21 best build 6/28/16 2:04 Pm Page 11
far less expense than humans. Intellidact LBX creates structured data from unstructured court documents, accelerating workflow. www.csisoft.com, 407.598.1861
Remote Appearance Platform
The CourtCall Remote Appearance Platform provides judges, court staff, attorneys and other participants with efficient and innovative audio and video services
to facilitate hassle-free remote court appearances. Requiring no special hardware, courts may connect using existing equipment and participants may appear from their offices, homes or other convenient locations. CourtCall is particularly well suited for use in many pre-trial matters as well as mediations, arbitrations, expert or witness testimony, criminal arraignment and mental health hearings. www.courtcall.com, 1.888-882.6878
Kiosk Services
TouchPay is the foremost provider of comprehensive automated payment services to county and municipal courts. Their premisebased Lobby Kiosk, Countertop Terminal, Online Payment Portal, IVR Automated Phone System, and
Walk-In Retail local payment method fully process, reconcile, and report payments. At no cost to the agency, their turnkey system includes installation, maintenance, technical and customer support, marketing, and reporting. As a result, taxpayers save money, and customers appreciate all the convenient options and low fees. www.gtl.net, 469.995.7368 Continues on page 34
June/July 2016x WWW.COURTSTODAY.COM
11
J-J 16 P12-17 naDcP_ct 2/05 p020-21 Best Build 6/28/16 1:49 Pm Page 12
Image courtesy of the anaheIm conventIon center
B Y B I L L S C H I F F N E R , C O N T R I B U T I N G E D I T OR
NADCP Conference
A FOCUS ON THE TRENDS AND TECHNOLOGIES FOR TREATMENT AND RECOVERY. In early June 2016, treatment court professionals from across the globe convened in Anaheim, California, for the world’s largest conference on substance use, mental health and the justice system. “The National Association of Drug Court Professionals Annual Training Conference and Vet Court Con featured over two hundred sessions, unparalleled networking and collaboration, and powerful opening and closing ceremonies,” reported Christopher Deutsch, director of Communications, NADCP, Virginia.
He also pointed out that this year’s theme “Reform, Recovery, Results,” highlighted the critical role treatment courts play in offering a public health approach to addiction, and reforming our justice system. “Of particular importance this year was the topic of Medically Assisted Treatment and the need for all treat-
ment courts to ensure the full range of evidence-based treatments are available, and treatment decisions are made by clinical professionals. The conference concluded with a special appearance by members of the West Wing cast who received a special award for their support of veterans treatment courts, and the
induction of Martin Sheen into the Drug Court Hall of Fame for his twenty years of advocacy.” He added that the conference also featured a wide range of exhibitors. “This year was notable for the focus on technology in aiding treatment and recovery services,” he concluded.
June/July 2016 12
WWW.COURTSTODAY.COM
J-J 16 P12-17 naDcP_ct 2/05 p020-21 Best Build 6/28/16 1:49 Pm Page 13
Here’s a look at some of the products that created a buzz.
Drug and Alcohol Testing Immunalysis offers comprehensive, cost-effective solutions for drug and alcohol testing for laboratories. Their broad line of reagents including AB-PINACA and a full suite of
Synthetic Cannabinoids, coupled with their analyzer solutions and user-friendly LIS systems, ensure users have the necessary tools to keep pace with the changing trends of drug abuse. www.immunalysis.com, 1.888.664.8378
Drug Testing Thermo Scientific was showing their DRI Fentanyl Immunoassay. Recent trends in drug abuse indicate heroin is being “cut” with illicit Fentanyl compounds. These compounds are many times more potent than heroin, leading to an increased chance of overdose. As Fentanyl is not readily detected using traditional opiate screening methods, a more specific and sensitive assay is needed. The DRI Fentanyl assay is sensitive and specific for parent
Fentanyl, and excellent detection capabilities for acetyl-fentanyl and butyryl-fentanyl. The DRI Fentanyl assay gives drug courts an additional tool to support program participant compliance. www.thermoscientific.com, 1.800.232.3342
Digital Signage Engage is a content-creating solution that focuses on user experi-
June/July 2016x WWW.COURTSTODAY.COM
13
J-J 16 P12-17 naDcP_ct 2/05 p020-21 Best Build 6/28/16 1:49 Pm Page 14
Integrated Software Solution COMPAS Specialty Court, an integrated software solution managing, offers all offender processing and case/court activities. It ensures that your programs are aligned with
ence and functionality. The userfriendly solution allows staff to easily create directional signage, digital directories and personalized messages, all of which can be displayed on monitors throughout the facility and accessed by users on any device. Additionally, Engage assists staff in an easy upload for personalized playlists that can be shown at any scheduled time and in any desired order. www.infax.com, 770.209.9925
Mobile Testing The IN-HOM Sobriety Monitoring and Reporting Technology (S.M.A.R.T.) Mobile is a battery-powered, handheld, portable alcohol-monitoring device that offers unparalleled convenience, the company says. With
facial detection, a built-in camera, anti-circumvention features, affordable pricing, and up to 10 daily customizable testing windows, the S.M.A.R.T. Mobile can serve as a helpful monitoring tool for offenders of all risk levels. It even boasts immediate notification of violation and test-on-demand options for maximum benefit to monitoring authorities. www.smartstartinc.com/, 844.206.2867
evidence-based practices. By building case plans specific to participants’ criminogenic needs and tracking all details of related treatment, tests, conditions, court appearances, and other activities, COMPAS Specialty Court effectively facilitates a needdriven plan that provides the best chance for lasting success. Progress and outcomes are quickly viewable through graphical timelines and dashboard components, and integrated report writer handles all statistical reporting needs. COMPAS Specialty Court can interface with other court and external agency systems to share valuable data and reduce manual entry. www.courtview.com, 1.800.406.4333
Drug Screening PassPoint offers an onsite kiosk for screening offenders for alcohol and drugs and uses a very brief ocular motor test. The test is selfadministered by the offender once enrolled. PassPoint looks at the subjects’ pupil response to a brief light flash each time they screen. The system compares this to a baseline algorithm, which is created upon enrollment. If a variation in the
pupil response is seen by PassPoint, then an instant message is sent to the agency instructing them to collect a urine sample on the individual for confirm a t i o n . During the PassPoint screen, the system also administers a BAC test measuring the BAC level down to a .002. www.streetimetechnologies.com, 1.877.727.7764
Ignition Interlock Device Intoxalock eLERT combines fuel cell technology, photo verification and real-time reporting to meet the
most rigorous local and state requirements. Online log reporting provides instant access to participant information, complete BrAC sample history and violations. Intoxalock continues to be an industry leader in reliability, customer service and technology. Their mission is helping people to live and drive responsibly. www.Intoxalock.com, 1.877.777.5020
Innovative Drug Technologies Alkermes is a global biopharmaceutical company that applies its sci-
June/July 2016 14
WWW.COURTSTODAY.COM
J-J 16 P12-17 naDcP_ct 2/05 p020-21 Best Build 6/28/16 1:49 Pm Page 15
J-J 16 P12-17 naDcP_ct 2/05 p020-21 Best Build 6/28/16 1:49 Pm Page 16
entific expertise and proprietary technologies to develop innovative medicines that improve patient outcomes. The company has a diversified portfolio of more than 20 commercial drug products and a substantial clinical pipeline of product candidates that address central nervous system (CNS) disorders such as addiction, schizophrenia and depression. www.alkermes.com, 781.609.6000
Fingernail Drug & Alcohol Testing Composed of keratin, fingernails are simple to collect and easy to ship and store. Nail keratin is four times thicker than hair keratin, more stable, and extremely difficult to adulterate, resulting in a longer window of detection, up to 3 months for alcohol, and up to 6 months for substances of abuse. Drug and alcohol
dance of reports designed for the courts to utilize. www.myfivepoint.com, 803.951.2094
Mini Panel Cup
hensive reporting. In addition, QuikCase can accommodate program administration of multiple court types like family court, heroin
The Reveal Mini 10 Panel Cup is a120ml cup that is easy to use, just peel and read with results provided
court, and veterans court among multiple jurisdictions such as municipal, district, and county courts. www.elabsolutions.com, 1.866.990.3522
Risk/Needs Tool
biomarkers may show up in keratin specimens within hours of ingestion, depending on the dosage, with concentration levels maximizing 2 weeks after ingestion. www.usdtl.com, 1.800.235.2367
Web-based Case Management Accountability Court Case Management (ACCM) is a highly customizable web-based case management solution for state Recovery Courts. ACCM tracks the participants’ progress by maintaining an accurate log of drug screens, treatment sessions, individual notes, sanctions, incentives, and phase progression. ACCM has an abun-
in minutes. It tests for 5, 6, 10 and 12 drugs with 99% accuracy. FDA 510k and now CLIA waived. www.americanscreeningcorp.com, 1.318.798.3306
Drug Court Software QuikCase provides case management space for drug courts and similar programs. Features include: seamless integration with QuikLIMS drug testing management system, resource and client scheduling, assessment of the customer’s drug testing menu relative to the aggregated occurrence of detected drugs of abuse in their geography, random drug test scheduling, and compre-
The Youth Level of Service/Case Management Inventory 2.0 (YLS/CMI 2.0) is a gender-informed, culturallyinformed, strengths-focused risk/needs tool that reliably and accurately classifies and predicts reoffending within male and female juvenile populations. Created for both genders, the YLS/CMI 2.0 includes new features to address needs of a growing adolescent offender population: Expanded age range–12 to 18 years, large U.S. sample of 12,798 juveniles and guidelines that instruct users to consider gender-specific factors, as well as, the importance of minor risk/need factors and noncriminogenic needs. In addition, the YLS/CMI 2.0 provides an opportunity for users to evaluate positive offender attributes so that offender strengths may be highlighted and built upon in service delivery. www.mhs.com, 1.800.456.3003
June/July 2016 16
WWW.COURTSTODAY.COM
J-J 16 P12-17 naDcP_ct 2/05 p020-21 Best Build 6/28/16 1:49 Pm Page 17
J-J 16 P18-21 apps_CT 2/05 p020-21 Best Build 6/28/16 9:04 AM Page 18
B Y M I C H A E L G R O H S , C O N T R I B U T I N G E D I TOR
There’s an App for That, Too
There is an app for pretty much everything. Even many restaurants have one to make reservations or pre-order a meal that can then be photographed and automatically uploaded so every person in someone’s connections or friend list can see it. Many apps are simply for entertaining, but the fact is that the proliferation of apps and mobile
Court apps span uses from payment of fines to jury service to drug court recovery support.
devices can save time, travel, and money. As Fred Lederer, director of the Center for Legal and Court Technology (CLCT), points out, if you are at your desk and looking for an app to use to get something done without having to leave the office, the likelihood is that it is available. In fact, according to the Statistics Portal, in July 2015, there were 1.6 million apps available for Android
users and 1.5 million available in Apple’s app store. As of June 2016, there were 2 million apps available for download for various iOS devices. Naturally there are many apps used by and for courts. There is one for federal rules of evidence and an app for jury selection. There are apps that can offer real-time trial transcripts. The American Bar Association even compiles lists of
June/July 2016 18
WWW.COURTSTODAY.COM
J-J 16 P18-21 apps_CT 2/05 p020-21 Best Build 6/28/16 9:04 AM Page 19
best apps for lawyers. Apps are everywhere. According to the 2013 ABA Legal Technology Survey Report, more than half of law firms had tablets. Forty-one percent of solo firms and 44% of lawyers in small law firms used them. That was up from 29% the previous year and from 12% in 2011. In the report, Ron Collins, president and founder of Gavel & Gown Software, Inc. remarked, “The use of tablets by lawyers for practicing law has almost quadrupled in two years.” While the two years between the 2013 and the 2015 reports might seem like an eternity in the tech world, and the assumption that mobile app use has expanded even more in that period might seem to be a given, surprisingly, the 2015 Tech Report actually found that the
use of mobile devices has decreased, an anomaly they prefer to not presume is a stereotype yet might be explained by demographics. The percentage of lawyer respondents between 25 and 60 dropped across
first released, and since 2011 the iPhone has seen a nearly 100% increase in use by lawyers, for whom reliability is a high priority when making purchasing decisions. The use of laptops has continued to
all age levels, but the age of lawyer respondents over 60 increased nearly 9% since 2014.
decline in favor or tablets. The number of lawyers who reported using a laptop for law-related tasks while on the road declined by about 13% between 2010 and 2015. A consideration, stresses Lederer, is where the apps are supposed to run. Smart phones tend to be used for basic tasks since they are smaller and lighter. CLCT’s default way is using a notebook computer.
Sweet Sales Apple still reigns. According to the report, lawyers’ preference leans to the iOS platform for both smart phones (68%) and tablets (83%). The iPad has been the tablet of choice for lawyers since they were
June/July 2016x WWW.COURTSTODAY.COM
19
J-J 16 P18-21 apps_CT 2/05 p020-21 Best Build 6/28/16 9:04 AM Page 20
The 2015 ABA Tech Report found that 96% of respondents used phones for e-mailing, 87% for calendars, and 73% for GPS. Only 9% used them for presentations as opposed to those who used laptops (54%) or tablets (26%), and about 10% used phones for web conferencing as opposed to laptops (28%) or tablets (20%).
Notebooks, says Lederer, are courtrooms in a box. They are small, they are powerful, the screen is big enough, and they are easy to use— even more so than their similar laptop counterparts. The matter becomes a bit dicier, says Lederer, with smart phones. The 2015 ABA Tech Report found that 96% of respondents used phones for emailing, 87% for calendars, and 73% for GPS/maps. Only 9% used them for presentations as opposed to those who used laptops (54%) or tablets (26%), and about 10% used phones for web conferencing as opposed to laptops (28%) or tablets (20%). Phones are certainly used, though. Ninety percent of respondents replied that they use a smart phone for law related tasks (and CLCT has used them in experimental trials). In one experimental case, a matter arose that required a judge
to rule. CLCT used a video conference to do so, and video conferencing, Lederer points out, is itself an app. In another experimental trial this year they used OmniJoin, which was developed by printer firm Brother and is an app that allows for communication and collaboration using iOS or Android mobile
devices. Lawyers are not the only one using apps. The public is finding that more and more courts are developing apps for public use in order to pay fines, search records and court rosters, as well as other functions. Illinois’s Court Clerk Mobile Connect is a free mobile app that allows an electronic docket case
search in which a user can search for someone’s name and find all the civil cases he or she has in any court division and search for a specific case number for civil case types. (The app does not allow the same for criminal cases.) It also allows a traffic ticket search in which the user can search for moving violations in the database by ticket number or driver’s license (either pending or settled). It also offers a search that includes the roster for the week’s upcoming court events by case number, updated fee schedules, Google maps to locate facilities, and the ability to contact a Cook County Court Division. It is available on the iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, and Android devices. The Kansas Office of Judicial Administration launched a series of enhancements to the online Kansas County District Court Records Search application. One incorporates a platform that allows users to perform searches of Kansas County District Court Records from a mobile device. The app won a 2013 Digital Government Achievement Awards (DGAA) from e.Republic's Center for Digital Government. The Jefferson Parish (La.) Clerk of Court offers mobile apps for iPhones, Androids, and Blackberries that allow users to access real-time election results searchable by date, candidate, office, or proposition. It
also makes jury service more convenient for the jurors by confirming the need to appear for service, rescheduling the date of service, and to apply for a permanent exemption from jury service for those over 70. Features available for attorneys include searchable docket calendars, commonly-used forms, fee schedules, and an office telephone direc-
June/July 2016 20
WWW.COURTSTODAY.COM
J-J 16 P18-21 apps_CT 2/05 p020-21 Best Build 6/28/16 9:04 AM Page 21
tory that includes office locations. The app also offers features that include access to the instructional jury service video that is presented to prospective jurors, contacts for all divisions of the clerk of court’s office, the location of polling places, and maps of electoral districts. The Supreme Court of Nevada Mobile App gives users access to publicly filed briefs, motions, orders and opinions that can be easily accessed in PDF format. Users can also see the court’s calendar and watch live webcasts of Supreme Court oral arguments as well as access recordings of previous arguments. Court information, news, and self-help court forms are also available. Drug courts have been proven to be a successful alternative to incarceration and instrumental in maintaining participants’ health and sobriety. A-CHESS is an app for smart phones that was developed specifically for those enrolled in a drug court program to help people
achieve and maintain recovery from substance abuse. In a pilot test in a drug court program in Massachusetts, 30 participants used A-CHESS, which assists in not only recovery but the prevention of relapse. The test was conducted over a period of four months. The study’s purpose was to determine if participants in a drug court program would utilize a mobile app to assist in and manage their recovery. The app offers tools designed to address three conditions of addiction in order to foster positive behavior change: autonomous motivation, coping competence, and relatedness through social support systems. The tools are intended to assist participants in maintaining a drug-free lifestyle and to intercept the chance of relapse. The app’s tools include recovery information services, a list of substance abuse meetings, news regarding both substance use and recovery, games, relaxation recordings, podcasts, messaging and discussion boards, and assessment and feedback tools such as the “high-risk locator and the weekly survey based on the brief addiction monitor.” Participants in the study also received two instant messages per day. The first was a motivational “thought for the day.” The second was designed to encourage the use of the mobile app and asked the participant whether or not they could get through the day without using. If the response was “no,” the app directed them to professional support. Each tool in the app was designed to increase motivation, promote skills, review the skills participants learned while in treatment, or to use skills to increase competence
Notebooks, are courtrooms in a box, says Fred Lederer, director of the Center for Legal and Court Technology. and be able to quickly access social support and further develop recovery within an online community. The app was found to be effective at decreasing the number of “risky drinking days” for people suffering from alcoholism who had recently been discharged from a residential treatment program. The study found that, over the course of the test, participants opened the app on average 62% of the days. The most utilized services were social networking tools. The results of the study suggest that participants enrolled in a drug court program will make regular use of a recovery support app. CT
June/July 2016x WWW.COURTSTODAY.COM
21
J-J 16 P22-25 alert_CT 2/05 p020-21 Best Build 6/28/16 7:19 AM Page 22
BY G.F. GUERCIO, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
NotificatioN systems assist courts by providiNg alerts from subpoeNas to trackiNg offeNders to moNitoriNg house arrest.
“daNger! daNger!
Will Robinson!” That same type of alert notification the Robinson family received by the robot’s flashing light and waving arms on the 1960s show “Lost in Space” is available to courts for a variety of issues that demand keen attention. Technology supplies offender custody information to victims for their safety as well as for courts to
ensure appraisal of critical events in the judicial process; house arrest monitoring and offender communication using voice biometric technology; and electronic subpoena issuing and witness receipt tracking online. “Orion Communications offers web-based subpoena management software,” says Jackie Belasky, director of Sales and Marketing, Orion Communications, Inc. AgencyWeb CourtNotify provides electronic sub-
poena issuance to law enforcement and/or civilian witnesses. “It includes witness receipt acknowledgements that can be viewed by court personnel in real-time. “Orion’s CourtNotify software has replaced manual, time-consuming court notifications processes with real-time notifications that are tracked online,” she says, adding, “Being able to view officer acknowledgments and/or civilian delivery
June/July 2016 22
WWW.COURTSTODAY.COM
J-J 16 P22-25 alert_CT 2/05 p020-21 Best Build 6/28/16 7:19 AM Page 23
enforcement agencies are still using details in real-time has improved witpaper processes or at best silo sysness attendance and case closures.” tems to manage officer schedules and Officers are able to receive court the coordination of court appearnotifications using their CourtNotify ances. It’s sort of like a quarterback web account, agency email, text throwing the ball down the field and messengers and/or Android mobile not knowing if it’s been caught by devices, she explains. “Subpoenas the rest of the team. With software for civilian witnesses are issued onlike AgencyWeb CourtNotify, a comline to serving agencies, such as plete witness notification solution for county sheriff offices. Laptop the courts, prosecutors, defenders and/or handheld devices are used by and law enforcement agencies is service deputies to verify civilian being realized, she notes.” addresses and enter delivery results. “Using techDelivery statuses are viewed in realnology to time by court personnel. streamline, track “Orion’s software reduces the and report on time and cost of subpoena issuance court notification processing for the courts. By bridgprocesses can ing the courts with law enforcement reduce adminisusing a common platform, traan end-to-end judicial notification solution for the courts with officers and civilians is realized.” And, Belasky notes, “Being able to issue subpoena notifications to an officer’s mobile device is a trend that will continue to grow.” Not that bridging this gap has been an easy one, Belasky indicates. “One of the biggest obstacles Orion Communications has seen is the technology gap that exists between the courts and law enforcement. The courts rely on case management systems to administer court cases, including defendant d e t a i l s , charges and A murder was the w i t n e s s e s , ” impetus for VINE—Victim Information Notification Everyday—from Appriss that provides offendshe says. er custody status to victims, law enforcement and courts. “Many law
tive cost and improve case closure results. Counties such as MiamiDade, Louisville, Dallas and Orleans Parish have been using [Orion’s software] to improve their own subpoena management processes and been realizing significant results.” As with the “Lost in Space” robot, technology is the force behind notification capacities and capabilities. Using voice biometrics, ShadowTrack Technologies, Inc. developed house arrest monitoring
June/July 2016x WWW.COURTSTODAY.COM
23
J-J 16 P22-25 alert_CT 2/05 p020-21 Best Build 6/28/16 7:19 AM Page 24
Orion Communications Agency Web CourtNotify software reduces the time and cost of subpoena issuance processing for the courts.
and offender communication tools. “ShadowTrack is a robust communication platform specially designed to handle the special needs of the courts, probation and parole,” says Robert L. Magaletta, president and CEO. “Our platform is capable of providing the following notification services: Text-to-speech notifications (speech only, speech with voice biometric verification, speech, voice biometric verification and location verification), text messages, email messages, and voice messages (from enrollee to the officer, from officer to the court, and delivered to one or multiple enrollees), location verification with voice biometric, and location verification without voice verification.” He notes, “Our blast notification has aided several courts, agencies and officers in the past. Just before hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, we were able to send out a blast notification to all the enrollees monitored by us for the Louisiana
Department of Corrections to notify them that once they complete their evacuation, they would be required to call into the ShadowTrack system on a daily basis,” Magaletta says. “The results were very positive with over 90 percent of the enrollees on our program accounted for across the country.” Currently, “The biggest trend we see is the disappearance of landline telephones,” he says. Fortunately for us, we noticed this trend early and were able to incorporate a multi-factor location verification technology solution that we developed. We use cellular triangulation coupled with the ability to ping the coordinates of the cellular phone. With this technology, we are able to confirm a cellular phone's location has not been spoofed by the enrollee.” To effect operation, “We offer the courts two options to make it easy for the courts to implement our solution. We can train the courts on how to enroll and manage people
into the program—a process that is very simple and fast to learn—or, we offer a turnkey solution where we take care of everything. The courts simply send the offender to our online enrollment application and the rest is taken care of by us.” “For almost two decades, we have provided services for over a thousand judges, probation and parole officers,” he says. In addition to notifications ShadowTrack provides curfew monitoring, interactive interviews that are customized to the type of offense, virtual time and attendance and many other services. Another notification service, founded on the same basis as the scifi series robot, was created to protect and inform. “Appriss’ flagship product, VINE (Victim Information Notification Everyday) is a solution that provides victims of crime, law enforcement officials, and concerned citizens’ access to timely and reliable offender custody information,” says. Krisy Bucher, marketing analyst, Appriss. “VINE also offers protective order and court notifications.” VINE Courts increases the victims’ confidence in the criminal justice system by providing automated notifications of critical events in the judicial process. She notes that victims often find court processes and procedures to be confusing. Automated notifications keep them informed about upcoming hearing locations, times, court information and more. Not only is this solution beneficial to victims, VINE Courts can remind court staff, personnel and law enforcement officers of upcoming court appearances reducing the amount of ‘no-shows.’ With VINE Protective Orders victims are provided information regarding when an order is active and if it’s being violated, she notes. Advocates can access order information by phone or web and receive and register petitioners for notification. Court personnel can be informed with
June/July 2016 24
WWW.COURTSTODAY.COM
J-J 16 P22-25 alert_CT 2/05 p020-21 Best Build 6/28/16 7:19 AM Page 25
“it’s sort of like a quarterback throwing the ball down the field and not knowing if it’s been caught by the rest of the team.”
—Jackie belasky
access to critical respondent and petitioner information. And providing critical information previously lacking is the objective of VINE. “Prior to the introduction of VINE, an automated, reliable method for victims of crime to be notified of offender incarceration status did not exist,” says Bucher. “With VINE, Appriss systematized and automated the process of providing victims with information regarding offenders, enabling government agency staff to focus on their core responsibilities while allowing those affected to get timely offender information. VINE’s usage is widespread in communities throughout the U.S. In 2015 alone, 2.63 million users registered for VINE.” “VINE is currently used in 48 states and is the nation's leading automated victim notification solution, she says. “This revolutionary, free service lets victims call a toll-free number, visit www.vinelink.com, or use the VINEmobile app to anonymously check on an offender’s custody status. Victims can also register to receive automated notifications about changes in offender status in their choice of format: phone, email, or text. Bucher explains, “VINE began from a tragedy in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1993. A woman by the name of Mary Byron had been raped and assaulted by her former boyfriend. He was arrested and jailed for these crimes, but when he was released on bail there was no way for Mary to know. On December 6, 1993, Mary’s former boyfriend stalked and killed her as she was leaving her job at a local
mall. The community was stunned and outraged. County officials worked diligently to design a system that would let crime victims know the location and incarceration status of their offenders.” Mike Davis, the current CEO of Appriss, and Yung Nguyen founded Appriss in 1994. The two worked with Jefferson County, Kentucky, government officials to develop the nation's first automated victim information and notification system (VINE) after Mary Byron’s murder. Since 1994, Appriss employees have continued to support their mis-
sion of Keeping Communities Safe and Informed, Bucher says. The technology solutions available to keep communities safe and informed were only envisioned as science fiction mere years ago. Now notification systems help neutralize situations throughout the judicial process. CT For more information: Orion Communications, Inc., www.orioncom.com, 214.361.1203, x2413, jbelasky@orioncom.com Shadowtrack Technologies, Inc., 877.396.0385 x120, Robert@shadowtrack.com Appriss, www.appriss.com, VINE (Victim Information Notification Everyday) or www.vinelink.com, 1.866.APPRISS, 502.815.3854, kbucher@appriss.com
June/July 2016x WWW.COURTSTODAY.COM
25
J-J 16 p26-29 desktop lab_CT 2/05 p020-21 Best Build 6/28/16 9:10 AM Page 26
BY DONNA ROGERS, EDITOR
Bringing Testing Inhouse
The ability for random testing and quick turnaround are the advantages.
Inhouse desktop drug analyzers provide a tool for a successful sober program.
seems it’s the rule not the exception: Every court needs to do more with less. And that goes for testing drug offenders. It’s vital for outpatient and residential sober living patients, supervisory staff needs to test often to address anyone who may resume using. And, if they don’t remain sober or drug free, they are often immediately kicked out of the program. However, while sending samples to a lab is accurate, it is expensive for the client—often costing upwards of $100 a panel which may not be covered by insurance—and it can take days or weeks. Further, instant testing for screening can be pocked with inaccuracies—which
It
sources say can have an error rate of up to 50%. If we think of drug testing as a clinical tool, used not so much to deliver punishment, but to help patients actually kick the habit and get through the program sober or drug free, it must be done often. And to truly help patients overcome their drug and alcohol dependence it is important to have results quickly—usually within 24 hours. This can help with treating withdrawal symptoms and also hone in on what the client needs to successfully get them through the process. While sending samples to a lab is an option, we spoke with the company Thermo Fisher Scientific to find out the issues surrounding this
option and advantages of bringing the testing inhouse with a benchtop analyzer. Kathy Ruzich, manager, Global Marketing Communications, and Gino Gonnelli, product manager, Instrumentation, note that “From what we have heard recently, some of the biggest concerns are related to accuracy of results performed by instant test methods as well as turnaround time waiting for results for test that were sent out for processing. “More and more labs are finding the need for quicker results, sometimes before the client leaves the facility,” they point out. “Swift and certain sanctioning is an important part of a mandatory drug testing program, and we are finding that
June/July 2016 26
WWW.COURTSTODAY.COM
J-J 16 p26-29 desktop lab_CT 2/05 p020-21 Best Build 6/28/16 9:10 AM Page 27
J-J 16 p26-29 desktop lab_CT 2/05 p020-21 Best Build 6/28/16 9:10 AM Page 28
our customers just can’t afford to wait around for days or even weeks to get their results to the judge or the case manager.” In addition, they further, instead of regular weekly or bi-weekly testing, there seems to be a stronger push for automation to allow for more random drug screening for multiple drugs. Random drug testing is a way to better ensure the client is clean and not just refraining from using a few days before the test. CF wondered if there were a breakeven point on the volume necessary to make purchasing an analyzer pay off. “Our instrument has found a home in courts with as few as 30 participants,” Ruzich says. “Many of our customers in the court space find that once they begin the automation process they suddenly can do much more testing with far fewer resources. A well-run court lab can truly become the centerpiece of testing for a county, generating fantastic cost savings and productivity in service, and ensuring compliance to all their drug testing and monitoring programs.” Any type of criminal justice user is a candidate for inhouse instrumentation and reagent testing and Ruzich and Gonnelli say that testing they provide is used in a multitude of settings—from a drug or treatment court setting to probation to pain management clinic to a clinical lab. Further, because it is a small benchtop analyzer that does not
Indiko Plus benchtop analyzer from Thermo Fisher Scientific
take up much space and is fully selfcontained, it is easy to set up in small area. As for the level of skill to use the test equipment, they say that while there is “always a transition period with any new testing solution,” they offer comprehensive technical support and staff training as part of their service. For follow-up in the field, their staff is always available by phone or email to walk users through any testing challenges they may have.
Into the Cloud
As an option, users of this benchtop analyzer can integrate it with a case management system. Gonnelli says, “by far the majority of our customers choose to go to the next level with their testing and integrate a drug court case management software, such as DCCM, with their automated lab solution.” The case management software allows the court to have their participants fully
Company Name: Thermo Fisher Scientific Name of desktop lab model: Thermo Scientific Indiko Plus Benchtop Analyzer Web address: www.thermofisher.com/Indikoplus Phone: 800-232-3342 Contact name: Kathy Ruzich Email: sales.diagnostics.fmt@thermofisher.com
managed from the “cloud,” which means that all of their drug testing results are immediately associated with their profile along with their testing history. The profile view can be customized and viewed by the client’s case manager, judge, and others who have a stake in their progress through the system, he furthers. And by being situated in the cloud, it can be viewed from anywhere they have access to the web. In addition, the system provides randomized testing schedules, color-code management, and has its own support staff to assist the customer with all of their questions or concerns. The Indiko Plus analyzer continues to have positive outcomes for those using it. Installed at the Fairfield County Municipal Court in Fairfield, Ohio, for almost two years now, in that time Tamara Bartek and her staff have seen the amount of testing they’ve been able to process increase and the costs of doing the testing itself dramatically decrease. Bartek says: “We continue to increase our testing and our savings each month we are in operation with Indiko…I can’t possibly say enough incredible things about our instrument or the service we have received.” Concludes Ruzich: “Once our customers see for themselves the value of automating their day, they can’t imagine turning back.” CT
June/July 2016 28
WWW.COURTSTODAY.COM
J-J 16 p26-29 desktop lab_CT 2/05 p020-21 Best Build 6/28/16 9:10 AM Page 29
J-J 16 P30-33 P&P index_CT 2/05 p020-21 Best Build 6/28/16 9:27 AM Page 30
BY DONNA ROGERS, EDITOR
From easier random drug
HIGH-TECH MONITORING
testing to monitoring via cell phone, ways courts can help offenders be more successful. Facial and voice biometrics are used in advanced monitoring systems today.
Since 1995, the number of adults on probation and parole has increased 29 percent, compared with 2.9 percent for prisons and 4 percent for jails, according to the American Probation and Parole Association. And now, while the number on community supervision has declined slightly over the past seven years (in November 2015 the Bureau of Justice Statistics reported a 1% decrease in those on probation or parole between yearend 2013 and 2014), the numbers of those on supervision is still high: total probationers totaled 3.86 million and parolees 857,000. The trend is also for states to release offenders pretrial, according to the National Institute of Corrections. From 2012 to 2014, 261 new laws in 47 states addressed pretrial policy, and states have been legislating a framework for judges and other officials to conduct risk assessments, discern types of
offenses that can avoid jail time and decide who gets diversion into treatment programs. Drug abuse is an overwhelming reason they are on supervision. In 2012, an estimated 3.2 million males aged 18 to 49 were on probation, and 900,000 were on parole, and according to a drug use survey by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration more than one quarter (29.8 percent) of the male probationers in that age group had an alcohol use disorder, 19.2 percent had an illicit drug use disorder, and 40.3 percent had either an alcohol or illicit drug use disorder. Untreated substance abuse disorders among probationers and parolees can lead to relapse and a path toward continued criminal behavior, which can heighten probation/parole violations and an increased risk of reincarceration. In the past few years, reports SAMHSA,
a greater emphasis has been placed on treatment programming within correctional facilities and the criminal justice system has improved access and linkages to communitybased treatment. Probation and parole agencies are increasingly recognizing that they cannot do it alone. One of the strategies they are employing is to work with collaborative partners, i.e., with police officers, drug counselors, teachers, psychologists, employment specialists and others. Unfortunately offenders violate their terms of conditions all too often for various reasons. Of all persons on probation during 2014, the incarceration rate among those violating their conditions of supervision—including incarceration for a new offense, a revocation and technical violations was 5 percent. The reincarceration rate among parolees at risk of violating their conditions of supervision was about 9% in
June/July 2016 30
WWW.COURTSTODAY.COM
J-J 16 P30-33 P&P index_CT 2/05 p020-21 Best Build 6/28/16 9:27 AM Page 31
2013, according to the BJS. Sometimes this is due to their lack of treatment–one study reported that only half of those eligible for treatment received it–other times it could be due to testing or monitoring equipment failures. Technologies that can complement supervisors in their case management responsibilities can help offenders stay the course. “Technical violation rates as high as 20% use up a substantial percentage of court time,” notes Craig Diamond, director of marketing with Telmate, which has a monitoring technology connected by smartphone. Many of these violations can be avoided, he furthers, by leveraging community corrections structure, supervision, surveillance, substance abuse treatment and cognitive restructuring programs. Telmate
Guardian can be installed on the offender’s smartphone (it is available for iOS and most Android phones) and verifies their location to community corrections officers via biometrics such as facial and voice recognition. It can be used to immediately notify supervisors if the offender enters restricted areas and to send SMS reminders about court appearances, drug testing and other common appearances. But probably most of all, it offers increased communications inherent with a cell phone, says Diamond. Case managers can text, call or video call offenders and even set up remote visits rather than have to schedule face-to-face meetings, logistically more convenient and efficient. Telmate Guardian smartphone check-in.
June/July 2016x WWW.COURTSTODAY.COM
31
J-J 16 P30-33 P&P index_CT 2/05 p020-21 Best Build 6/28/16 9:27 AM Page 32
Finally, he says, it is cheaper than a GPS bracelet, and because there is no bulky hardware to wear, it offers a more independent and dignified approach.
Drunken Driving Violations
About 10,000 people are killed each year in drunken driving crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. According to the FBI, each day people drive drunk almost 300,000 times, but fewer than 4,000 are arrested. Further, according to a study done by the Centers for Disease Control, in 2011 an average drunk driver has driven drunk 80 times before first arrest. Compounding the problem, in 2010 the NHTSA reported that between 60% and 80% of drivers with suspended licenses continue to drive. Because of the repeat offenders who fly under the radar and continue to drive drunk or high, ignition interlock devices can reduce recidivism and prevent drunken driving crashes. One of the top ignition devices is Draeger’s Interlock 7000, which makes testing easy and discreet. It has a camera that can quickly verify the identity of the user and communications capabilities that immediately alert monitoring authorities of potential non-compliance. Melissa C. Ray, director, Interlock Services, explains that their product is built on over 60 years of experience in breath alcohol testing. “It provides exceptional accuracy and advanced features to allow monitoring agents to react with confidence,” she says, adding the device is widely used in IID programs across the country, as well as internationally, for probation/pretrial, specialty courts, and licensing departments.
Rebalancing the Workload
For the past eight months, the Virginia Department of Corrections has been utilizing ShadowTrack Technologies equipment which
Telmate Guardian software on an offender’s smartphone reports to a central server with location data and verifies biometrics, including facial photos and voice samples.
includes voice verification/biometrics to supervise approximately 10,000 low risk offenders in a statewide central location, notes Marcus M. Hodges, regional administrator, VADOC, Community Corrections. “Centralizing this supervision has greatly reduced workload/caseload in our forty-three probation/parole districts. This has thus allowed our officers to focus on medium and high risk/needs cases who have a higher risk to recidivate.” He says they project to double that number to approximately 20,000 by January 2017. The VADOC community corrections division will also begin utilizing the ShadowTrack random urinalysis program (Color Code). This random drug test solution is different from other solutions on the market, explains Robert L. Magaletta of ShadowTrack. Instead of the offender having to call into the system everyday to listen for their assigned color, the technology makes an outbound call, during a certain time period, based on the offender's assigned color. “So,” he furthers “an offender that is only required to test once every three months does not have to call into the system every day. In addition, we confirm that they listened to the
message and send a report to the officer with a list of all the offenders that will be coming in for a drug test.” Capping off benefits of the random testing, he says, “We know that the offender listened to the message by verifying their voice— voice is like an electronic signature.” Hodges anticipates big changes to monitoring for drugs of abuse. “This technology will transform the way we test offenders and will make our practices more consistent and user friendly.” And the overall technologies will simply benefit all involved, he stresses: “We, VADOC, firmly believe that utilizing ShadowTrack technology will lead to long lasting public safety, to include safer communities, fewer victims, and a reduction in recidivism.”
THE TECHNOLOGIES Home incarceration/ Interactive Interview
Shadowtrack is a highly-engineered communication platform that uses multiple forms of biometrics technology, which is specially designed to meet the special needs of community corrections. As a monitoring system, focused on outcomes, it offers an array of self-contained modules providing voice
June/July 2016 32
WWW.COURTSTODAY.COM
J-J 16 P30-33 P&P index_CT 2/05 p020-21 Best Build 6/28/16 9:27 AM Page 33
monitoring product used by community corrections personnel to supervise offenders on parole, probation pre-trial or work release. When installed on a smartphone the software reports to a central server with location data and verifies biometrics, including facial photos and voice samples. Case managers can review the location along with captured biometrics of the offender at any time using the Telmate Command Center platform via a standard web browser on a connected device.
The Draeger Interlock® 7000/Draeger Interlock® XT is discreet and offers advanced communications capabilities.
recognition, identity verification, alcohol monitoring and compliance monitoring. The modules can be used alone or combined with other Shadowtrack components or used in conjunction with devices from other compliance monitoring firms. The biometric modules include EM/curfew management, cellular telephone tracking, location-based zones, interactive voice interviews (IVI), verified participant notifications, and a participant pay option. Color code is the random drug test solution, which calls an offender based on his or her assigned color. The offender’s response is voice verified using biometrics. All modules are reported to be easy to deploy, inexpensive to use and require no special software. ShadowTrack Technologies, Inc. Product name: ShadowTrack Phone: 877.396.0385 Web site: www.shadowtrack.com Email contact: info@shadowtrack.com
Discreet, Advanced Communications IID
Ensuring public safety is the monitoring agents’ highest concern, and Dräger’s ignition interlock
devices offer simple operation while supporting monitoring requirements that prevent recidivism, the firm reports. The Interlock 7000 is an incar breathalyzer with enhanced features and monitoring capabilities designed to improve the experiences of both users and monitoring authorities. With one of the fastest warm-up times and simple operation, the Interlock 7000 makes testing easy and discreet. Its camera’s images enable authorities to verify the source of each breath sample, and advanced communication capabilities alert monitoring authorities of potential non-compliance. The device also can identify mouth alcohol in breath samples. Draeger Safety Diagnostics, Inc. Product name: Draeger Interlock® 7000/Draeger Interlock® XT Phone: 972.929.1100 Web site: www.draeger.com/courtstoday Contact name Melissa C. Ray Email contact: info.dsdi@draeger.com
Facial/Voice Biometrics Offender Monitoring
Telmate Guardian is an offender
Telmate Product name: Telmate Guardian Web site: www.telmate.com/guardian Contact name: Craig Diamond, Director of Marketing Email contact: diamond@telmate.com
AD I N DEX
COMPANY
PAGE NO.
APPA................................................29 Carter Goble Lee .............................5 Computing System Innovations ..............................9,11 CourtView .......................................17 Draeger Medical Systems.............13 eCourts ...........................................35 Infax...................................................2 Journal Technologies ....................15 Justice Systems ..............................25 Professional Systems Engineering ..................................4 ShadowTrack Technologies............3 Streetime ........................................31 StunCuff Enterprises, Inc. .............21 Telmate............................................19 Thermo Fisher Scientific...............27 Tribridge ...........................................1 Tyler Technologies.........................36 Xerox .................................................7 This advertisers index is provided as a service to our readers only. The publisher does not assume liability for errors or omissions.
June/July 2016x WWW.COURTSTODAY.COM
33
J-J 16 P08-11, 34-36 nacm_ct 2/05 p020-21 best build 6/28/16 2:04 Pm Page 34
Continued from page 11
Browser-based Access
the day. In addition to the AgileJury Solution, Xerox has developed numerous ancillary components that will dramatically improve productivity of court operations. These tools will greatly enhance the experience of your citizens when asked to serve as a juror. www.xerox.com/justice, 1.800.772.0597CRP_20160606.jpg
FTR Court.fm simplifies access to court recordings by providing a browser-based experience for court
Case Management System
users and customers. To facilitate this, Court.fm securely streams court content to authenticated users for playback on any device, anywhere. No longer is playback restricted to the courtroom or even the court’s network. Court.fm differs from CDbased distribution models by ensuring control of the record stays with the court at all times and all activity is logged in accordance with security standards. www.fortherecord.com, 1.877.650.0958
Case Management Software
Justice Systems, Inc. develops and implements case management software, utilizing the latest webbased technologies, for courts and attorneys across the nation. They also provide an online payment system, cutting-edge tools, and professional services for the judicial system. Their dedicated industry specialists diligently assist with implementing your court systems. www.justicesystems.com, 505.883.3987
jury management system that is responsive to your changing needs– simplifying processes, refining communication with your jurors, and improving key moments throughout
JWorks is a modifiable-COTS case management system—what you see and how you interact with information is completely configurable and can be easily tailored to roles, teams, and individuals. The JWorks Caseflow Engine triggers guidelines, milestones, events, and activities, while workflow automatically assigns and routes tasks and deadlines. Designed to be responsive on any device, JWorks is quickly accessible on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop—at the counter, on the bench, or anywhere in between—serving up the information you need, when and how you need it. www.courtview.com, 1.800.406.4333
Jury Solution
AgileJury was designed by jury administrators for jury administrators. Their jury solution is intuitive, flexible, and highly configurable. It provides users with an end-to-end
June/July 2016 34
WWW.COURTSTODAY.COM
J-J 16 P08-11, 34-36 nacm_ct 2/05 p020-21 best build 6/28/16 2:05 Pm Page 35
J-J 16 P08-11, 34-36 nacm_ct 2/05 p020-21 best build 6/28/16 2:05 Pm Page 36