HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – The Kentucky General Assembly allocated funding in 2022 for the Christian County Jail to purchase and install video equipment that allows inmates to attend court from inside the jail.
“It’s viewed as a way to speed up the judicial process,” said Christian County Jailer Adam Smith. “Hopefully in the future we can even expand it further.”
After they received the funding, the process of finding vendors and purchasing the equipment began. They are now entering Phase II, which was approved at the Feb. 13 Fiscal Court meeting. Grant money will reimburse the jail for the cost of the equipment.
Transportation to and from court has to be coordinated for inmates from other counties who are housed at the Christian County Jail. If inmates are able to go to court via video feed, it cuts down transportation costs and ensures the safety of the inmates and staff.
“Any time we take an inmate out of jail, that’s a security issue,” said Smith.
Judges are still able to request in-person court sessions, and it will be decided on a case-by-case basis. Smith also clarified this will not replace trials and will mainly be used for arraignments and preliminary hearings. The goal is to make court proceedings more efficient for everyone involved.