Work Nearly Complete On Video Arraignment System

Bartholomew County will soon be able to arraign prisoners by video.

County Commissioners approved a couple of work items at the jail to help bring this project to completion during their meeting Tuesday morning. The work approved includes the installation of storefront frames and windows, as well as work to reroute a sprinkler head on the jail's sprinkler systems.

Kleinhenz says the system will not be used for trials. He says it is only planned to be used during the initial arraignments of prisoners shortly after their arrest. Kleinhenz says these hearings are usually very short and mostly consist of determining the plea of a prisoner.

Kleinhenz says the change will greatly reduce the workload on officers and jail staff. He adds that the associated risks and dangers in preparing and transporting prisoners will be reduced as well. Lastly, the county expects to see some cost savings with this new video arraignment system. Largely through manpower and vehicle fuel.

Kleinhenz says he expects the work will be completed and the system up and running by the end of this year.