A range of virtual video conferencing equipment’s have recently been installed at the Auki Correctional Centre (ACC) by the SIG ICT Services (SIG ICTS) to provide access to facilitate court hearing for the inmates in the event of need where the court advises the presentation of an inmate in person at the court is not possible.
This major initiative by the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs (MJLA) was procured by the Australian Solomon Islands Justice Program (ASIJP), funded by the Australian Government and included a camera tripod stand and camera, a 43-inch TV Screen, one laptop, two headphones and two desk top mounted Cameras.
Acting Commandant ACC, Mr. Alfred Baekalia, said that the video conferencing equipment will enhance the effective and timely delivery of justice to inmates, particularly where circumstances of the courts make it not possible for an inmate to attend a court in person.
He added that this type of court appearance is not new to the practises within CSSI as over the past year, ACC and the other provincial correctional centres of CSSI across the country had embraced the technology in the midst of the challenges of COVID and were using various forms of “in house” technologies to ensure the essential services of the agency were being maintained. He said this latest support and provision of equipment’s will ensure ACC supports the Auki Courts in any situation that may arise in the future, by having in place proper systems and equipment’s.
Commandant Baekalia thanked the Australian Government for their continuous support to CSSI and, in particular, to the maintenance of essential services that assist in providing inmates access to timely hearings and addressing of their matters before a court.
-CSSI Press