MPP Steve Clark may finally be getting some traction on a half-decade old question.
During a question period this week Clark received a commitment from the Ontario Attorney General to investigate why requests to install the technology for video remands at the Brockville Court House has been ignored. He said he was pleased the Attorney General appeared to understand the concerns but he won’t be satisfied until they press play on a video remand system.
Clark explains that Brockville Jail is equipped for prisoners to make video appearances, the court is not. As a result two police officers must transport offenders to a holding cell, where they are monitored by a third officer. The MPP argues it makes no sense for appearances that last about a minute, calling them a safety concern that wastes tax payer dollars.
Clark believes there would be additional benefits to installing the technology, including allowing out of town witnesses to testify without the Crown incurring travel expenses. Many other courts across Ontario already have the technology installed.
