FY 27 Budget Q&A #046: What would be needed to improve technology including providing access at the Northern Virginia Juvenile Detention Center and Sheltercare program?

Page updated on April 6, 2026 at 5:42 PM
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Question: What would be needed to improve technology including providing access at the Northern Virginia Juvenile Detention Center and Sheltercare program? (Mayor Gaskins)

Response: 

Technology Improvements Needed at NVJDC to Support Virtual Hearings

  1. Dedicated Virtual Courtroom Infrastructure

    1. To ensure reliable and legally sound virtual hearings, the onsite hearing room requires: 

      1. High-definition court-grade video conferencing systems (fixed cameras with wide-angle and zoom capability) 
      2. Professional courtroom audio systems (ceiling microphones, echo cancellation, and assistive listening compatibility) 
      3. Large display monitors for clear viewing of judges, attorneys, and clients Secure digital evidence presentation capability (document cameras, screen-sharing, evidence display) 
      4. Redundant connectivity to prevent hearing disruptions.

       

  2. Secure Network & Bandwidth Enhancements

    1. Reliable virtual court access requires:

      1.  Expanded broadband capacity with priority routing for court functions 
      2. Dedicated, secure network segmentation for judicial proceedings 
      3. End-to-end encrypted communications aligned with court and CJIS requirements
      4. Redundant network failover capability to maintain uninterrupted hearings

       

  3. Facility-Wide Technology Access Improvements

    1. To support equitable access and operational efficiency: 

      1. Upgraded Wi-Fi and wired connectivity across housing units and program spaces
      2. Secure digital communication platforms for legal counsel meetings 
      3. Technology access points for education, treatment programming, and family engagement 
      4. Integration with case management and court scheduling systems

       

  4. Security, Privacy & Compliance Measures

    1. Technology modernization must include: 

      1. Controlled access systems and monitoring to maintain confidentiality of proceedings 
      2. Digital recording and archiving capability consistent with court rules 
      3. Cybersecurity upgrades to protect juvenile records and sensitive information. 
      4. Compliance with state and federal privacy standards and juvenile justice confidentiality laws. 

       

  5. Staff Training & Operational Integration
    1. Successful implementation requires: 
      1. Training for staff on courtroom protocols including technology operation and troubleshooting
      2. Standard operating procedures for virtual hearings and digital evidence handling
      3. Technical support resources and service agreements to maintain system reliability
  6. Future-Ready Technology Planning

    1. To ensure sustainability and adaptability: 

      1. Scalable infrastructure to accommodate increased virtual court utilization 
      2. Interoperability with regional courts and state justice systems 
      3. Capacity for hybrid proceedings and emerging digital justice tools

       

The NVJDC anticipates that the cost of these improvements will go as follows: 

  1.  Structured Cabling (CAT6 Installation) – $1,500 – $3,500
    1. 2–4 CAT6 drops, wall plates, patch panel, and cable management. Utilize existing infrastructure where possible.
  2. Network Equipment – $500 – $1,200
    1. 8–16 port switch, UPS battery backup, patch cables. Keep configuration simple and reliable.
  3. Display & Mounting – $800 – $2,000
    1. 55–65 inch display, wall mount, optional second monitor for improved visibility.
  4. Furniture / Seating – $1,000 – $3,000
    1. Table and 3–5 chairs suitable for courtroom setting. Reuse existing furniture when possible.
  5. Audio Enhancements – $500 – $1,500
    1. Supplemental microphone or speaker system if needed. Polycom may suffice depending on room acoustics.
  6.  Power & Electrical – $300 – $1,000
    1. Surge protection, potential outlet additions, and cable concealment. 
  7. Installation / Labor – $2,000 – $4,000
    1. Local contractor for cabling, mounting, and system setup.

Estimated Total Cost

  • Cabling $1,500 – $3,500
  • Network Equipment $500 – $1,200
  • Display $800 – $2,000
  • Furniture $1,000 – $3,000
  • Audio $500 – $1,500
  • Electrical $300 – $1,000
  • Labor $2,000 – $4,000

TOTAL:  $6,600 – $16,200

At the end of FY 2025, NVJDC held $5.0 million in reserve for capital facilities needs and $1.3 million for operating accounts.

 

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