Potter County Today

A videoconferencing system is now operating at the Potter County Jail. It’s expected to reduce costs, enhance communications and improve access to services for inmates who are diagnosed with mental illness or other behavioral health issues. The system’s $4,100 cost was covered by state grants and installation was completed in-house. County maintenance director Joe Kurtz and information technology director Bill Solomon worked with jail management to develop and interconnect the videoconference facility. Experiences in other county jails have demonstrated that the conferencing technology cuts down on transportation costs that would otherwise be incurred for in-person court appearances. The system will also be used for attorney/client communications, criminal conferences involving prosecutors and defense lawyers, and inmate consultation with therapists, counselors and other service providers. Videoconferencing can also be used for family visitation. The Potter County Criminal Justice Advisory Board approved the plan to seek funding for the system, with concurrence by Judge Stephen Minor, District Attorney Andy Watson, Jail Warden Glenn Drake and Deputy Warden Angela Milford. The project was also supported by Commissioners Doug Morley, Susan Kefover and Paul Heimel. Colleen Wilber, the county’s director of drug and alcohol services, secured the funding and developed the operational plan.