Tech upgrades planned for courtroom

Published 12:13 am Saturday, June 8, 2013

VIDALIA — Projection screens and small monitors may soon dot the Concordia Parish Courtroom.

The additions are part of three grants awarded to the Concordia Parish District Attorney’s Office as a part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act.

The District Attorney’s office purchased new computers last year as a part of one grant, totaling $7,853. A second grant includes whiteboards and projectors to be installed in the courthouse as a part of a $5,659 grant.

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The third grant includes small screens that will be used to present evidence during trials.

“The grant for the screens has been approved,” District Attorney Brad Burget said. “We haven’t purchased the screens yet because we haven’t received the money.”

Burget said the additions are crucial to bring the courtroom up-to-date.

“With the updates, witnesses and attorneys will be able to view documents on small screens instead of shuffling through pieces of paper,” he said. “We are bringing the courtroom up to date with the modern, technological world.”

The grants will also fund cables and switches that will help the new equipment function.

In a meeting with Concordia Police Jury Member Randy Temple Thursday, Burget proposed installing the upgrades when courtroom activity reaches a minimum.