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Sheng Guo
Chief Innovation Officer
Director of Court Modernization

Officially established in 2023, DCM is dedicated to the ambitious goal of modernizing 2,000+ courtrooms, jury rooms, and other court spaces across New York State's 62 counties. The modernization program began in 2019, addressing longstanding audio issues in courtrooms that hindered the effective communication among stakeholders during trials. Over the past few years, DCM has played an integral role in supporting in-person, hybrid, and virtual court operations.

Our Leadership

Chief Judge Rowan D. Wilson, Chief Administrative Judge Joseph A. Zayas, and First Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Norman St. George are committed to advancing court modernization. Their vision is to provide all New Yorkers with efficient, accessible, and high-quality justice services by implementing practical and innovative solutions across courtrooms, jury rooms, and public courthouse spaces.

Our Mission

DCM’s expanded mandate is to enhance the functionality and accessibility of court spaces. By leveraging human-centered design and cutting-edge technology, we aim to promote full participation of all stakeholders in the justice process while enriching their overall experience. Improving accessibility enhances public access by ensuring that people of all abilities and financial status can engage with services, spaces, and information. Here's how DCM is accomplishing its mission:

1. Digital Access:
   1. Wheelchair accessible Help Centers equipped with user-friendly digital tablets to fill out and print DIY forms and look up information.
   2. Streaming court events, proceedings, and meetings that fall under the Open Meetings Law.
   3. Court audio recording technology for the accurate production, preservation, and access to the official court record.
2. Communication Access:
   1. Improving audio quality by upgrading equipment and tailoring audio systems to meet the specific needs of each room. Additionally, designing and installing acoustic panels where necessary to optimize sound performance.
   2. Enhancing videoconferencing capabilities by leveraging AI technology and integrating it with state-of-the-art audio and video equipment.
   3. Designing and implementing virtual court and hybrid solutions that provide a comprehensive in-person experience.
   4. Integration of language interpreters, real-time captioning, and Assisted Learning Systems used in court rooms, jury rooms and video conference appearances.
   5. Installing lightweight, secure video phones and articulating mounts in holding cells at criminal courts to facilitate confidential video conference access for inmates.
3. Quick & Efficient Access to Justice:
   1. Evidence Presentation Systems improve the experience for all participants and facilitate faster, more efficient trial proceedings.
   2. Enhancing courtroom safety and aesthetics by managing cables, installing wire molding and floor raceways, and upgrading attorney tables with integrated power and AV connectivity.
4. Inclusive Design: Designing services, products, and environments with accessibility at the forefront often results in greater user-friendliness and a positive experience for all. Some of the amenities offered by DCM include:
   1. Digital Signage
   2. Public WiFi
   3. Charging stations for mobile devices
   4. Upgrading network, electrical, and physical infrastructure

Discover updates on our modernization efforts, along with training videos and resources tailored for attorneys and other court users.

Feedback

Your opinion matters to us. Help us improve by sharing your thoughts, suggestions, and experiences with our website or with court modernization efforts across New York State. Whether it’s about usability, features, or anything else, we’d love to hear from you by email at DCM-Feedback@nycourts.gov.

2024 Year-End Review