Fed up with cell phones in your courtroom? Concerned about the surreptitious recording of witnesses, undercover agents and/or jurors? Are your jurors accessing cell/mobile devices when they shouldn't be? Are witnesses in your courtrooms communicating via text when they shouldn't be? At the E-Courts 2016 conference we learned about Yondr, a company that provides a new and different solution for cell/mobile phone device security in courthouses and secure facilities.
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How It Works?The court user’s phones are secured in lockable, form-fitting pouches either upon entering the court's security checkpoint or at jury assembly. The jurors or court users maintain possession of their phones at all times—though phones are completely inaccessible until pouches are unlocked at designated Yondr unlocking stations.
Per US Government FCC regulations, standard Yondr pouches neither interfere with nor block cell signal.
Why It Works?
Yondr provides a straightforward means for judges, court administrators and officers of the court to:
- Increase accuracy and fairness in the administration of justice
- Decrease the burden to the public, while enhancing public safety
- Prevent phones being accessed while court is in session
The Yondr system service is currently used in courthouses across the US, including district courts in Pennsylvania and Texas, to satisfy the court's security requirements at the smallest inconvenience to the public.
The company is currently offering a limited number of trial packages for qualified courts. To learn more write to Mr. Jesse Hunt at: jesse@overyondr.com
You can learn more about Yondr at their website at: http://overyondr.com/
And, a CBS This Morning news television video report is available to see how it works on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHNlVC8NRuI
Just returned from a workshop in DC where we discussed recommended responses for dealing with juror use of new media to conduct independent research along with uses of new media for witness and juror intimidation. See more here: http://www.rand.org/jie/justice-policy/projects/priority-criminal-justice-needs/about.html Yondr is a solid solution, and relatively inexpensive, for addressing the court's concerns - both in the courthouse and deliberation room. Workshop participants also discussed addressing why jurors seek additional information on the trials and how courts can address those more specifically (e.g., allowing juror questions, providing an electronic notebook of vetted case details).
ReplyDeleteSeveral courts, one court in Louisiana and two in Texas, have already purchased Yondr pouches for use with jury deliberations. Yondr has indicated they have new designs to accommodate larger mobile devices such as iPads. What's next on the horizon to keep pace with new devices - Apple Watches, internet pens?
Hi Nicole - Jesse Hunt here from Yondr. Thank you for your thoughtful comments about our product! I'm pleased to hear it was well-received at your workshop.
DeleteYou are indeed correct that we are testing a larger iPad-sized pouch, which will be available later this year. I encourage folks to reach out to me directly if there is an immediate, urgent need for pouches of that size.
In terms of the newer devices like Apple Watches, internet pens, etc., we are able to secure those in the pouches currently in courts like those you mentioned in PA, TX, etc. With that being said, we strive to stay ahead of the tech curve and will continue to adapt as new challenges come our way.
If any reader(s) believe his or her court has a unique challenge re: cell phones, wearable tech, etc., I invite you to e-mail me at jesse@overyondr.com.
Thanks to my NCSC colleague Nicole Waters for this update!
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