A new courtroom in the Penitentiary Institution (PI) Vught was officially put into use today. This courtroom allows criminal cases to be handled within the secure walls of the institution, thereby reducing the number of risky transport movements of extremely escape-prone detainees.
Less Transport, More Safety
The transport of detainees from the Extra Secure Institution (EBI) requires heavy security measures and a lot of personnel deployment. The new courtroom ensures that certain court cases can take place safely and in a controlled manner within the PI. “Every time we have to transport a detainee from the EBI, it carries risks. By providing the opportunity to hold hearings here, we reduce those risks and directly contribute to the safety of society,” says Wim Saris, Director-General of the Judicial Institutions Service (DJI).
Security and Accessibility
The new courtroom is designed to conduct court cases safely. At the same time, public access is guaranteed: the press and public can follow the hearings via a video link. This system is increasingly used in the judiciary and offers an efficient way to keep the criminal process accessible without compromising safety.
Collaboration for a Future-Proof Solution
The commissioning of the courtroom in PI Vught is the result of intensive collaboration between DJI and chain partners. The new location offers a sustainable solution to conduct court cases in a safe, controlled, and future-proof manner.
Read in DJIzien the article A courtroom next to the EBI, featuring an interview with location director Cees Niessen and Erik Tuijp, program manager of Extra Secure Court Locations at the Judiciary.