Additional Information
In recognition of the importance of technology in promoting an increasingly efficient Court System, on October 29, 1998 the Florida Courts Technology Commission approved the following language for specifying the role of each Circuit Technology Officer:
“The role of the Trial Court Chief Technology Officer (CTO) is to provide technology vision and leadership for developing and implementing court technology initiatives within the circuit. Working independently, this position reports directly to the Circuit Chief Judge and Circuit Court Administrator and is accountable for directing all court information, data integrity, systems standards, and Information Service functions throughout the circuit, in accordance with the policies, standards, and guidelines set forth by the Florida Courts Technology Commission (FCTC) and coordinated by the Information Systems Services Division (ISS) of the Office of the State Courts Administrator (OSCA). The CTO is a key management position responsible for circuit IT policy and aligning circuit IT strategy with the strategic plan of the Judicial Branch through contact with the ISS.”
The purpose of the Circuit Court Technology Program is to seek out opportunities that lend themselves to the effective use of technology in the court. A proposed project qualifies for consideration only if the derived benefits are judged to provide an acceptable positive return in excess of the investment in resources needed to implement and support the project. Applying this criteria to project selection on a consistent basis results in continual improvement in the efficiency of the Court.
In concert with the role outline above for the CTO, the Trial Court Technology Office is responsible for:
- Planning, managing and evaluating computer and communication technologies, operations and services.
- Developing and implementing Information Resource Management policies, procedures, and standards.
- Generating the 5th Circuit’s technology legislative budget issue and budget issues for funding provided by local governments.
- Assessing the technological needs of the 5th Circuit, evaluating new technologies, and recommending priorities for allocation of resources.
- Preparing annual operating and performance reports.
- Reviewing technology related plans of other Court related offices of local and state government that affects the Court’s record.
- Fostering working relationships with all judges, Court Administration, Clerks of Circuit Court, local government, the Office of the State Courts Administrator, and other state and local offices.
Court Technology oversees and provides technical support to voice, video and data communications. Assistance is provided to the judges, judicial assistants and court staff for both routine operations and complex technological issues.
Court Technology provides the following services:
- Wireless Internet Access.
- Other Services vary by county – please contact Court Technology to determine specific availability of services.
