The county's experience is unique in that the detention center opened in September 1988 included its own courtroom, because the legality of using video arrangements was unknown at the time that the facility was being planned. Judges, their clerks, and bailiffs traveled to the detention facility daily to conduct proceedings. However, the harsh winter and the logistics involved in moving criminal justice personnel in and out of the jail's secure perimeter became a problem. Therefore, in early 1989, the costs, benefits, and legal implications of video arrangements were examined. The new system was established and was funded jointly by the county and the city of Colorado Springs. The system provides color images of the defendants and their attorneys at the detention center and the judges and their staff 4 miles away. The video court system keeps security fears, transportation costs, and contraband control problems to a minimum. The system is also projected to pay for itself in 5 years by reducing transportation costs. The system operates efficiently and has few maintenance problems.