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Lockup: video court
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Outside, the August morning sun burns brightly as commuters head to work. Inside, the accused silently wait in the windowless room for their names to be called. On this Wednesday, men and women sit en masse and face two television screens at the Orient Road Jail. On one screen, they see Judge Walter Heinrich working from his bench in downtown Tampa. Two video cameras transmit the inmates' image back. They're present for various reasons. Some are suspected fugitives, murders, thieves, prostitutes and sexual predators. Others are charged with lesser crimes of trespassing and driving without a license. It's here, in video court, the judge formally reads the charges for the first time. But with an average of 200 inmates passing through daily, there's little time for unnecessary chit chat. And judge Heinrich makes it clear, he's in charge, even if nearly five miles separate the two rooms. "When I call your name, you are to stand up and remain standing up until I tell you to sit down," Heinrich barks. "The following people, stand up." First appearance court is now in session.
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