Court Reporting Services

Department Profile & Organisational Structure

The Court Reporting Services Unit (CRSU), as keepers of the record, is responsible for the production of verbatim transcripts of court proceedings throughout the Judiciary.

The current staff complement is 60 persons, headed by a Manager, who is ably supported by five supervisors. The CRSU is comprised of CAT Reporters, Court Transcriptionists, Scopists, Court Audio Records Officers and competent administrative support personnel. Proofreading services are delivered by service providers.

The CRSU, with the assistance of the IT Unit and external service providers, leads the installation and maintenance process in respect of the audio digital court recording equipment in more than 100 courtrooms in Trinidad and Tobago. ForTheRecord (FTR) is the digital recording software utilised locally.

The CAT Reporters are all real-time proficient and provide daily transcripts primarily in capital trials. These officers also cover non-capital and civil cases in the Court of Appeal. Court Transcriptionists provide transcripts of proceedings heard in the Magistracy, Family Court, as well as in the Court of Appeal in respect of Criminal, Magisterial and Procedural appeals. Another significant service that is in heavy demand is the provision of CD recordings of court proceedings. This area is the responsibility of Court Audio Records Officers (CARO). These officers are also required to maintain the FTR equipment and ensure that all systems are functioning optimally.

 The mission of the Court Reporting Services is to:

•  Preserve a permanent, accurate record of court proceedings via transcripts and CDs;
•  Fulfil all obligations expeditiously and without prejudice;
•  Continuously enhance and improve delivery systems in the field of court reporting using cutting-edge technologies;
•  Maintain the highest levels of integrity and professionalism as we serve all clients (internal and external);
•  Continuously upgrade the skills of officers of the CRSU, through training and professional development.

Services provided by the Department include:

• Real-time Reporting – CAT Reporters
• Verbatim Reporting – CAT Reporters
• Supply of verbatim transcripts produced from Audio Digital Court Recordings – Court Transcriptionists
• Provision of CDs/audio files of court proceedings – Court Audio Records Officers
• Maintenance of FTR audio recording systems
• Other related services

Key Officers Contact Information

CAT Reporters Office (Hall of Justice, POS)

Telephone:(868) 223 1060 ext. 2238/2239/2322

Transcription Office (POS)

Telephone:(868) 223 1060 ext. 3047/3048/3049

Transcription Office (Madinah)

Telephone:(868) 223 1060 ext. 3715/3716

Transcription Office (Supreme Court, San Fernando)

Telephone:(868) 223 1060 ext. 1632/1633

Transcription Office (Tobago)

Telephone:(868) 223 1060 ext. 2012