Courts get a facelift: NY unveils high-tech justice division

October 19, 2023 Rob Abruzzese

Sheng Guo, who has served as chief technology officer of the New York State Unified Court System for over two decades, has been appointed director of the Division of Court Modernization.
Photo: Robert Abruzzese/Brooklyn Eagle

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The New York State Office of Court Administration (OCA) announced on Thursday the creation of a new Division of Court Modernization (DCM) to enhance the technological capabilities of the state’s court system.

Sheng Guo, who has served as chief technology officer of the New York State Unified Court System for over two decades, has been appointed director of the division.

The establishment of DCM builds on the work of the Courtroom Modernization Initiative (CMI) Team, formed in 2019 with the aim of providing basic audio capabilities to 1,540 courtrooms across the state. Under the new division, the scope of modernization projects will expand to include audio and acoustics, accessibility, evidence presentation, videoconferencing, streaming and digital signage.

Chief Administrative Judge Joseph A. Zayas expressed strong support for the new division, stating, “Court modernization is critical in eliminating barriers to, and improving the quality of, justice for all New Yorkers. I am extremely pleased to name Sheng to lead this newly-created division.”

DCM has recently completed a technology upgrade for all 24 courtrooms in the Queens County Supreme Court’s Criminal Term, a project funded by the Queens County District Attorney. The division currently operates in New York City and the Capital Region, with plans to open an office in Rochester to support court modernization in the western part of the state.

Guo has a history of recognition for his efforts. In 2008, he was named one of the Premier 100 IT leaders by Computer World. Under his leadership, the team that facilitated court operations during the Covid-19 pandemic received the CIO 100 award in 2022.

Guo said, “I am extremely grateful to Chief Administrative Judge Zayas and First Deputy Chief Administrative Judge St. George for their strong support of court modernization, and their trust in me. I am looking forward to working with the court leadership team and the entire court community.”