Electronic case files reduce paper in fight for justice

26/04/2004

New CPS IT system is an important step towards the delivery of joined-up justice in Northamptonshire.

A next generation case management system transforming Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) business processes is now being used in Northamptonshire, helping to improve the efficiency of casework and significantly contribute to modernising the local criminal justice system.

In six months, CPS Northamptonshire has registered the details of more than six thousand cases on the Compass system, used by lawyers, caseworkers and administrators and successfully rolled out nationally across the 42 CPS areas.

Chief Crown Prosecutor Colin Chapman, who played a national role as Compass Implementation Director, said: "Through the effective use of modern technology, the new case management system is delivering significant improvements in the way individual cases are managed and prosecuted in Northamptonshire.

"For the first time prosecutors can benefit from accessing defendants' entire case histories, with information on outstanding warrants and offences committed anywhere in England or Wales.

"Our lawyers, armed with better quality information on repeat offenders or associated crimes to name a few, are in the best position yet to take the community's fight against crime to Northamptonshire's Courts.

"We now have the technology to receive and transfer case information electronically with other criminal justice agencies to deliver the promise of joined-up justice when other agencies come online. Ultimately, I hope that a more effective case management process will help reduce crime and the fear of crime in this county."

The Attorney General, Lord Goldsmith QC, said: "The CPS Compass system is more than just a way of managing casework. It is a leading example of the kind of transformation that is needed across the Criminal Justice System if we are to achieve the truly efficient and joined-up justice that everyone wants and deserves."

Ken Macdonald QC, the Director of Public Prosecutions, said, "As a shining example of best practice IT in Government, this system will ensure that the CPS retains its position as a prosecuting authority of stature and delivers both efficient services and value for money to the public."

Notes

1. The contract between LogicaCMG and the CPS was signed in January 2002 and is worth in excess of £200 million over 10 years. Designed and implemented by a team of LogicaCMG business consultants and experienced front-line CPS staff, the system promotes best practice as well as meets the evolving business requirements of the programme.
2. The rollout of the Compass case management system across the 42 CPS areas began in April 2003. CPS Northamptonshire went live on 13 October 2003.
3. Nationally, over 1 million cases are registered on the Compass Case Management System. The rollout of this technology to over 7,000 users in 240 locations across 42 CPS areas was completed on time and to budget.