Technology - T3
Image CPS staff member using computer
Transforming Through Technology - T3 - is the programme that is moving the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) from paper-based processes to a full digital way of working. This programme will improve efficiency and remove many of the frustrating tasks and the bureaucracy associated with our existing, paper-based systems. However, the CPS cannot and does not work alone to provide justice. Much of the year saw us working closely with our Criminal Justice System (CJS) partners to make the case for digitalisation, not just of the CPS, but crucially for the CJS as a whole. As a result the CJS Operational Board, comprising senior representatives from all the major criminal justice agencies, endorsed the CPS's digital vision and is now committed to delivering a far more digital CJS by April 2012.
The Home Secretary, the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, and the Attorney General have all signed up to the digital CJS Vision; 2011-12 will be the year that the CJS works collectively to achieve it.
Six lead Areas - 'Early Adopter Sites' - have been testing aspects of digital working throughout 2010-11, going as far as possible to move away from paper and work digitally with partner agencies. Their experiences continue to be captured, transformed into a set of best practice tools, and shared with other Areas, who can then quickly implement the tested processes.
During 2010-11, work began to upgrade the CPS's existing technology infrastructure and software to provide increased digital capacity and capability. This work became the foundation for the T3 business case which was approved by the CPS Board in December 2010.
Changes have been made to enable a two-way exchange of data between the police and the CPS and to broaden the range of information that can be transferred through the CJS Exchange to enable greater digital working. The first sites plan to use the two-way link by late summer 2011.
Early T3 achievements for 2011-12 include prosecuting lists at Court directly from a hand held computer, and increasing the use of electronic presentation of evidence in the most complex cases.
