Policing in Kent Conference

Digitalising the criminal justice system (cjs)Chris Turner

Project Manager, Kent Criminal Justice Board

Kent Criminal Justice Board

Membership:

Chief Officers of all cjs agencies, plus Health & KCC Community Safety

Role: - A forum where senior decision makers meet to identify and advance strategic criminal justice system issues.- Taking national policies and priorities and implement them at a county level- Identifying local barriers to excellent performance and deploying a multi agency problem solving approach - Developing and delivering new services through task and finish groups or through co commissioning

2 Year Rolling Business Plan:

Mission: To put victims and efficiency at the heart of everything we do.

The Need for Change

Bureaucracy ExpensiveSlowInefficient

End to end criminal justice system…….

Reform is essential!The cjs is going through its biggest change for 100’s of yearsKent leads the way in many areas.

We’ve got to do better. We’ve got to do more with less

Digitalisation – 2 components

(1) Digital Case File

• Old cjs was a paper based system – a couriers dream

• Digital / electronic file = catalyst for major change

• Sharing a common file = unprecedented review of agency procedures and processes

• The digital file has reached the courthouse door

Fewer delays & less wasted timeBetter joint agency workingSame workload done by fewer staffEfficiency savings & increased capacity for all agenciesFewer witnesses called unnecessarily

Digitalisation – 2 components

(2) Exploiting Video Technology

• Police / Court Activity

• Officers & Staff giving evidence remotely

• Applications for Search Warrants & Warrants of Further Detention

National Lead

Key prize - Significant saving in time & travel costs- Officers able to return to the day job quickly

Digitalisation – 2 components

(2) Exploiting Video Technology

• Vulnerable Victim & Witness Suites

• 3 purpose built suites

• 2 more being built including the first outside of the cjs environment in the country.

Helping the vulnerable and scared to give evidence • securing positive outcomes• bringing perpetrators to justice

Digitalisation – 2 components

(2) Exploiting Video Technology

• Virtual Remand Court

• Single Virtual Court in Medway Magistrates

• Controversial

• Opportunities for Swifter Justice

• Proposal for 7 day virtual remand court with extended midweek sittings

• Open on Sunday

• Same day justice

Digitalisation – 2 components

(2) Exploiting Video Technology

• What next?

• Legislative changes

• Prosecution via video

• Superintendent Extension Reviews

• Internet Based Video Solution

• The game changer