CPS offices plug into hi-tech connection

IT Literacy: privately funded strategic case management system next for prosecution service

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has completed the first step of its IT modernisation programme with the implementation of a system that allows internal communication across the entire service.

The project, called Connect 42 because of the aim to link electronically all 42 CPS areas in England and Wales, has been completed in less than two years and within budget.

In early 2000, less than 20% of the CPS had access to IT systems.'Connect 42 has seen the implementation of new desktop systems for all of our 5,300 staff and the ability to share electronically information between sites,' said Lonny Carey, director of business information systems at the CPS.The system uses Windows 2000, Microsoft Office 2000 professional, Windows Exchange Server 5.5 and Microsoft Internet Information Server 5.0 to provide users with secure access to external networks via the Government Secure Intranet, the Criminal Justice Extranet, and the Internet.They also have access to legal reference material, the existing case-tracking systems, and a prototype Intranet, which provides standard forms and manuals.Mr Carey said that one of the other aims of the project was to increase IT literacy levels among CPS staff, following the statement in the 1998 Glidewell review of the service that 'IT provisions in the CPS is poor both in terms of coverage and functionality'.

'We wanted to address this problem urgently and provide the necessary tools for our legal workers,' he said.

'As a result, every staff member has had an average of two-and-a-half days training followed by a period of desk-side support.'The project, which included a pilot scheme at the CPS in Sussex, was assisted by an award from the government's capital modernisation fund and overseen by a 25-strong team of CPS staff and consultants.Mr Carey said: 'We now have an infrastructure to build on and the communication channels to play our part in the joining up of the justice system.'After a competitive tender, the CPS selected IT services company Integris to install workstations on each desk and provide the necessary training.

Global Crossing supplied the wide area network, and Workplace by Design the space planning, design and installation of new office furniture for the IT system.

Bull Information Systems provided much of the IT hardware.Mr Carey added: 'The next step is to develop a strategic case management system - called Compass - hopefully to be funded by a private finance initiative from the Treasury.'Andrew Towler