The use of transformative technology in the UK Justice System

The transformative potential of digital in the justice system, and above all how digital can change the experience of witnesses, victims and the public for the better.

What new transformative technologies are shaping the UK Justice System of tomorrow?

Digitalisation and new technologies will improve processes and join up services. The volume and range of technologies available to support the justice system is vast – whether this be automation, biometrics or cloud technology. Where have we seen new technologies implemented? What are the barriers to implementation? What is needed to drive adoption? Which technologies are likely to be adopted as standard in the next 10 or 20 years? Share your thoughts and ‘future gaze’ the art of the possible.

It has long been recognised that digitisation offers a transformative opportunity. In particular, for people engaging with the justice system it has the potential to deliver a personalised experience that takes into account individual circumstances and needs.

One area where we are beginning to see benefits is in the use of automated communications. Not everyone will need or want notification of every development in his, her or their case. But some will. Digitisation enables service users to be as proactive as they wish.

Online citizen portals could, and should, tailor communications depending on:

• Personal preference

• Inherent vulnerability –  ensuring a victim of domestic abuse, for example, has control over how and when they are messaged by their caseworker

• The crime they have experienced – some citizens will be satisfied with a one-off text containing a crime reference number for insurance purposes, for example, when a low-level theft has taken place

Of course, unlocking the benefits of digital brings challenges too. There is often a continued, and arguably unavoidable, reliance on out-of-date IT infrastructure, meaning a significant percentage of the total IT spend across the justice system goes on maintaining legacy systems.

Some agencies have embraced new technology more effectively than others. The more centralised structure of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) compared to individual police forces, for example, lends itself to adopting new technology more quickly. On a practical level this inconsistent pace of digitisation across the Criminal Justice System means agencies are often unable to communicate as effectively as they otherwise might. For example, statements digitised by one agency that need to be printed or copied to disc so another agency can have access to them.

There is also a continued digital skills gap. And it’s not just the need for better training for officers and administrators on the front line: it’s also recruiting coders and system designers. This expertise is in high demand in both the public and private sector meaning it can be difficult to attract these individuals to work in an overstretched civil service.

There have been significant improvements to criminal justice processes in recent years, however, despite this, many trials do not take place on their scheduled date and this problem has only been exacerbated through the pandemic. This means anxiety for trial participants and millions of pounds paid each year to counsel to prepare cases that never reach the courtroom. With further savings to be made over the coming years, there will be growing urgency for the criminal justice agencies and individual police forces to find a cheaper and more efficient way of working. It can only be hoped that this will ultimately drive the necessary shift in how the Criminal Justice System operates.

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This blog was taken from an original article on Tech UK as part of Digital Justice week 2021.