IT industry association techUK has highlighted the need for the better use of data in the criminal justice system.
It has published a report, Digitising Justice: Beyond the Covid-19 Pandemic, which emphasises the need for courts, prison and probation services to collaborate more closely with the industry.
The report says that, while digital adoption across the justice system has accelerated during the pandemic, long term change is needed that will involve investment and adoption of new technologies.
It identifies three priorities: providing access to the right data at the right time for informed decisions and efficiencies; supporting better sharing of data; and improving data quality and standards as a foundation of delivering justice more efficiently.
The paper also touches on existing challenges such as connectivity issues and interoperability, and introduces the work of techUK’s Digital Justice working group, which was launched in January to encourage collaboration between stakeholders and the industry.
Georgie Henley, programme manager for justice and emergency services at techUK, said: “It has been a difficult year for our criminal justice system, but with these challenges have come opportunities to learn, adapt and change.
“This paper highlights the vital role technology plays in modernising our criminal justice system, helping to build back better, and also how important it is for stakeholders to engage with the tech industry.”
Image from iStock, Anthony Baggett
