techUK has launched a new report calling for data to be positioned at the centre of the criminal justice system to “improve user experience”.

The technology trade association says that the challenges of data sharing are disrupting the development of an efficient criminal justice system.

In its report, the organisation sets out recommendations designed to explain how digitisation via effective use of data and tech can support a seamless citizen experience.

The report’s key suggestions include:

• The Ministry of Justice and Police should work with techUK to break down barriers to building public trust in the adoption of emerging technologies across the criminal justice landscape;
• The public sector should work more closely with the technology industry to build confidence in the ways in which digital evidence is gathered, managed, and shared;
• The idea of a victim being required to ‘tell their story once’ without having to repeat it to a number of agencies needs to be carefully considered when designing data systems, collecting and analysing data;
• With a drive to reduce reoffending, considerations should be made relating to digital skills passports for prisoners and prison leavers where data on that individual can be stored and is easily accessible for support agencies - from health and employment to education;
• The industry at large must ensure that the technology implemented meets the needs of diverse groups of people and separate cohorts of prisoners.

“This report highlights the collaborative work being undertaken to digitise services, the vital role of data and technology in reforming the criminal justice system of today, whilst also looking ahead to the justice system of tomorrow,” said Georgie Henley, head of justice and emergency services, techUK. “For techUK’s Digital Justice Working Group, data and technology sit at the heart of the MoJ’s vision for simpler, faster and better services across the justice system, and we look forward to working with partners and stakeholders across the criminal justice landscape to deliver this vision.”

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