Data is at the heart of the CJS

What do we mean when we say data sits at the heart of the criminal justice system? How can we move towards an interoperable CJS? With multiple agencies capturing important data on disparate systems, data sharing can become difficult and in parallel so does providing the appropriate support. Without adequate data it is not possible for the MoJ or members of the public to know whether CJS departments are operating effectively. Closer collaborative working to join up fragmented systems, improve data sharing, streamline processes and encourage interoperability is vital.

Data is at the heart of the CJS
This is also a complex area with multiple systems and departments involved. On the face of it the data used on initial capture of someone entering the CJS, right up to their conclusion should start and end with one set of core data. This is what we mean by data being at the heart of the CJS. Tracking the individual and being able to capture key metrics about them is core to managing an efficient and effective service and providing transparency. As well as using existing data, there is a clear case where data can be re-used and stop being re-keyed. The agencies know this, but data sharing is a game changer, and are there too many hurdles to do something about it?

Are old systems a cause not to look at data re-use?
At Salesforce we recognise how important sharing data is, not just internally or with other agencies, but also with citizens. The government justice sector faces the challenge of having numerous systems with differing technology stacks, supplier processes and costs associated to data extraction. Often there is very good business knowledge in understanding what data there is, but a frustration at not being able to get at it, share it or re-use it.
I am sure it is recognised and understood that a number of systems that are currently in use are old and it need of replacement. Therefore, they are often not considered worthy of investment, just the basics done to keep it running. However, there is more that can be done with existing systems and data than maybe is thought. Mulesoft is an industry leader that could fulfil these data extraction and re-use needs. But there is a lot more needed before solutions can be deployed.

What is next to make an interoperable CJS, in data terms?
The number of agencies and systems involved is complex. The strategies and priorities of the various departments will differ as well the budgets allocated for change. So how can this be progressed? This has been a challenge for a number of years.

Nothing new really. The obvious start is to have a meeting between the respective organisation. Someone to represent the Police, the CPS, Courts, Prison and Probation service. There will be others as well. For example DWP involved in ensuring those coming out of Prison get any benefits paid from day one so it de-risks the need to re-offend.

The meeting should determine current tech, those that are scheduled for imminent replacement (and with realistic dates) and then look at how those systems could consume the necessary data. It will need some highly competent business analysts to work out the flows, get suppliers in to help. The early the engagement the greater chance they will have of understanding and delivering. Find out what tools, services and capability there is to start working on this now rather than waiting for technology to be current, as it does not need to be.

It sounds too easy, but everyone will know how complex this is. Departments have to resolve ownership issues, in terms of where one departments responsibility starts and ends. It has been done and can be done. There should be significant enough cost savings to justify this at least being explored. If this does not start soon then the inability to share, innovate and make our CJS a world leader will remain just out of reach.

Using current off the shelf API tools can allow data in the older systems to be accessed and used. Whether that is with other software that can manipulate and analyse (for example) data trends, or taking data from one system and using in another system. Proving it is more of a challenge. For starters it would need to business analysis completed to understand source data and where that needs to go. I am sure all government departments involved, will be saying if only we had the funds!

Then there is the evidence, business case and impact. Why do all of this.?The obvious starter is the re-keying of data during the crime journey between different government departments. The accuracy of that data, and how much richer the information would be if from its source to the end, there was a single set of data relating to a person, wherever that person travels or lives. The quality of the data would be much higher and much easier to report on their crime ‘journey’. It would help identify precisely where, for example bottlenecks are and therefore where best to place resources to improve productivity and efficiency. I am sure a discovery session would highlight other key areas to justify undertaking this work, or not as the case may be.