A new computer network linking 101 Crown courts and criminal justice agencies is being introduced nationally
The Government hails the technology, as allowing for more police on the streets, making giving evidence in court much easier and updating police records much faster.
Unveiling XHIBIT at Snaresbrook Crown court in east London, Courts Minister Christopher Leslie said people could track court hearings via modern technology – online via the Internet, through a text message or a pager. As a result, victims and witnesses will spend less time waiting to give evidence. It is estimated the technology will save some 80,000 police days every year, meaning less time for officers waiting in courtrooms for cases to progress. For the first time, the current status of a case will be posted on the internet. Witnesses and police officers can also receive case updates via e-mail or text message, reducing the time spent waiting in court. Public display screens in court will also feature the latest case status.
What they say
Courts minister Christopher Leslie said: "Giving evidence in court can sometimes involve an unpredictable waiting time, but this XHIBIT technology now means witnesses, whether online or through their mobile phone, will be more in touch with the tracking of their case. We estimate that some 80,000 extra days of policing a year will be a huge benefit from this new technology. More police on the streets tackling crime and less time in court.
"The national roll-out of XHIBIT is a clear example of courts using technology to improve the reality and perception of the criminal justice system. This all adds up to a better deal for victims and witnesses in the court process. It is a practical measure that will help make it easier for victims under great pressure."
Commander Alf Hitchcock, from the Metropolitan Police, said: "We know that being able to track the progress of cases allows us to warn officers to attend court at the appropriate stage, saving their time and keeping them on the streets of London fighting crime. Giving evidence either as a victim or witness is never easy, and this system will not only cut down on the time people spend waiting at court, but also makes it far easier for our staff to keep interested parties updated on the progress of cases.
"Further benefits include the fast time transferral of data regarding convictions, bail and bail conditions onto the Police National Computer, which means the police can more effectively access this information.
"This pilot has achieved some great results and I look foward to seeing what further benefits will be reaped from a national rollout."
The Police National Computer will receive information from Crown courts such as case results, bail orders, and bench warrants far quicker, allowing the police to enforce the orders and warrants much quicker as well.
About XHIBIT
A £20m project between the Department for Constitutional Affairs and supplier EDS, it has been piloted at Snaresbrook Crown court in 2004. It will now be introduced into 101 Crown courts across England and Wales.
