§ Sir Peter EmeryTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he is taking to overcome the weaknesses in the computer programme newly set up for the Probation Service. [86147]
§ Mr. George HowarthThe roll out to the 54 Probation Services in England and Wales of a new national Case Record Administration and Management System, (CRAMS), started in March 1997. CRAMS is designed to enable services to handle and communicate on a wide range of information relating to offenders at all stages in the criminal justice process. It is currently in operation in 37 services and a further six services are undergoing training.
Work to develop the system is on-going. Work currently in progress includes: an upgrade to make it more user friendly, to enhance reporting facilities and meet the provisions of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and a link to police criminal records.