§ Dr. CableTo ask the Solicitor-General if she will make a statement on the use of IT in the Crown Prosecution Service. [64435]
§ The Solicitor-GeneralThe first stage of the CPS IT modernisation programme (the Connect 42 project) was completed successfully at the end of 2001, and has provided all Crown Prosecution Service staff with computers and e-mail. This enables prosecutors and caseworkers to access the Internet for legal reference material as well as providing secure e-mail to police forces and other Government Departments.
The second stage of the modernisation programme (the Compass project) is a PFI project and was awarded to Logica, on time and budget, in December 2001. Logica, in partnership with the CPS, are providing maintenance, support and replacement of the IT infrastructure over 10 years. In addition, Logica have been contracted to provide a case management system compatible and linked with other IT systems in the CJS to replace the four case tracking systems currently used by CPS.