Pennsylvania Gov. Edward G. Rendell yesterday applauded the National Association of State Chief Information Officers' (NASCIO) recognition of a Pennsylvania technology program that enables police, the courts and other partners in Pennsylvania's criminal justice system to quickly and easily share vital information.

"Once again, Pennsylvania is a national leader when it comes to using technology to better serve our citizens," Rendell said. "Our innovative program stood out from among 139 entries from 33 states, which speaks to the depth and quality of our technology initiatives."

The Pennsylvania Justice Network's (JNET) Global XML 3.0 Document Creation Process was one of 12 winners selected by NASCIO. The Pennsylvania initiative will receive NASCIO's 2006 Recognition Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Information Technology in the category of data, information and knowledge management.

JNET's Global XML 3.0 Document Creation Process set new uniform standards and policies for statewide data exchange, helping to improve public safety and reduce costs to taxpayers.

JNET is the state's primary public safety and criminal justice information broker. The program was created by the Governor's Office of Administration to provide a "virtual single system" for the sharing of protected information. JNET's secure integrated Web portal offers a common online environment to over 27,000 authorized users in all 67 counties.

NASCIO represents the state chief information officers from the 50 states, six U.S. territories and the District of Columbia.
KW