By the early 90s, there were varying degrees of automation used in the provinces justice system. The court system had five partially automated systems; the Ministry of Attorney Generals Criminal Justice Branch (Crown Counsel) had little automation; and the multiple police jurisdictions also had widely varying degrees of automation. Because of the different data systems, and few links between systems, meaningful information management was needed to assist in more effective operations and longer-term planning.
The application of technology was recognized as the key tool to allow more than 100 sites, including 70 different court facilities plus satellite facilities, in diverse geographic locations, to become part of an integrated system. This was the true beginning of the Justice Information System (JUSTIN), a new computer software program designed specifically to integrate information among British Columbias justice partners: Court Services, judiciary, Crown Counsel, police and corrections.
JUSTIN includes an automated case-tracking system, integrated case-processing features, a single provincewide database and automation of all criminal court forms from creation to electronic distribution for viewing. The system provides a single secure integrated database with rules to protect the integrity of the data, making information more reliable and lowering incidents of error. The umbrella nature of JUSTIN is dynamic so as management challenges are identified, solutions can be built. For example, a new JUSTIN module in the works will allow clerks in the courtroom to electronically record case outcomes, reducing wait time for court orders currently prepared in the registry.
A pilot project at the Vancouver jail showed a number of benefits from using JUSTIN, including improved prisoner identification, bookings and movement, and an automated Justice of the Peace function. It also led to the technology-based, 24/7, provincewide Justice of the Peace service center based at the provinces busiest courthouse.
Additional JUSTIN modules include the Trial Scheduling System and Police Leave Availability System. Both systems rely on automation of judicial trial schedules to coordinate police, Crown Counsel, defense, judges and courtrooms. A significant benefit has been the reduction in police overtime costs. Complementing these systems is the new Lock-Up Management System that automates the booking system, including digitized photographs and a direct link with the JUSTIN and CORNET databases. CORNET is a complete offender management system for community and institutional youth and adult offenders that links three correctional systems. The greatest benefit of this is the significant reduction in possible errant prisoner releases.
"JUSTIN provides access to a central repository of information which facilitates keeping crime victims better informed and, in some cases, safer. JUSTIN also provides more information to those making decisions as a case proceeds through the system; more information means better decisions," said David Winkler, director of policy and legislation of the Criminal Justice branch.
"JUSTIN provides an opportunity for the justice system to function more cohesively by utilizing technology which crosses each sector, providing complete, timely, accurate data," added Scott Andison, director of Information Technology Services of the Ministry of Attorney General
The Technology
JUSTIN, like all ministry enterprise applications, is programmed in Oracle. The system itself integrates with form flow to produce documents and can be run via a thick client, thin client or Web interface. JUSTIN works within the Windows environment and is hosted on a Unix server, which is set up in a failover configuration to ensure the system is available 24/7 with no interruption.
Sierra Systems Consultants provided the programmers and development-management staff to create JUSTIN via a five-year strategic alliance signed in 1997. This agreement also covered the Vancouver jail and corrections CORNET initiatives.
JUSTIN component development was a collaborative and inclusive process involving the judiciary, the police community, the bar, key users and interested stakeholders. The process impelled the criminal justice partners to work together and understand each others business practices. The resulting holistic thinking culminated in improved decision-making and overall cooperativeness between agencies.
Adaptiveness and change management were fundamental, driving many JUSTIN-related technological enhancements, such as upgrading computer wiring in court buildings and enlarging electronic networks to accommodate extra capacities needed to run more sophisticated applications. Desktop computers, printers and related hardware were also upgraded.
JUSTIN was built and piloted in components, and the first complete installation occurred in 1998, followed by modifications and enhancements. Provincewide implementation was completed in July 2001, with 100 percent of supreme and provincial court criminal justice cases in British Columbia now in the JUSTIN system. Comprehensive and focused training modules were delivered for all levels of personnel including change-management training. As a result of the change in business processes, users are coming forward with many new recommendations to improve other business practices.
The $10 million cost to develop, implement, backfill positions and provide technology hardware upgrades provided very good value for what has been received. The development process benefited from the rapid technology advances over the past decade providing better technology at a reduced cost.
"JUSTIN and the move toward a fully integrated justice infrastructure within [British Columbia] will result in a tremendous benefit to the residents of the province. Sharing of information across jurisdictional and functional boundaries will eliminate duplication and improve the operational effectiveness of all participating agencies, not to mention the financial efficiencies which will also be realized." said Chief Paul Battershill of the Victoria Police Department.
"British Columbia is a leader in integrated criminal justice systems. The evolution of JUSTIN has had a dramatic positive effect on the efficiency of the entire justice system and increased public safety. The adaptive approach will allow for continuing advancements and a culture of collaboration and effectiveness. The combination of leadership and technology has been the key to success and will continue to drive justice system improvements in British Columbia with the capability of application throughout North America," said McCandless.
